Swayanbhunath or the Monkey Temple

A small Stupa on the way to the summit. The monkey temple (Swayambhunath) is built on one of the hills, west of Kathmandu city. The temple is a Buddhist temple that is estimated as over 2500 years old and it is the most ancient and mysterious temple of all the temples in Kathmandu valley. An inscription that was found in the place indicates that the temple was an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination already in the 5th century AD, but the temple’s history starts even earlier, before the Buddhism’s arrival to the valley.

On a clear day (perhaps in the rainy season) you can get wonderful views of Kathmandu from here.

Swayambhunath stupa is also called the `Monkey Temple' because of the many hundreds of monkeys who scamper about the temple at night after the pilgrims and priests have departed

They are everywhere in the daytime as well. It is not safe to carry food up here as they will "attack" your bag.

Hmmmmmmm..........

The name of the temple comes from the many monkeys living in it. Those monkeys are considered as saints in the eyes of the believers. Since it is forbidden to harm those monkeys they became more and more fearless over the years and when they want to take something form the visitors in the temple they do it with no fear.

"It will just be a little longer"

The main Stupa.

Kathmandu has sprawled to the far reaches of the valley.

"Look deep into my eyes."

The six foot traditional Buddha inside the Temple on the corner of the site. There is a ceremony here each afternoon at 4:00 pm with clashing of cymbals, honking horns and chanting.

There are vendors everywhere up here...with very inflated prices of course.