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Bagmati Zone
Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu
Things to do in Kathmandu
Swayambhunath Temple

Swayambhunath Temple, Kathmandu

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Swayambhunath Temple

See all things to do
See all things to do
Swayambhunath Temple
4.5
6,227
#2 of 184 things to do in Kathmandu
Religious Sites
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4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
4:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Thursday
4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
Swayambhunath is a glorious ancient religious architecture, located in the middle of Kathmandu city. It is center of faith of both Buddhist and Hindus.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1,024 within 5 kms
Nirvana Cafe & Restaurant
141
0.8 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Cafe • International
BIA Cafe&Bakery
17
0.4 km$ • Dessert • Cafe • Asian
Swayambhu Coffee House
15
0.4 kmChinese • Cafe • International • Asian
Cafe De Stupa
22
0.1 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Nepalese
Momo and Pizza House, Swayambhu
4
0.3 km$ • Chinese • Bar • Cafe
Matka Ghar
2
0.4 kmAsian • Nepalese
Ugs Mog Mog 'n More
2
0.4 km
Lamee Coffee
5
0.4 km$$$$ • Italian • American • Asian
Fine grains bakery
31
0.6 km$ • Bakeries • Vegetarian Friendly
Indreni Foodhall
9
0.8 km$$ - $$$ • International
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Attractions
148 within 10 kms
Karmaraja Mahavihara
5
0.1 kmReligious Sites
Shobabaghwati
1
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Bijeshwari Temple
1
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
The Natural History Museum
20
0.4 kmNatural History Museums
Durbar (Central) Square
993
1.9 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
The National Museum
91
0.8 kmArt Museums • History Museums
Museum of Nepali Art
55
1.9 kmArt Museums
Hanuman Dhoka
590
2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Thamel
5,706
2.1 kmNeighbourhoods
Military Museum
8
0.8 kmMilitary Museums • History Museums
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Popular mentions
4.5
6,227 reviews
Excellent
3,854
Very good
1,880
Average
429
Poor
39
Terrible
25
Raj G
3 contributions
Unique experience
Apr. 2022
Very big temple and lot of steps to reach the top. Lot of monkeys on the way. Great view of kathmandu from the top.
Written 17 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MiaDai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates153 contributions
Sacred visit
May 2022
A beautiful place, surrounded by beautiful energy, cafe with view over the Temple, monks and people walking in circles and ringing the bells, lots and lots of interesting shops as well.
Written 9 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
CKF
CT2,111 contributions
Festival size crowds but local color galor
Apr. 2022
At the end of our first full day in Kathmandu, our guide took us to the famous UNESCO World Heritage site of Swayambhunath Temple. We aimed to arrive for sunset. As we approached, the entire area was teeming with people. Turns out it was a festival day and everyone was headed to the temple! Usually a fantastic thing to stumble upon, but in these pandemic times, it was rather uncomfortable to be in such a huge crowd. Rated this "average" because of the crowds--and garbage.

However, the colors and local life surrounding this temple are not to be missed. There are two entrances, and because they were limiting car access due to the festival, we took the stairs. Lots and climbing, but nice views along the way. The disturbing this was the amount of garbage--just thrown everywhere.

Once at the top, you'll find the stupa with the eyes and many more side stupas on the extensive grounds. Allow yourself enough time to walk around and absorb the candle lightings, blessings, and the views. It was also noisy. Our visit ended with a nice sunset.

Although I was caught off guard by the size of the crowd, this temple is a must-see while in Kathmandu.
Written 8 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
duhoz
Beroun, Czech Republic5,245 contributions
Holy Swaymbhunath known also as Monkey Temple
Apr. 2022
ust about 20-3 minutes easy walk from Thamel one of the largest stupa and UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking Kathmandu city. To reach the top of the hill you have to climb 350 stairs but you will be rewarded by beautiful view. Before the enter the stupa platform you will be charged entrance fee, maybe by monkeys who hover around. For the foreigners the entrance fee is 200 NPR, for Nepalese or Indian 50 NPR but it seemed to me they were not charged at all. The Stupa is one of the most ancient and holy shrines in the Kathmandu valley and it is important Buddhist pilgrimage destination since 5th century AD. One of the best place to see religious ceremony. The Swaymbhunath is also known as Monkey Temple and it is believed to date back to 460 A.D.,
Written 8 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DiMka's_way
56 contributions
The eyes of the Buddha look at the city of Kathmandu.
Apr. 2022
I advise you to visit this place. Beautiful park with a temple. A good observation platform for those who want to look at Kathmandu from above.
Written 5 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BMDHOLAKIA
Bhuj, India216 contributions
nice architecture gives divinity
Apr. 2022
temple architecture is unique. place is clean and gives divinity. easily accessible. many places nearby
Written 5 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ruth Williams
2 contributions
Best view from top of the swoyambunath
Apr. 2022
During my sightseeing tour, I visit many places but swoyambunath is the best place for the best view of Kathmandu valley and nearby.
Written 4 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mike
2 contributions
Amazing place to Visit
Mar. 2022
Most like place while visiting Kathmandu, Our agency recommended this place to visit , its our fortunate we made it in the evening. Great sunset view and Kathmandu city in the evening. We recommend all who are in Kathmandu, don't miss it.!!!
Written 3 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
P&ZH
Western Canada169 contributions
Disgusting
Apr. 2022 • Couples
If you coming for the monkeys, great, come early because they’re more active before it gets hot. More monkey interaction than the zoo.
If you’re coming for the religious aspect, pick another site, there are lots that are better than this one.
It is a fetid place with so much garbage you could mistake it for the City garbage dump. A local woman tried to mark us with ash then proceeded to drop her pants and urinate in front of us. It is full of aggressive vendors, stray diseased dogs and hoards of monkeys. At least if it was an actual zoo, the animals would receive proper care.
Disgraceful for such a distinguished religious site.
Written 21 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sharif Razi Al Mahmud
Dhaka City, Bangladesh128 contributions
Holy place to visit
Mar. 2022
It is a religious place, people generally come here to perform their religious activities. Still, visitors can visit and take som many pictures as it has some beautiful scenic views.
Written 5 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Swayambhunath Temple
Swayambhunath Temple is open:
  • Wed - Wed 4:00 am - 9:00 am
  • Thu - Tue 4:00 am - 9:00 pm
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Swayambhunath Temple tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 237 Swayambhunath Temple tours on Tripadvisor