Swayambhunath Stupa is the valley’s most important Buddhist shrine and the earliest record of this stupa’s existence dates from a 5th-century stone inscription swayambunath is also know as the monkey temple, and as you start up the hill, you will likely begin to see the monkeys that lend the stupa this alternate name, Monkey Temple.

Swayambhu Stupa watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock on its western side just three kilometers west of the city center. The stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu and is listed as a World Heritage Site. It is also one of the oldest and glorious Buddhist shrines in the world which is said to be two thousand years. The four sides of the stupa is painted with the eyes of Lord Buddha and the temple is also known as the watchful eyes of Buddha. Entrance fee Rs. 50 (SAARC nationals Rs. 30).