We decided to take in some of the local culture. We were able to take in wild life and religion in one fell swoop. The Monkey Temple known as the Swayambhunath Stupa is a Buddhist Temple located in the West of Kathmandu. We jumped in a taxi and headed for the hill temple. We were dropped off at the bottom. We jumped out and started spotting monkeys. Right away we were surrounded, by monkeys and vendors peddling their souvenirs. After several photos we started our way up the steep 365 steps. At the top we saw a great temple surrounded by several mani wheels (prayer wheels that you spin). There were also several other buildings and other monuments and idols of worship. We spent the next couple hours just wandering and snapping photos. The major temple was being fixed up for May 27, the Buddha Purnima which celebrates Buddha's Enlightenment.We wandered down to the lower area where we found another stupa (temple) and of course lots more monkeys. We snapped a few more shots and enjoyed the view of the entire Kathmandu Valley before heading home.
