On top of a hill above the town of Patan is one of the most important and fascinating Buddhist settlements in Nepal, Swayambhunath. Numerous legends exist with regard to the construction of this sanctuary, the oldest written record of it discovered so far being one that dates back to the 5th century.

Today it is accepted that most of the present construction of Swayambhunath was ordered by a king in the 17th century. In the course of time the monument was rebuilt several times as the upper part of the Stupa was frequently damaged by storm and earthquake. Today, galleries of prayer wheels surround the sanctuary and while the faithful walk around the Stupa they move the prayer mills in order to augment their prayers.

Under the rule of Pratapa Malla it was not only numerous impressive buildings and religious works of art that were created as history records that the king was an instigator of many strange traditions and cults. In addition to the shrines that are dedicated to the four points of the compass, Pratapa Malla also ordered the construction of a subterranean building, ‘The Hidden City’.

The impressive Stupa of Swayambhunath sits high above the throngs below with timeless, peaceful and powerful grace like the eyes of a Buddha who sees all!