Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) Tours
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The oldest shrine complex in the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath Temple (sometimes called the Monkey Temple) was said to have been built over 2,000 years ago. Situated at the top of a winding staircase, Swayambhunath has one of the city’s best panoramic views. The complex, containing multiple shrines and a stupa, is considered holy to both Buddhists and Hindus.
The Basics
According to legend, UNESCO-listed Swayambhunath sprang up spontaneously from a lotus, a sacred water flower revered both in Hinduism and Buddhism. The iconic stupa—a gold, gilded spire jutting up from a prayer wheel-surrounded white base—is one of the site’s most popular attractions, but also not to be missed are the ornate temple interiors, filled with icons of Buddhist and Hindu deities. Many guided tours offer combination packages with other must-see sites—like Boudhanath or Pashupatinath—making it an ideal option for first-time visitors.
It takes only a minute to realize how “Monkey Temple” earned its popular nickname. Playful and high-energy, the temple’s furry residents have become one of the site’s additional attractions (although watch your food).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, Swayambhunath is one of the city’s top attractions.
- Knees and shoulders covered: make sure to dress modestly when entering shrines.
- Prepare for a tough climb and factor in breaks if needed: there are almost 400 steps to the top.
- Be careful when carrying food or personal belongings—monkeys have been known to snatch.
How to Get There
Swayambhunath is easily reached by most parts of Kathmandu by foot or taxi. However, you’ll have to climb up 365 steps to reach the hilltop temple complex. Many guided tours offer private pickup from your hotel, but vehicles can only park at the base of the staircase.
When to Get There
During the full moon in either April or May, Buddha’s birthday is celebrated at Swayambhunath and other Buddhist sites in Nepal. Losar, or the Tibetan New Year, takes place in February and March, and is a popular time for pilgrims to visit. Spring and fall are the mildest times temperature-wise, although Kathmandu is a year-round destination.
Rebuilding Swayambhunath
Swayambhunath temple complex was damaged during the 2015 earthquakes in Nepal, but reconstruction efforts are underway. Fear not, there is still much to see. The rebuilding effort has engaged a fleet of traditional artisans, and visitors can support local renovations by touring the site and showing interest in ongoing projects.
Address: Kathmandu 44620, Nepal
264 Tours and Activities to Experience Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
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Seven World Heritage Day Tour of Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu’s top sights are spread throughout the sprawling capital, meaning most visitors end up missing key attractions. On this action-packed day tour, you’ll cover all of the region’s UNESCO-listed highlights. Travel in a comfortable private car between locations in the city, with a private guide on-hand to supply information and background. You’ll also enjoy lunch in stunning Bhaktapur and venture to Changu Narayan, the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley.
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$175.00
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
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$180.00
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From
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
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Private Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour - UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Visit four of Kathmandu's top attractions on a private half-day tour. Start by traveling in your comfortable private vehicle from your hotel to the traditional heart of the medieval town. Visit Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site; watch the monkeys frolic around another heritage site, Swayambhunath Temple; and take in the sacred prayer wheels and incense. Explore Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa, which has roots going back to 600 AD. Hear informative commentary from your guide throughout the day on this comprehensive tour.
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$45.00
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
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Immerse yourself in the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Kathmandu Valley on this private tour. You'll enjoy dedicated attention from your guide and the ability to move at your own pace through the area's top attractions. Stops include UNESCO-listed sites such as Pashupati, Bouddha, Patan Durbar Square, Swoyambhu, and others.
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The ideal introduction for first-time visitors, this private day trip covers four of Kathmandu’s most significant World Heritage attractions. Learn more about Hindu and Buddhist faiths at the sprawling Hindu complex of Pashupatinath, one of the largest stupas in the world in Boddhanath, and the hilltop temple of Swayambhunath. You’ll also enjoy time to explore Patan’s Durbar Square, one of the region’s most stunning heritage districts.
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
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Private Full-Day Tour of Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Take in Nepal's rich heritage on a private full-day tour of several UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley. Your private guide takes you to the Durbar Squares, Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple and more. Learn about the history and significance of each place as you explore the Buddhist and Hindu sacred sites with your guide. Includes private guide and vehicle, and hotel pickup and drop-off from Kathmandu. Entrance fees are at your expense.
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$55.00
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From
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Price varies by group size

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Face masks provided for travelers
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Private Half-Day Tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Temple
Combine two of Kathmandu's most famous attractions—the UNESCO-listed Durbar Square and the Swayambhunath Temple—on this half-day private tour. Benefit from personalized attention and the ability to travel at your own pace as you climb to the top of the temple's hill, which offers photo-worthy views of the Kathmandu Valley. Learn about the architectural style of Newar artists at Durbar and the multi-religion harmony at the temple through your guide's insightful commentary.
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Soak up two of Nepal’s most stunning locations on this scenic, multi-day tour—without the fuss of planning. Take in the highlights of Nepal, from UNESCO-listed historical attractions in Kathmandu to snow-capped mountains surrounding the lakeside city of Pokhara. Enjoy a relaxing, all-inclusive adventure, capped at only 14 people for a personalized and flexible experience. Upgrade to include domestic flights instead of ground transfers and a thrilling paragliding ride.
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Private Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour Including Lunch
Ideal for first-time visitors or travelers short on time, this action-packed VIP tours hits the highlights of Kathmandu, topped off with a savory Nepali lunch. Dig into your meal overlooking the largest Buddhist stupa in the world, and tick off UNESCO-listed heritage sites like the palace-packed Durbar Square and the sprawling Hindu temple complex of Pashupati. Tours include entrance fees and private hotel pickup.
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Full Day Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour Including Bhaktapur
Take in the major attractions of Kathmandu Valley with a private guide on a half-day tour from Kathmandu. Travel in a comfortable private vehicle to UNESCO World Heritage sites, Swayambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Gain insight into the history and culture of Nepal, and hear about the impact of the 2015 earthquake during this comprehensive private tour.
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Step back in time on a historical sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s sacred landmarks, led by a knowledgeable guide. Visit the UNESCO-listed Swayambhunath stupa (aka Monkey Temple) and see the royal palace at Kathmandu Durbar Square, another World Heritage site. Visit Taleju Temple, Lord Krishna Temple, the 12th-century Kastamandap, and the courtyard of Kumari Ghar — the 18th-century 'Living Goddess Temple.' Lunch and transport included.
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From
$90.00
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$90.00

One Day Kathmandu World Heritage Sites Tour
Discover four of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites on a private sightseeing tour. Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Swayambhunath stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and the Boudhanath stupa over the course of the day. Learn about the cultural significance of each place as well as their histories from your tour guide and leave Nepal with a newfound appreciation for Hindu and Buddhist culture.
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From
$83.00
Price varies by group size
From
$83.00
Price varies by group size

Kathmandu Cultural Journey - Day Trip | Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour
Spend the day exploring the cultural landmarks of the Kathmandu Valley on a private sightseeing tour. Visit a number of Buddhist and Hindu temples as well as the historic Patan Durbar Square and learn about the significance of each location from your tour guide. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who are short on time.
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From
$40.00
Price varies by group size
From
$40.00
Price varies by group size
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