Swayambhunath ('Monkey Temple')

Swayambhunath Temple, one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal. Because of the numerous (holy) monkeys living in the temple, it is also known as the 'Monkey Temple'. The monkeys are called 'holy' because of the legend that Majusri, the bodhisattva of wisdom and learning was raising the hill which the Swayambhunath Temple stands on. He was supposed to leave his hair short but he made it grow long and head lice grew. It is said that the head lice had transformed into these monkeys (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swayambhunath).

I climbed up the western stairs (from the back). The eastern stairs is the more commonly used entrance by the pilgrims, and is a steeper climb.

The eastern stairs, taken from the top

Kopan Monastery

Kopan Monastery, a monastic school for local children. Set high up in the hills, it's a peaceful place with beautiful gardens and views of the city and surrounding areas.

http://www.kopan-monastery.com/about.html

And the biggest spider webs again ... not to mention the spiders ...

Those are spider webs from the top of the spire to the tree 

Bodhnath (Boudha) Temple

Bodhnath is the largest Buddhist stupa, or shrine, in Nepal, and is one of the UNESCO cultural heritage sites in Nepal. It's a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists, and one of the most important holy places in Nepal.

The all-seeing eyes of Buddha

Praying and making an offering

Walk clockwise around the stupa.

Making the rounds on the prayer wheels

Prayer flags ... the five colours represent the five natural elements of earth. Depending on what you need to achieve harmony with all elements, a prayer is printed on the flag, and flown. The belief is that the winds will blow and take your prayers forward to the gods.

The main prayer room
Inside the prayer room

The main 'altar'

Horns, drums, and cymbals used during the prayers

Butter lamps