Tours/Kathmandu/Monkey Temple - Swayambhunath Tour - Private/Small Group
Viator · group up to 5 pax

Monkey Temple - Swayambhunath Tour - Private/Small Group

5.0(72)Kathmandu1 hour
VIATOR5.0(5)TRIPADVISOR5.0(67)

Description

The private walking tour is NOT sold out, you can book for 1 person and can come with more people. The private tour with transportation is for max 3 people because of the vehicle limitation. Also here you book for 1 person. Your guide will contact you with 24h after your booking and we have 100% refund policy with cancelations. This small group tour of max 5 participants focuses on the myths and legends of Swayambhunath and the origin of the Kathmandu valley. While enjoying the glorious ancient architecture that you will pass during this tour, your knowledgeable and helpful local guide will lead you through the neighborhoods of Swayambhu and Saraswotithan. Highlight of this tour is Swayambhunath Temple, one of the holiest Buddhist stupas in Nepal, on a hilltop in the center of Kathmandu.Your guide will give you a better understanding of the place, especially when religious ceremonies are taking place.

Tour Options

Walking Tour at Swayambhunath
Private With Transportation
  • Vehicle with dedicated driver Pick up from your hotel
Private Tour Swayambhunath
  • Duration: 3 hours

Itinerary

15 min

This will be our meeting point, in the heart of Thamel. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Bhagwan Pau.

Pass by

It is said that in the 13th century when Licchavi King Gunakamdev made Kathmandu city, he established eight Matrikas in the shape of Khadga. And this temple of Indrayani / Luti Ajima is one among them. On the Way we also go through the story How Indrayani got the another name Luti Ajima and the story of other Matrikas.

Pass by

Bijeshwori Temple is considered sacred to both Hindu and Buddhist followers. It is a significant pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists since the temple is affiliated to Buddhism. Some of the Hindu disciples also regard the place as a sacred Shaktipeeth. More during tours.

Admission included20 min

Bhagwan Pau as name for the feet of Lord Buddha is at the bottom of Swoyambhu hill, from where the main entrance which consists of 365 stairs begins. We will take a rest for a while, drink water and prepare ourselves to climb the 365 stairs to get to the top of the hill and explore SwayambhuNath Stupa.

Admission not included40 min

This is our main attraction. Swayambhunath, self originated one. We will explore this neighborhood and know about origination of Swayambhunath as well as kathmandu valley, also go through lore and legends about Manjushree, Basics about Buddhism like prayer flag and five elements, four noble truths, eightfold paths and thirteen steps to nirvana. We will explore the various Shrines, Temples and stupas around the Swayambhu premises encircling the stupa itself.

Admission included5 min

You will explore the unique Nepalese pagoda style architecture of the Temple and our experienced tour guide will tell the story how the demon named Harati became Mother Harati and why people around the valley worship her.

Pass by

World Peace Pond is located on the western side of the Swayambhunath Temple . A brass statue of a Buddha standing on a Lotus flower is right in the middle of the pond. The words on the wall, written in English and Nepali, say May Peace Prevail On Earth.

Admission included15 min

A small temple dedicated to Maha Manjushree in Swayambhu Hill. We will go through legends about how Kathmandu Valley is turned into a city from a great lake and enjoy a panoramic view of western side of Kathmandu valley. From here we will climb down the swayambhu hill and go towards Amideva Buddha Park which houses 3 big Buddha Idols.

Admission included20 min

Amideva Buddha Park, featuring the 3 gigantic idols of Amitabha Buddha (Amideva) 67 Feet in center, Chenrezig and Padmasambhava 64 Feet in two sides. We will walk around this park and share the story of Siddhartha Gautam, who later became Gautam Buddha , Avalokitesvara and The Precious Master. This is the last place we stop at before going around the Swoyambhu Hill towards Bhagwan Pau and back to Meeting point, where our tour ends.

Pass by

Shova Bhagawati is a holy shrine devoted to the goddess Bhagwati on the bank of the Bishnumati River in Kathmandu, Nepal. This temple is one of the four major Bhagwati temples in Kathmandu built in the Licchavi regime. More about religion and history during the tour.

30 min

From Bhagwan Pau we will walk back to Kathmandu Eco Hotel, Thamel, our Meeting point. If any travelers want to explore around the Swayambhu and want to walk back to the meeting Point on their own, they can end the tour at any point.

Highlights

English speaking guide

What's included

Included
English speaking guide
Not included
Coffee and/or Tea
Entrance fee Swayambhunath is 200 Rupees (about US$1.50) in cash paid directly to Temple authorities

Traveller Ratings

5.0
72 reviews
5
71
4
1
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2
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Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Travelers with severe asthma and knee problems are not advised to join the tour.

Reviews(72)

A
A1123ZCelizabethd
May 25, 2026
Kathmandu Monkey Temple and Pashupathinath

Great experience- v knowledgeable guide who explained very well what I was looking at!

