The Monkey Temple

Ciprian "Chip" Popoviciu stands in front of a stupa at the Swayanabath religious complex on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal. The stupa sits on a white, domed base and is surrounded by stone monkey statues and other monuments. Thirteen golden tiers on the spire are hung with prayer flags, which are anchored to the base of the temple. Chip is holding the Martin GT Magnet Middle School flag created for his expedition to Mount Everest. (Learn more)

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Swayambhunath, in western Kathmandu, is a complex of holy structures including shrines, temples, and stupas — mound-shaped structures that hold sacred Buddhist relics. It is one of the oldest holy sites in the city and is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus. A long, steep set of stairs leads to the main platform of the temple, which is adorned with prayer flags — colorful panels of cloth that are strung together to give blessings. Swayambhunath is also called the Monkey Temple because of the holy monkeys who live there, helping themselves to the offerings of food made by worshipers.

At the outset of his Everest adventure, Chip visited Swayambhunath while sightseeing in Kathmandu. With some of the other climbers in his group, he walked around the temple and asked the people there for blessings for the upcoming climb. When Chip’s climbing partner, Vance Cook, arrived in Kathmandu, the two climbers shopped for supplies and prepared their luggage for the 16-day trip to Base Camp.

Learn more about Kathmandu, Nepal, stupas, and temples.

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