Monkey Temple - Swayambhunath Tour - Private/Small Group

Recommended by 100% of travelers

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Kathmandu, Nepal

3 hours (approx.)
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa—also known as the Monkey Temple—is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the city’s most ancient monuments. But it can be hard to know the meaning behind it without a guide. Simplify your visit—and learn more than you would going alone—on a walking tour of the impressive hilltop site. As well as admiring the main stupa, visit smaller hidden places that you might miss otherwise.

Ask questions on an intimate small-group walking tour
Learn about the myths and legends around this Buddhist site
Tick off one of Kathmandu’s UNESCO sites in just half a day
Go into more depth at the stupa than most overview tours do

What's Included

English speaking guide

Coffee and/or Tea
Entrance fee Swayambhunath is 200 Rupees (about US$1.50) in cash paid directly to Temple authorities

$1.50 per person

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

PUMPERNICKEL BAKERY
Paryatan Marg, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Your guide will be available 15 minutes before each meeting time with a sign "Meeting Point - Amazing Kathmandu". Pumpernickel Bakery is centrally located in Thamel and has excellent offerings, including great coffee, all-day breakfasts, delicious cakes, gluten-free and vegan diets.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

PUMPERNICKEL BAKERY

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Luti Ajima (Pass By)

P872+H7H (Pass By)

Swoyambhu Bhagwan pau

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Swaymbhunath

40 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Harati Ajima Temple

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

World Peace Pond (Pass By)

Manjushree Temple

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Amideva Buddha Park

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Shova Bhagwati Temple (Pass By)

PUMPERNICKEL BAKERY

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Not recommended for travelers with back problems

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Travelers with severe asthma and knee problems are not advised to join the tour.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 5 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0

based on 74 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Good Tour.

Stephen_E, May 2026

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.

Response from Host, May 2026

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

Wonderful experience!

audrey_e, Feb 2026

This was a wonderful experience with a knowledgeable guide. I learned a lot about the Kathmandu culture..

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you very much for your kind words, Audrey. I’m really pleased to hear you had a wonderful experience at Swayambhunath. The Monkey Temple is such a special place, and with the right guide it becomes much more than just a beautiful viewpoint — it becomes a window into Kathmandu’s culture and daily life. I’m glad you felt the guide was knowledgeable and that you were able to learn more about the city. That’s exactly what we aim for: meaningful insights, not just sightseeing. Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience. And of course, please tell your friends and family about Nepal — we would be very happy to welcome them as well. Warm regards, Menno

Perfect morning walk

Choo_H, Jan 2026

Santosh took me through a walk in the neighborhood of Thamal on the way to monkey temple. A very enriching walk through the neighborhood to understand the past and current of Kathmandu that I'll recommend for anyone who's interested in this culturally rich place, and he also throws in bits and pieces about their culture, origins and practices at the temples, and symbols of significance.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you very much for this thoughtful review. I am very pleased to hear that you enjoyed the walk through Thamel on the way to Swayambhunath. Starting in the neighborhood often gives a deeper understanding of Kathmandu, its past and present, before reaching the Monkey Temple itself. It is wonderful that you appreciated the cultural insights and the explanations about symbols and practices. Those details help bring the city and its traditions to life. Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience. And of course please tell your friends and family about Nepal. We would be very happy to welcome them as well. Warm regards Menno Amazing Kathmandu Tours

Walking, knowledge and stories

Julia_H, Aug 2025

As a female solo traveller I can totally recommend this tour! Santosh is a very experienced tourguide who has a lot of historical knowledge. He told as many stories about hinduism and buddhism. If you like walking and seeing the stunning stupa and view over Kathmandu, you should totally book this tour!!!

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Namaste Julia, Thank you so much for your wonderful review and recommendation! We're delighted that Santosh could share his knowledge and passion for Nepal's rich history with you. The Monkey Temple is such a special place, and hearing those stories about Hinduism and Buddhism while enjoying the stunning views over Kathmandu makes the climb even more rewarding. We especially appreciate you highlighting that our tours are great for solo female travelers, this is something we take pride in at Amazing Kathmandu Tours. We hope to welcome you back to Nepal for another adventure! Cheers, Menno

Great your!

Regina_S, May 2025

Amazing walking tour! We covered so much of Kathmandu and saw a ton. I’m a solo female traveler and felt totally safe. The guide was super knowledgeable and really took the time to explain what we were seeing. Highly recommend, especially if you are short on time.

Response from Host, May 2025

Hi Regina, Great to hear you had a safe experience as a solo female traveler and could enjoy the wonders Kathmandu. Thank you for your recommendation and please tell your friends who didn't visit Nepal yet to come and visit this magical land. Namaste, enjoy Nepal and safe travels, Menno

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