Monkeying Around in Nepal

You will find monkeys in many places you go in Nepal but none, perhaps, in such surprising numbers as those at the Swayambhunath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which sits on top of a very large hill in Kathmandu.

The temple is another place that is easy to visit on public transport. However, once you get there, you have to climb 365 steps which is quite a work out on a hot day I can tell you! 😊

Swayambhunath is often called the "Monkey Temple," which is quite fitting as there are hundreds of them traipsing around the area.

They are considered holy by Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus. Legend states that the bodhisattva of wisdom, Manjushree, was building the temple on the hill when lice from his hair jumped off his head and turned into the monkeys. 😁

I think the monkey in this picture, facing the camera, might be saying "Really? Oh come on!!"

^{Be sure to click on the image to view it full screen!}