Half Day Monkey Temple Tour

Group Size

Small group

Languages

English

Location

Swoyambhunath

Cancellation:

Before 1 week of activity date: Full refund
3-6 days before the activity date: 50% cancellation charge
Before 24 hours of the activity date: 100% cancellation charge

Overview

The Monkey Temple Half Day Tour is a retreat to Nepal’s spirituality in the form of Swayambhunath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage monument and one of Nepal’s earliest places of worship. Perched on the edge of a hill overlooking Kathmandu, the white-dome, gold-spire outline of the stupa is visible at distances, symbolizing light. The earth is blanketed by sacred shrines, prayer wheels, and most notoriously, its playful monkeys.

As you climb the 365 stone steps to reach the stupa, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the Kathmandu Valley and distant Himalayan peaks. This tour is a fascinating combination of history, culture, and spirituality with insights into Buddhist rituals, Tibetan culture, and daily local life.

Highlights:

Explore one of Nepal’s oldest and holiest Buddhist sites, Swayambhunath Stupa: more than 2,500 years old.
Take breathtaking cityscapes and distant Himalayan ranges from the hilltop.
Watch the pesky monkeys roaming freely inside the temple, who are believed to be the temple guardian deities.
Get immersed in Buddhist rituals by rotating prayer wheels and hearing monks recite mantras.
Get awed by the beautiful carvings, prayer flags, and symbolic buildings seen everywhere inside the temple complex.
Value the symbolic meaning of the shape of the stupa, representing the five elements and the way to enlightenment.

Itinerary

Your guide will meet you at your Kathmandu hotel and drive you to the Swayambhunath Stupa, just a 20-minute drive from the city center. Your guide will entertain you with the legends and tales of the temple along the way, then start your spiritual journey.

Proceed to the foot of the Monkey Temple and begin your climb up the 365 stone steps. Climb at your own pace, pausing to see the stone statues, prayer wheels, and playful monkeys lining the stairway. The stairs themselves are an adventure, taking you closer to the sacred stupa.

Climb to the top of the hill and see the Swayambhunath Stupa with its all-seeing Buddha eyes gazing in four directions. Walk around the stupa in a counterclockwise manner, spin the prayer wheels, and take in the serene atmosphere. Your guide will explain the symbolism of the stupa, the history of Tibetan Buddhism, and the myths that surround the site.

Wander through the temple complex, exploring smaller shrines, Buddha statues, and Tibetan gompas (monasteries). You’ll encounter prayer flags fluttering in the wind, monks reciting mantras, and locals lighting butter lamps as part of their daily rituals.

Step up to the view platform for a stunning vista of Kathmandu city, its temples, rooftops, and distant Himalayan peaks. It’s a decent photo opportunity, with the contrast of city life and spiritual calm.

Descend the temple steps and head back to your vehicle for the return drive to your hotel. You’ll be dropped off around 12:30 PM, carrying the peaceful energy and spiritual insights of your visit.

Cost

Included:

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Private transportation
English-speaking guide
Temple entry fees

Excluded:

Meals and drinks
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tips for guide/driver

FAQ

Swoyambhunath Stupa is one of the oldest temples in Nepal and holds historical and religious significance.

Yes, Swoyambhunath Temple is also known as the Monkey Temple due to the presence of many monkeys around the temple premises.

The trip takes approximately 3–4 hours, which includes traveling, climbing the staircase, and walking through the temple complex.

Yes, children can visit the temple, but supervision is recommended due to the presence of stairs and monkeys.

Yes! There is a different entrance through which vehicles can drive right up to the hill top, so the venue is made accessible for people who cannot climb the stairs.

Half Day Monkey Temple Tour

Cancellation:

Overview

Highlights:

Itinerary

Cost

Included:

Excluded:

FAQ

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