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- Destinations
- Asia
- Nepal
- Kathmandu
- Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath Stupa
The golden spire of the 5th-century Swayambhu Stupa is adorned
with a colourful fluttering of prayer flags; it crowns a hill
overlooking the Kathmandu Valley and offers fantastic views over
the city of Kathmandu. Swayambhunath is one of the most
recognisable symbols in Nepal and the painted eyes of Buddha watch
all those who ascend the worn stone steps. The Swayambhu Stupa is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the holiest Buddhist sites in
Nepal, and is at the source of the Valley's mythical beginning.
Legend has it that the history of the Valley began with the
draining of an ancient lake by an Enlightened Being to reveal the
Valley and a lotus flower was transformed into the hill and the
shining light became the stupa itself. Swarms of pilgrims and
red-clad monks circle the complex, spinning the prayer wheels,
while the scores of monkeys that give the temple its nickname,
Monkey Temple, prance about in irreverent groups. Interestingly the
temple complex is scattered with shrines and statues of Buddhist
and Hindu deities and the assortment of pilgrims from both faiths
characterises the country's unique religious harmony.
Information & Facts
Admission
NPR 50 if entering from the car park, but free if
entering via the stairway
Language
Nepali is the official language. English is spoken in all
major tourist areas.
Money
The official currency is the Nepali Rupee (NPR), which is
divided into 100 paisa. As change can be a problem it is
recommended that visitors have a supply of small notes handy.
Tourist activities are often quoted in US Dollars and it is
advisable to carry new dollar bills in varied denominations. Both
Euro and US dollar travellers cheques are widely accepted in
tourist areas and can be cashed easily in most banks and major
hotels throughout the country. There are ATMs in Kathmandu and
Pokhara. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are
accepted in many tourist hotels, shops, restaurants and travel
agencies. Banks and moneychangers are present in all tourist places
and in the major cities; all receipts from foreign exchange
transactions should be kept so rupees can be exchanged back into
foreign currencies on departure. Cash is needed when trekking.