Swayambhunath

Swayambhu is an ancient religious complex on top of a hill west of Kathmandu. The Tibetan name of the site means "sublime trees", for the many varieties of trees found on the hill. For Buddhist Newars, Swayambhunath occupies a central position, it is probably the most sacred of Buddhist pilgrimage sites. For Tibetans and followers of Tibetan Buddhism, it is only surpassed by Budha.

The complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, some dating from the Licchavi period. A Tibetan monastery, a museum and a library are more recent constructions. The stupa has painted Buddha eyes and eyebrows.

 The site has two access points: a long staircase leading directly to the main temple platform, which starts from the top of the hill in the east; and a vehicle road around the southern hill leading to the southwest entrance. The first sight upon reaching the top of the stairs is the Vajra.

Much of Swayambhunath's iconography comes from the Vajrayana tradition of Newar Buddhism.