Svayambhunath - Swayambhunath Stupa - Monkey Temple- Buddhist Pilgrimage places in Nepal
| Country |
Nepal |
| Location |
10 Km from Boudhnath, 10 km from Kathmandu |
| Best time to visit |
October to March |
| Tourist places to visit |
Swayambhunath Stupa , Monkey Temple, Vajradhatu Mandala , Hariti Temple , Pratappur, Shakyamuni Buddha , Swayambhu Museum |
| Significance |
Buddhist Tourist place Monkey Temple (Svayambhunath Stupa) |
| Nearby Tourist Places |
Lumbini , Kathmandu , Boudhnath , Bodhgaya |
| Festivals to visit |
Buddha Purnima , Losar , Gunla Celebration |
Though UNESCO world heritage site bore considerable damage in 2015 devastating Earthquake of Nepal it has got makeover and still a tourist attraction.
Swayambhu literally means "self-existent one" according to translations from an inscription dating back to 460 A.D. It is believed that Swayambhunath Shrine has appeared from the lake not man-made. So, the place is known as Swayambhunath.
Why Swayambhunath is called Monkey Temple?
Svayambhunath got its name "Monkey Temple" because Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom and learning was raised on the hill. After years of penance Manjushri’s head was occupied by lice which transformed into the monkeys due to his supernatural powers. Those monkeys now live around the temple.
Read More : Buddhist Tour Packages in India
Best time to visit Svayambhunath is from September to November which is a festive season. Most pleasant weather is Spring which comes in February. You can also visit during Losar Festival celebrations.
You can reach Svayambhunath by hiring taxi or bike from Kathmandu International Airport which is 10 Km away from Swayambhunath. You can also walk on foot from Kathmandu to Swayambhunath as it is just 3 Km away from Swayambhunath Stupa.
You have to climb steep 365 stairs before your final arrival on stupa.
Read More : Buddhist Circuit Tour Package from Delhi
Tourist attractions of Svayambhunath are; Swayambhunath Stupa , Dipankara Buddha , Hariti Temple , 5 Bodhisattava Shrines around Buddha Stupa, Sleeping Buddha Statue , Pratappur and Anantpur Temples and Shantipur Temple.
Enjoy climbing 365 steep stone stairs and feeding monkeys at the Swayambhunath Stupa also called Monkey Temple.
Nearby Tourist Attractions of Svayambhunath are Boudhnath, Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Kushinagar, Sarnath, Nalanda, Vaishali, Rajgir, Kesaria, Nandangarh and many other places in India and Nepal.
Svayambhunath enjoys a sub-tropical hot, humid and cold weather during different season. It is located in Himalaya so, climate is influenced by mountains. Best time to visit is October to March.
Read More : Buddhist Circuit Tour Package from Bodhgaya
Local Sightseeing at Svayambhunath includes Swayambhunath Stupa , Vajra Mandala , Hariti Temple, Anantpur, Shantipur and Pratappur. A Museum and Monasteries are visitors’ attractions.
Buddhism in Svayambhunath
Swayambhunath Stupa is built around 7th century AD. It is reminder of flourishing Buddhist Culture during and after the time of Buddha. Much of the Buddhist tradition is influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.
Festivals to Visit in Swayambhunath
Buddha Purnima is special attraction of Swayambhunath. You can visit during Losar Tibetan Buddhist Festival celebrations and a month long Gunla Celebrations.
Read More : Buddhist Temple tour package with East India
Related Links about Swayambhunath Nepal 
Buddhist Pilgrimage Destination in India and Abroad