The Stupa for Buddhists and Temple for Hindus. This is one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist Shaityas (Stupa). Nepal's history is said to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire’s base are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is located 3km west of Kathmandu city and is situated on a hillock about 77m above the level of the Kathmandu Valley and hence commands an excellent view of the Valley. This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. It was also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument list in 1979.
It is also a walking distance from Thamel but you may have not enough time to visit this place by foothill journey, you can deal with a full-dayKathmandu World Heritage Sightseeing Tour sometime confuse to walk there following many small paths.
History of Swayambhunath Stupa
Historians believe that the history of Swayambhunath Stupa is as old as the history of the Kathmandu Valley. It was immersed below water when the whole Kathmandu Valley was a big lake. When Manjushree cut a gorge and drained the water of the lake, a stupa was built around the lotus that emitted a brilliant light. there are numerous monasteries in and around the Swayambhunath Stupa area. The area is a landmark in Kathmandu Valley as it provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu Valley.