Perched on a hilltop in Kathmandu Valley just to the west of the capital, the Swayambhunath religious complex is one of Nepal’s most valued ancient sites.<br /><br /> The main Buddhist monument is intact, but many of the other historic temples and monuments surrounding it were badly damaged in Nepal’s earthquake.<br /><br /> Those parts of the Monkey Temple (as it is known, due to the animals occupying the hill) that have not crumbled, look like they might.<br /><br /> Salvage workers scour the rubble carefully, knowing there’s a chance they could find precious artefacts.<br /><br /> Swayambhunath dates back to the 5th century, and is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus as well as Buddhists.<br /><br /> Across the Kathmandu Valley – the location of seven World Heritage Sites designated by the UN’s cultural heritage organisation UNESCO – it’s feared that at least 70 ancient, sacred sites as well as others around the country were severely damaged or destroyed.<br /><br /> “I think this is really a dramatic loss not only for the Nepali peo
