Not only are the steps up to Swayambhu used by devotees, tourists, and of course numerous monkeys, but they're also a training ground for Nepal's Armed Police Force. As the devoted flock to the stupa to celebrate Buddha Jayanti on Thursday, this is one of the sights they might encounter. PHOTOS: MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA

Armed Police Force personnel, whose training base is in Halchowk near Swayambhu, make a round of the stupa as their morning drill everyday.
Armed Police Force personnel, whose training base is in Halchowk near Swayambhu, make a round of the stupa as their morning drill everyday.
The newly renovated stupa shines in the background as the Armed Police march on.
The newly renovated stupa shines in the background as the Armed Police march by.
Swayambhu is a religious site for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees.
Swayambhu is a religious site for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees.
Swayambhu is a religious site for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees.
The Armed Police Force was established in 2001 to counter the Maoist insurgency. The force has almost 30,000 personnel.
Devotees will visit the stupa on Thursday to mark the birth anniversary of the Buddha.
Hundreds of devotees are expected to visit the stupa on Thursday to mark the anniversary of the birth of Gautam Buddha.

See also:

Renewal: a time for change

Buddhaland

More resources on Swayambhu at :

Swayambhu Renovation Project