Sacred Place
Swayambhunath
Nepali: स्वयम्भूनाथ
One of the oldest and most important Buddhist sites in the Kathmandu Valley, a hilltop stupa complex overlooking the city, revered by both Buddhist and Hindu communities.
- Type
- Pilgrimage site
- Location
- Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal
History & Significance
Swayambhunath is among the oldest religious sites in the Kathmandu Valley, with a documented history extending back over a thousand years and legendary accounts tracing its origin much further. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most recognizable Buddhist monuments in Nepal, its whitewashed stupa and gilded spire visible across much of the valley.
The complex includes numerous monasteries, shrines and votive structures, and is venerated by both Buddhist and Hindu communities, reflecting the long history of shared sacred space and mutual influence between Nepal's Buddhist and Hindu traditions.