Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath sits atop a hill west of central Kathmandu, offering panoramic views of the valley. The white dome topped by a gilded spire and the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha make it one of the most recognisable monuments in Nepal — a sacred site for both Buddhists and Hindus.

The stupa's origins are linked to the legendary draining of the valley lake by Manjushri. Inscriptions show the site was an important Buddhist centre by the 5th century, with major additions through the Lichhavi and Malla periods. It was renovated after damage in the 2015 earthquake.

Swayambhu means 'self-existent'. It is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal and a key pilgrimage destination, surrounded by shrines, monasteries and a Harati (smallpox goddess) temple.

A whitewashed hemispherical dome supports a square harmika painted with the Buddha's eyes, above which rise thirteen gilded rings symbolising the stages to enlightenment, crowned by a parasol. A long stairway of 365 steps lined with statues climbs to the summit.

Current condition: Active pilgrimage site; repaired and reconsecrated after 2015

Periodic regilding of the spire is funded by the Buddhist community; structural repairs coordinated with the Department of Archaeology.