Where is Swayambhunath?

Swayambhunath is in Kathmandu district, Bagmati Province, in the Pahad belt of Nepal.

What is the altitude of Swayambhunath?

About 1,400 m (4,593 ft) above sea level.

How much does it cost to visit Swayambhunath?

Swayambhunath is in or right next to Kathmandu, so it is an easy day visit. Budget for the entry ticket (about NPR 200 / US$1 for foreign visitors), a taxi there and back (about NPR 600–1,500, US$5–11) and meals (NPR 1,000–2,500, US$8–19 per person). If you stay in Kathmandu, rooms cost about NPR 1,500 / US$11–NPR 4,500 / US$33 a night.

How many days do I need for Swayambhunath?

Half a day to a full day is enough; it is a short ride from central Kathmandu.

Do I need a permit or ticket for Swayambhunath?

There is an entry ticket of about NPR 200 / US$1 for foreign visitors; SAARC visitors pay less and Nepali citizens little or nothing.

When is the best time to visit Swayambhunath?

Early morning or sunset; Buddha Jayanti

How do I get to Swayambhunath?

West of Kathmandu centre, 20 minutes' walk from Thamel. It is about 3 km (straight line) from Kathmandu.

Swayambhunath

Name: Swayambhunath
Address: Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, NP

Monastery Pahad1 min readUpdated: October 2026

In Nepali: स्वयम्भूनाथ · Also known as: Monkey Temple · Swayambhu · स्वयम्भू

Swayambhunath, Kathmandu — Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The ancient hilltop stupa of the 'self-arisen' Buddha, reached by 365 steps, overlooking the whole valley.

Legend says the Kathmandu Valley was once a lake, and a lotus bloomed on it radiating a self-arisen (swayambhu) light; when the bodhisattva Manjushri drained the lake by cutting the Chobhar gorge, the hill of Swayambhu remained. Inscriptions show a shrine here by the 5th century.

The stupa is surrounded by temples, shrines and monasteries used by both Buddhists and Hindus, and by cheeky monkeys, which explain its nickname. Climb the steep eastern stairway for the full experience and stay for sunset over the city.

What to see and do

At the top, walk around the great white stupa with its gilded tower and painted eyes, spin the prayer wheels, and see the huge vajra (thunderbolt) at the head of the eastern stairway. Around it are the Harati temple, dedicated to the goddess protecting children, the Shantipur shrine, monasteries and a small museum. The western terrace has a large statue of the Buddha and a view over the city.

Below the hill, the Buddha Park on the western side has large statues of the Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avalokiteshvara.

Good to know

Keep food out of sight — the monkeys are bold. Foreigners pay an entry fee. The east stairway is steep; a road reaches the western side if you prefer to avoid the climb. Sunset and early morning are best.

Quick answers

Where is Swayambhunath?: Swayambhunath is in Kathmandu district, Bagmati Province, in the Pahad belt of Nepal.
What is the altitude of Swayambhunath?: About 1,400 m (4,593 ft) above sea level.
How much does it cost to visit Swayambhunath?: Swayambhunath is in or right next to Kathmandu, so it is an easy day visit. Budget for the entry ticket (about NPR 200 / US$1 for foreign visitors), a taxi there and back (about NPR 600–1,500, US$5–11) and meals (NPR 1,000–2,500, US$8–19 per person). If you stay in Kathmandu, rooms cost about NPR 1,500 / US$11–NPR 4,500 / US$33 a night.
How many days do I need for Swayambhunath?: Half a day to a full day is enough; it is a short ride from central Kathmandu.
Do I need a permit or ticket for Swayambhunath?: There is an entry ticket of about NPR 200 / US$1 for foreign visitors; SAARC visitors pay less and Nepali citizens little or nothing.
When is the best time to visit Swayambhunath?: Early morning or sunset; Buddha Jayanti
How do I get to Swayambhunath?: West of Kathmandu centre, 20 minutes' walk from Thamel. It is about 3 km (straight line) from Kathmandu.
What is Swayambhunath called in Nepali?: स्वयम्भूनाथ