Swayambhunath Temple, Kathmandu Overview
Perched on top of Semgu Hill, located on the outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley, the Swayambhu Temple temple is one of the most important religious shrines in Nepal. The sanctum is one of the holiest sites among Buddhists and Tibetans. Once you are inside the temple, make sure to climb the 365 steps to reach the top and take in the picturesque, panoramic view of the capital city of Kathmandu.
With a white dome stupa and an array of shrines, this place draws people to it daily. Circumnavigating the temple in a clockwise direction is a common practice among the pilgrims since it is believed to wash away all sins. Also referred to as the Swayambhunath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and the Swayambhu Maha Chaitya, this holy place of worship has been in existence for several centuries and has overlooked the greater portion of the Kathmandu Valley ever since. Owing to the several monkeys which have made the area around the complex their permanent abode, this temple has also earned the quirky nickname of the "Monkey Temple".
