Walking to the Monkey Temple - Swayambhunath Tour

5.0
(38 reviews)

3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

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.

The price for youth is for students with student card

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

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

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

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    This will be our meeting point. We will gather up here and wait 15 minutes to gather all travelers, refill our water bottles and continue walking towards SwayambhuNath. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Bhagwan Pau.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (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 ticket free
  • 2

    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.

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Swaymbhunath

    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.

    40 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • 4

    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.

    5 minutes Admission ticket included
  • (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 ticket free
  • 5

    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.

    15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 6
    Amideva Buddha Park

    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.

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 7

    After visiting the Amideva Buddha Park, we will walk around the base of Swayambhu hill and go to Bhagwan Pau.

    10 minutes Admission ticket included
  • (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.

    Admission ticket free
  • 8

    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.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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
Supplied by Amazing Kathmandu Tours

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Small Group
Excellent Quality
Additional fees
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 38 38 reviews
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