Swayambhu: The eyes that keep watch over Kathmandu

Legend has it that Swayambhu emerged out of a lotus flower that bloomed in the middle of the ancient lake that covered the Kathmandu Valley before settlers came in. Today, the stupa has become one of the must-go places for not just tourists, but for anyone interested in the history and culture of Kathmandu.

Although there are many Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal, the stupa located on the west of Kathmandu holds a special place in the hearts of the followers of the ancient religion. For the tourists, it is fondly called the Monkey Temple– the hill is home to rhesus monkeys.