Kaathe Swyambhu

Kaathe Swyambhu is a historic Buddhist stupa located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is situated away from the main hilltop complex of the larger Swyambhunath stupa.

The stupa is notable for its distinctive tiered structure and is heavily associated with the legendary deeds of King Pratap Malla. The 17th-century Malla king is traditionally credited with building several major monuments in the Kathmandu Valley.

While the main Swyambhunath sits atop a large hill featuring the iconic Buddha eyes painted on its base, Kaathe Swyambhu is located at ground level. It features a smaller, uniquely ornamented body with a distinctive umbrella canopy.

Devout Buddhists and Hindus visit the site daily to perform kora (circumambulation) and spin the surrounding prayer wheels. It serves as a quieter, secondary worship site compared to the heavily trafficked main Swyambhunath complex.