Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath, fondly known as the Monkey Temple, is an ancient religious complex perched atop a hill west of Kathmandu Valley, offering panoramic views of the city. It is one of Nepal's oldest and most sacred Buddhist sites, believed to be over 2,500 years old.The complex blends Buddhist and Hindu religious art and architecture, featuring the iconic stupa with the watchful eyes of Buddha, vajra (thunderbolt), and numerous shrines, temples, and prayer wheels.

The earliest dated inscription at the site is from 460 CE, in the Licchavi period, which is the firm archaeological anchor behind the longer traditional dating. The eastern stairway of 365 steps is the pilgrim approach and a steep one; a road runs round to the western side for anyone who would rather not climb it. The Harati Devi temple in the compound is dedicated to the goddess of smallpox and is still petitioned in illness. The macaques that give the hill its nickname will take food and loose items. The complex was repaired after damage in 2015.