Trip Facts
Overview
Swayambhunath Stupa is an ancient religious architecture atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city.
The Tibetan name for the site means ‘Sublime Trees’, for the many varieties of trees found on the hill. Swayambhunath Stupa watches over the valley from a height of 75 m from the average level of Kathmandu. It is one of the worlds most glorious Buddhist Stupa, it is said to be 2000 years old. Visitors often call it “Monkey Temple†as there are holy monkeys living in parts of the temple in the north-west. The Swayambhunath complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back to the Licchavi period. The main structure brick and clay which supports a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. There are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha on the four sides of the spire.
The sleepy, all-seeing Buddha eyes that stare out from the top have become the quintessential symbol of Nepal. Being situated seventy meters above the level of the valley, the hill of Swayambhunath is a mosaic of small stupa and pagoda temples. It is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley and its establishment is linked to the creation of Kathmandu valley out of a primordial lake. Legend has it that the history of the Valley began with the draining of an ancient lake by an Enlightened Being to reveal the Valley and a lotus flower was transformed into the hill and the shining light became the stupa itself.
Swayambhunath worshippers include Hindus, Vajrayana Buddhists of northern Nepal and Tibet, and the Newari Buddhists of central and southern Nepal. The stupa represents Buddha’s mind. To visit a stupa is said to be the same as meeting a Buddha in person. It offers peace, freedom, and joy to the whole world and ultimately helps us to obtain perfect enlightenment. It is a World Heritage Site and one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal.
Reviews
Simply put “WOW”.
Simply put “WOW”. I have never met more responsible people in my life. They made sure every step of the way was taken care of from the drivers, tour guides, trek guides, porters and hotel accommodations. I highly recommend this company for its hard working, responsible and friendly people. The people make a company. Special thanks to: Anuja “the planner”, Chitiz & Ashmir “the ultimate trekking guides” and finally Robin “the enthusiastic jungle bird watcher”.
Nick Devincenzo
San Diego, CaliforniaPlan Holidays did a fantastic job on our whole trip!
Plan Holidays did a fantastic job on our whole trip! We did the trip that included time in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park and a 5-day trek around Annapurna. From the moment we stepped off the plane, we had guides showing us around and everything was perfectly planned for us. Maila, our trekking guide was amazing and had so much knowledge! It was a great trip!
Autumn Wonderlich
Boston, MassachusettsIncredibly well organized
This company was amazing. Incredibly well organized. I felt safe and spoiled. Our airport transports were always early and waiting for us. All of our reservations for our accommodations and busses were perfect. The temple tour we took was super fun and educational. Some of our luggage got stuck in our layover country and between this travel agency and our hotel they were able to get it for us and deliver it the next day. We also had a 10month old traveling with us and they made sure that our accommodation and travel plans were safe for him. During our 5 days of trekking, we had THE BEST guide/sherpa. I would positively let them plan another trip for us. Thank you!!!!
Email: https://facebook.com/karenk2000
Karen Graves
CaliforniaA wonderful trip
Thank you so much!!!!
We had a wonderful trip!!! And you were always there to help or guide us as needed! I hope we can have fun together again!!!!!
Janet Spencer
West Jordan, UtahNice trip to Nepal
Nice trip in Nepal organized by Plan Holidays Travel! Guide and Porter were great.
Michael Worcestar
Plan Holidays is the best company
Plan Holidays is the best company with wonderful staff members and Guide was incredible an genuinely cared for our welfare. It was such a pleasure to meet all the friendly and humorous people of Nepal. All of my thanks to Managing Director Mr. Kala Dhar Baral and the professional team members of Plan Holidays.
Samuel idas
Great Job
Plan Holidays did a great job on the organization of this wonderful journey! We all had a great time, it was such a pleasure to meet all the friendly and humorous people of Nepal.
Aleksandra Perr/Peter Babivskiy
I had a wonderful experience
I recently booked a tour with Plan Holidays, and I had a wonderful experience. Anuja scheduled the tour, and it was comforting to have our trip covered without any concerns. Our guide Shiva took us through Kathmandu, and showed all us the highlights of the city and provided us with the cultural and historical background. We also did the Poon Hill Trek with guides Chitiz and Ashmir, who provided a peaceful hike through the Himalayas. On our last two days, we spent time in Chitwan National Park, where our guide, Robin, took us on adventures where we saw crocodiles and rhinos.
The entire package was affordable, and our guides met our every need; they went out of their way for us on many occasions. It was comforting to get off the bus and see our guides waiting for us with our name tags. I would highly encourage anyone to book a trip through this company. I promise that you will have an amazing experience–five stars!
