The Swayambhunath stupa, with Buddha eyes, a gilded spire, and prayer flags.
Swayambhunath sits on a wooded hill west of central Kathmandu. The white dome, gilded spire, and Buddha eyes look over the valley. Most people climb the eastern stair, often counted as 365 steps. A road also reaches the top if you would rather skip the climb. Monkeys live on the hill, so keep food packed away. Hindu shrines, including Harati Ajima, share the hilltop with the stupa. Foreign visitors pay an entry fee. The site is part of the UNESCO Kathmandu Valley listing. Morning is clearer for the view across the city.
- Address: Swayambhu, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Hours: Daytime. The gate usually opens early morning and closes in the evening.
- How to Reach: About 3 km west of Thamel. A taxi to the east stair or the top road takes roughly 15 to 30 minutes. Walking from Thamel takes the better part of an hour.
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