Nepal: Monkey Temple
Set on a hilltop to the west of Kathmandu in Nepal, lies the Buddhist temple Swayambhunath. Due to the resident monkeys that inhabit parts of the temple, it is more affectionately known as the Monkey Temple. According to the local Buddhists, the monkeys living there are holy and they are one of the main tourist attractions at the site.
Swayambhunath is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal, founded around the beginning of the 5th century AD and was originally a prehistoric cult site. The Swayambhu Stupa, painted with the eyes of the omnipresent god, forms the centerpiece of the temple complex. A Tibetan monastery, museum and library are more recent additions.
The 2015 earthquake caused some damage to the Swayambhunath temple complex; however, repairs are now complete, and the temple is back to its original condition.
Swayambhunath Temple is very easily accessible. It is located at just about 4.8 km from the centre of the capital city Kathmandu.
