Swayambhunath A journey up to the Buddhist temple and Unesco World Heritage Site of Swayambhunath is one of the definitive experiences of Kathmandu. It is also commonly known as The Monkey Temple. Swayambhunath was founded by the great-grandfather of King Mānadeva at the beginning of the 5th century. The main attraction is a large white stupa surrounded by many small shrines and temples.

Swayambhunath got it`s name `Monkey Temple` because Majusri, the bodhisattva of wisdom and learning was raised on the hill which the Swayambhunath Temple now stands on. He grew his hair long and head lice grew. It is said that the head lice transformed into the monkeys that now live around the temple.