Swayambhunath: The Enchanting Monkey Temple of Kathmandu

• Helloनमस्कार
  [Namaskār]
• Goodbyeफेरि भेटौं
  [Phēri bhēṭauṁ]
• Yesहो
  [Ho]
• Noहोइन
  [Hōina]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया / स्वागतम्
  [Kṛpayā / Svāgatam]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavād]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा गर्नुहोस् / माफ गर्नुहोस्
  [Kṣamā garnuhōs / Māpha garnuhōs]
• How are you?तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?
  [Tapā'īnlā'ī kastō cha?]
• Fine. And you?राम्रो छ। तपाईंलाई?
  [Rāmrō cha. Tapā'īnlā'ī?]
• Do you speak English?तपाईंले अंग्रेजी बोल्नुहुन्छ?
  [Tapā'īnlē aṅgrējī bōlnuhunchha?]
• I don't understandमलाई बुझिन
  [Malā'ī bujhin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनु हेर्न चाहन्छु
  [Kṛpayā mēnu hērn cāhanchu]
• I don't eat meatम मासु खाँदैन
  [Ma māsu khā'dain]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Ciyarsa!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया म तिर्न चाहन्छु
  [Kṛpayā ma tirn cāhanchu]

• Help!मदत!
  [Madat!]
• Go away!दूर हिड्नुहोस्!
  [Dūra hiḍnuhōs!]
• Call the Police!प्रहरीलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [Praharīlā'ī bōlā'unuhōs!]
• Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [Ḍākṭarlā'ī bōlā'unuhōs!]
• I'm lostम गुमाएको छु
  [Ma gumā'ēkō chu]
• I'm illम बिरामी छु
  [Ma birāmī chu]

• I'd like to buy...म खरीदन चाहन्छु...
  [Ma kharīdan cāhanchu...]
• I'm just lookingम सिर्जना गरिरहेको छु
  [Ma sirjanā gari rahēkō chu]
• How much is it?यो कति हो?
  [Yō kati hō?]
• That's too expensiveत्यो धेरै महँगो छ
  [T'yō dhērai mahango cha]
• Can you lower the price?तपाईं मूल्य कम गर्न सक्नुहुन्छ?
  [Tapā'ī mūlya kam garn saknuhunchha?]

• What time is it?कति बजेको छ?
  [Kati bajēkō cha?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे छ
  [Ēka bajē cha]
• Half past (10)दसबजे अर्ध बजे
  [Dasabajē ardh bajē]
• Morningबिहान
  [Bihāna]
• Afternoonदिउँसो
  [Di'uṁsō]
• Eveningसाँझ
  [Sāṁjha]
• Yesterdayहिजो
  [Hijō]
• Todayआज
  [Āja]
• Tomorrowभोलि
  [Bhōli]
• 1एक
  [Ēka]
• 2दुई
  [Du'ī]
• 3तीन
  [Tīna]
• 4चार
  [Cāra]
• 5पाँच
  [Pā'ṁca]
• 6छ
  [Cha]
• 7सात
  [Sāta]
• 8आठ
  [Āṭha]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दश
  [Daśa]

• Where's a/the...?यहाँ कहाँ...?
  [Yahā'īṁ kahā'ī...?]
• What's the address?ठेगाना के हो?
  [Ṭhēgānā kē hō?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?तपाईंले मलाई (नक्सामा) देखाउन सक्नुहुन्छ?
  [Tapā'īnlē malā'ī (Naksāmā) dēkhā'un saknuhunchha?]
• When's the next (bus)?अर्को (बस) कहिले छ?
  [Arkō (Basa) kahilē cha?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक किटामा (.... मा)
  [Ēka kiṭāmā (.... Mā)]

Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, is steeped in legend, with tales suggesting that it was established over 2,000 years ago. According to local folklore, the Stupa was built on a hill that emerged from a vast lake, representing the lotus flower of enlightenment. It is said that the great sage Manjushri discovered this sacred site while seeking wisdom, marking the area as one of the earliest Buddhist sites in the Kathmandu Valley.

During the Malla period (12th to 18th century), Swayambhunath became a prominent center for both Buddhism and Hinduism. The Malla kings patronized the construction of various temples, stupas, and shrines, which contributed to the architectural richness of the site. The intricate carvings and gold-plated roofs of the temples reflect the artistic advancements of the time, showcasing the syncretic culture of the valley.

In the 15th century, Swayambhunath witnessed the influx of Tibetan Buddhism, which brought with it unique rituals and practices. The stupa became a pilgrimage site for Tibetan monks and devotees, promoting cultural exchange between Nepal and Tibet. This influence is evident in the distinctive Tibetan prayer flags and the numerous Vajrayana symbols adorning the stupa, making it an important hub for Buddhist worship and education.

The devastating earthquake in April 2015 caused significant damage to Swayambhunath, with many structures suffering structural failures. The stupa, however, largely remained intact, a testament to its historical resilience. In the aftermath, restoration efforts commenced, involving local artisans and international support to preserve the cultural integrity of the site. This period highlighted the importance of Swayambhunath not just as a religious site, but as a symbol of national heritage and unity.

Today, Swayambhunath continues to be a vibrant religious site, attracting both local and international visitors. It serves as a focal point for Buddhist education and meditation, with numerous monasteries surrounding the stupa. The area also engages in various cultural festivals, such as Buddha Jayanti, which celebrates the birth of Buddha, revealing the enduring significance of Swayambhunath in the spiritual and cultural landscape of Kathmandu and Nepal.

Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Kathmandu. From Thamel, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Swayambhu. Taxis are the most convenient option, taking around 30 minutes depending on traffic. Local buses also operate frequently from different parts of the city, but they may require you to walk a bit to reach the stupa. If you're feeling adventurous, consider a bicycle ride, which offers a unique perspective of the city.

Swayambhunath is a compact area, and most attractions can be explored on foot. The main stupa is surrounded by a pathway that leads to various shrines and viewpoints. Taxis are available for longer trips, and you can also hire a bicycle for a more active exploration. However, be cautious of the steep paths leading to the stupa, which can be challenging for some travelers.

Swayambhunath is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid wandering alone in less populated areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas. Areas around the stupa are safe but be cautious in nearby alleyways after dark.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police, 102 for fire, and 101 for ambulance services in Nepal. The nearest hospital is Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, located a short taxi ride away. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Local pharmacies are available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting the stupa. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Religion: Do show respect at religious sites by removing your shoes and not pointing your feet at sacred objects. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers. Don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet locals with a 'Namaste' and a slight bow. Eating & Drinking: Do try local snacks like 'samosas' from stalls. Don't eat in front of monks or at religious sites.

To experience Swayambhunath like a local, visit during early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Engage with local vendors selling traditional crafts and food. Don't miss the chance to observe the monkeys, but be cautious with your belongings as they are known to snatch items. Take time to explore the surrounding hills for stunning views of Kathmandu.