S
Stephen_E
May 21, 2026
Good Tour.

Great tour, the animal life is interesting and the site itself also very nice. Just be aware if you have trouble climbing steps this is not for you. However, if you can walk up a lot of steps it is well worth it.

Operator response

Namaste Stephen and thanks for your review. Swayambhunath is such a fun mix of monkeys, local life and incredible valley views, especially once you conquer those famous steps 😄 Happy to hear you felt it was worth the climb. Please share your Nepal experience with friends and family, we'd love to welcome them here. Cheers, Menno Amazing Kathmandu Tours

C
Connie B
May 14, 2026
Hire Sandip! Great guide Fun and informative

This was a fabulous experience walking our way to the temple. Sandip provided great information enjoyable and knowledgeable !

Operator response

Namaste Connie and thanks for your review. Love hearing you enjoyed the walk up to Swayambhunath with Sandip. The Monkey Temple always feels extra special when the stories, energy, and climb all come together. Please share your Nepal experience with friends and family, we'd love to welcome them here. Cheers, Menno Amazing Kathmandu Tours

1
144cates
May 2, 2026
Outstanding view- monkeys are sweet and nurturing.

Loved all the Monkeys, the temples, the prayer flags. Vendors were friendly and helped us to make a good purchase. The view from the vista was outstanding!!

Operator response

So great to hear, Swayambhunath has that perfect mix of energy, views and playful monkeys. Sounds like you really soaked it all in, from the temples to the buzzing local vibe. Please share your Nepal experience with friends and family, we'd love to welcome them here. Cheers, Menno Amazing Kathmandu Tours

I
ilaria S
April 30, 2026
Not only visit. You learn a lot about Nepals Story!

Wow, I was lucky to have Santosh as a tour guide. He has deep knowledge of spirituality and religions, and I learned so much from him. You could really feel his passion while telling the stories. Definitely a guide I highly recommend!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Namaste Ilaria and thanks for your review. What a joy to read this, Swayambhunath really comes alive when stories and spirituality connect. Santosh loves sharing Nepal’s deeper layers and making it feel real and personal. Please share your Nepal experience with friends and family, we'd love to welcome them here. Cheers, Menno Amazing Kathmandu Tours

5
518ctt
April 14, 2026
In-depth tour at Swayambhunath temple

Santosh is a great storyteller. He is patient and answered our questions thoroughly. We wouldn't hesitate joining another tour with him!

Operator response

Namaste and thanks for your review. Santosh has a great way of bringing Swayambhunath to life, glad you enjoyed the stories and had all your questions answered. Sounds like a proper deep dive into the Monkey Temple. Please share your Nepal experience with friends and family, we'd love to welcome them here. Cheers, Menno Amazing Kathmandu Tours

J
juancU693JI
April 13, 2026
Once in a lifetime

Wonderful tour from very beginning to the very end. Informative, looking at places out of the usual route, pleasantly pace. Highly recommend.

Operator response

Namaste Juan and thanks for your review. Great to hear you enjoyed the Monkey Temple tour from start to finish and explored places beyond the usual route, that’s exactly the experience we aim for. Please share your Nepal experience with friends and family, we'd love to welcome them here. Cheers, Menno Amazing Kathmandu Tours

M
Michele54321961
April 10, 2026
What a wonderful day!

Sandip made the tour of the Monkey Temple truly memorable. His knowledge of culture, art, religion and history was combined with a terrific sense of humor. I had a fabulous time!

Operator response

Namaste Michele and thanks for your review. Fantastic to hear Sandip made your Monkey Temple visit so memorable, combining culture, stories and humor makes it a special day in Kathmandu. Please share your Nepal experience with friends and family, we'd love to welcome them here. Cheers, Menno Amazing Kathmandu Tours

J
jordanlL1446SV
April 7, 2026
Very worthwhile tour

Santosh was very knowledgeable and easy to get along with. You will finish the tour with a much better understanding of Kathmandu and the culture.

Operator response

Namaste and thanks for your review. Great to hear Santosh made the Monkey Temple tour both easygoing and insightful, that mix really makes the experience. Nice to hear you left with a better understanding of Kathmandu and its culture. Please share your Nepal experience with friends and family, we'd love to welcome them here. Cheers, Menno Amazing Kathmandu Tours

4
480tabithap
April 2, 2026
Great tour!

Santosh was so friendly and knowledgeable about the area, with lots of fun facts about the history! It was a great tour.

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Namaste Tabitha and thanks for your review. Great to hear you enjoyed the Monkey Temple tour with Santosh, he really enjoys sharing those stories and making the walk fun and easygoing. Happy you had a great time with us. Please share your Nepal experience with friends and family, we'd love to welcome them here. Cheers, Menno Amazing Kathmandu Tours

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