At the top of a wooded hill, full of temples and overlooking the city, is the monkey temple.

This ancient religious complex, known as Swayabunath, is located on top of a hill and offers a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. It is known for its imposing stupa, which is crowned by a golden cone and the all-encompassing eyes of Buddha, painted on all four sides. The complex also includes many smaller monuments and temples, as well as museums and libraries housing valuable Buddhist and Tibetan manuscripts.
Its history dates back to the 5th century AD, making it one of the oldest and most important religious centres in Nepal. According to legend, the entire Kathmandu Valley was once a lake from which a magical lotus emerged. When the lake dried up, the lotus transformed into the stupa we see today.
The complex is famous for the hundreds of macaques that live there, giving it the nickname 'Temple of the Apes'. These monkeys are considered sacred by Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims, as they are believed to be descended from the lice of Manjusri, the bodhisattva of wisdom.
Every day, thousands of pilgrims climb the 365 steps to the top of the hill, spinning the prayer wheels and offering incense and flowers. Visitors can observe Buddhist monks chanting mantras, lighting butter yak candles and performing traditional rituals.
Despite the damage sustained in the 2015 earthquake, Swayabunath has been carefully restored and remains a vibrant religious site. It is a place where ancient tradition meets modern faith, offering visitors a unique experience of spirituality and culture in the heart of Nepal.
The complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is particularly impressive at sunrise and sunset, when the golden surfaces of the stupa shine in the light and the views of the Kathmandu Valley are truly breathtaking.