KATHMANDU:  The 7.8-magnitude Nepal earthquake has left some of Kathmandu’s most well-known heritage sites in ruins. Among them, the 150-year-old Swayambhunath temple complex in the Kathmandu Valley. Comprising temples, shrines and the iconic stupa which bears the painted-on eyes of the Buddha, Swayambhunath is not only a revered location for locals but also one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the capital.

Despite the heartbreaking sight, a determined effort was underway to salvage items – both precious and ordinary – from damaged structures and half-collapsed dwellings. Volunteers helped clear bits and chunks of rubble, while young monks busied themselves by retrieving items from Swayambhunath’s monastery for safekeeping.

The long-term impact of the devastation at Swayambhunath is hard to tell for now. Tourism is an important revenue generator for Nepal – particularly for Kathmandu’s economy. But with some temples within the complex rendered irreparable, and some requiring intensive restoration, will tourists stay away from a ‘made-over’ heritage site in years to come?

Rescue workers dig through the quake rubble on the outskirts of Kathmandu in this aerial 360 degree view of the Swayambhunath temple -- sometimes known as the "Monkey Temple." Click, drag and zoom to change your perspective.

360 degree view of the Swayambhunath temple

Nepal quake: Iconic Swayambhunath temple complex badly hit

Rubble strewn around a shrine within the temple complex. (Photo: Taufex Khamid)

The Swayambhunath Temple after earthquake 2015

Volunteers helping with clean-up efforts. (Photo: Taufex Khalid)

The Swayambhunath Temple after earthquake 2015

Young monks retrieve items and pitch in with the clearing up of rubble. (Photo: Anand Krishna)

The Swayambhunath Temple after earthquake 2015

 A precious idol taken away for safekeeping. (Photo: Anand Krishna)

The Swayambhunath Temple after earthquake 2015

Aerial View of Swayambhunath temple after a 7.8 magnitude quake hit the region On April 25, 2015.

The Swayambhunath Temple after earthquake 2015

VOLUNTEERS LEND A HELPING HAND

The temple complex was a hive of people, both local and foreign, as they busied themselves to help monks with the clean-up efforts. For some, the sight of religious items left destroyed by the earthquake was just too much to bear.

A volunteer in tears as she helps monks clear out carpets and other valuables. (Photo: Anand Krishna)

A large group of monkeys at The Swayambhunath Temple after earthquake 2015

VOLUNTEERS LEND A HELPING HAND

People have taken to spending nights in tents at the temple complex. (Photo: Taufex Khamid)

The Swayambhunath Temple after earthquake 2015

Rubble over a scenic part of Swayambhunath that overlooks the Kathmandu Valley. (Photo: Anand Krishna)

Playful Monkeys at The Swayambhunath Temple after earthquake 2015

Some idols stand tall amid the devastation. (Photo: Anand Krishna)

          Swayambhunath: This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It 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 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 listed in the  UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

The Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple) after earthquake 2015

The Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple) after earthquake 2015

The Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple) after earthquake 2015

The Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple) after earthquake 2015

The Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple) after earthquake 2015

The Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple) after earthquake 2015

The Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple) after earthquake 2015

The Swayambhunath Temple after earthquake 2015

Souvenir shop along the stairway to Swayambhunath Stupa