Monkey Temple

On a hill just west of Kathmandu

is the Swayambhunath Stupa (Buddhist religious monument), or the Monkey Temple, as it's commonly known, because of the many monkeys living there.  It's one of the most ancient of holy shrines in the Kathmandu Valley and a pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus.  Every morning before dawn, many pilgrims walk up the 365 steps to the stupa to worship at the many shrines and temples.

 

One day when Ramon was too busy to go to Kathmandu, I was able to visit the stupa with some visitors to the hospital.  What an experience!  I call it a "must see" for anyone visiting Kathmandu. 

We didn't walk up the steps but came via the car park where this view is

and these "greeters" greeted us.

(There are at least seven--enlarge and look closely to see the friends this one is pointing to!)

And what else did we see?  --  Come along and look!

As you can see, at every step there's something new to see.

And what else do you see at every step?

Did you see it?  Here's another look...

That's what I'm talking about!!  Yes, THE VIEW!

It's breathtaking to stand up there and look at

the 360 degree views of Kathmandu Valley.

(Yes, this is where I took the picture on the heading of this blog!)

Here and there are signs letting you know what you're looking at.

There was no sign pointing to Banepa, but someone told me it was over there somewhere behind me.

When I tore my eyes away from the view (which I'm planning to see again with Ramon when the monsoon ends AND YOU CAN SEE THE HIMALAYAS!), I could see prayer flags everywhere.

There are also souvenir stands and shops.

Just about something for everyone!

In one spot, we saw people buying food to eat

and then they kissed this man's (the one with the garland) feet when they were through.

Somewhere in this tree is a monkey.   (Finally we saw one!  I don't know if they were napping, but there weren't as many around that day as "they" say there usually are.)

Here's a closer look.  He wasn't in a good mood and started screeching and even lunged at us.

However, these fellows seemed happy to have people around as they leisurely enjoyed their bath.

As we were leaving, we found this guy casually strolling around the parking lot.  He was in a better mood that his friend in the tree.

Goodbye Monkey Temple!  Hope to see you again soon!