Swoyambhunath is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the west of Kathmandu. It is also referred to as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in the north-west parts of the temple. The Tibetan name for the site means 'Sublime Trees' for the many varieties of trees found on the hill. However, For the Buddhist Newars in whose mythological history and origin myth as well as day-to-day religious practice, Swoyambhunath occupies a central position, it is probably the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites. For Tibetans and followers of Tibetan Buddhism, it is second only to Boudhanath.

The Swoyambhunath complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, dating back to the Licchavi period. A Tibetan monastery, museum and library are more recent additions. The site has two access points: a long stairway, claimed to have 365 steps, leading directly to the main platform of the temple, which is from the top of the hill to the east; and a car road around the hill from the south leading to the southwest entrance.

For bikers: Swoyambhunath is only 3 kilometers away from Thamel. It is therefore easy to combine with other places for a day trip.