You will have to use your imagination to envision the former glory of the 18th-century gardens at Balaju, now known as Mahendra Park, just beyond the Ring Rd. Although the gardens are faded and untidy, many local Hindus swing by to pay their respects at the cluster of shrines in the park's northeast corner. During the Baishak Asnan festival in April, pilgrims parade from Swayambhunath to wash in the waters emerging from the Baise Dhara (22 Waterspouts) inside the park.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
3.81 MILES
The first stupa at Boudhanath was built sometime after AD 600, when the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, converted to Buddhism. In terms of grace and purity…
1.43 MILES
The Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the crowning glories of Kathmandu Valley architecture. This perfectly proportioned monument rises through a whitewashed…
2.05 MILES
Kathmandu's royal palace, known as the Hanuman Dhoka, was originally founded during the Licchavi period (4th to 8th centuries AD), but the compound was…
4.26 MILES
This unique Buddhist monastery is just north of Durbar Sq. It was allegedly founded in the 12th century, and it has existed in its current form since 1409…
8.86 MILES
The magnificent Golden Gate is a visual highlight of Durbar Sq. Set into a bright red gatehouse surrounded by white palace walls, the fabulous golden…
1.88 MILES
The long, rectangular courtyard of the Itum Bahal is the largest bahal (Buddhist monastery courtyard) in the old town and remains a haven of tranquillity…
8.94 MILES
You should be able to see the sky-high rooftop of the Nyatapola Temple long before you reach Taumadhi Tole. With five storeys towering 30m above the…
1.57 MILES
The beautifully restored Swapna Bagaicha (Garden of Dreams) remains one of the most serene and beautiful enclaves in Kathmandu. It's two minutes' walk and…
Nearby Around the Kathmandu Valley attractions
1.28 MILES
This somewhat gaudy temple on the banks of the Vishnumati River can be visited on the walk between Kathmandu and Swayambhunath.
1.34 MILES
This minor courtyard temple can be visited on the walk from Kathmandu to Swayambhunath but it's not worth a specific visit.
1.35 MILES
This pagoda-style temple on the banks of the Vishnumati River is surrounded by ghats used for occasional cremations.
1.42 MILES
There are two ways to approach Swayambhunath Temple, but by far the most atmospheric is the stone pilgrim stairway that climbs the eastern end of the hill…
1.42 MILES
If you follow either path leading west from the main stupa, you will reach a smaller stupa near the tourist parking. Just behind is a gompa surrounded by…
1.43 MILES
The Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the crowning glories of Kathmandu Valley architecture. This perfectly proportioned monument rises through a whitewashed…
1.43 MILES
At the top of the eastern stairway is an enormous, brass-plated dorje (thunderbolt), one of the core symbols of Tibetan Buddhism. Known as a vajra in…
1.44 MILES
The great stupa is surrounded on all sides by a veritable sculpture garden of religious monuments. Several buildings were destroyed by the earthquake and…