Monkey Temple Swayambhunath Tour is a guided tour of Swayambhu Mahachaitya, popularly known as the Monkey Temple. The trip offers a close-up look at one of Nepal’s oldest and most sacred UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Swayambhunath Stupa(Monkey Temple) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also one of most ancient monuments in Kathmandu.
Swoyambhunath Stupa(Moneky Temple) is perched on a hilltop approximately 3 km west of Thamel in Kathmandu. The temple opens daily from Monday to Sunday for 24 hours and best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
Tourists call Swayambhunath the “Monkey Temple” because hundreds of wild rhesus macaques live freely around the forested hill and temple grounds.
Large Monkey Population: Hundreds of sacred rhesus macaques roam the staircases, rooftops, golden railings, and prayer wheels of the complex.
Easy Nickname by Foreigners: Beginning in the 1970s, international tourists who found the name “Swayambhunath” difficult to pronounce started to call it “Monkey Temple” as a simpler, descriptive label.
Sacred Mythology: In Vajrayana Buddhist tradition, these monkeys are considered holy. Legend says they grew out of the long, uncut hair of Manjushri (the Bodhisattva of Wisdom) when he drained the ancient lake that once filled the Kathmandu Valley.
Entry Fees: NPR 200 for Foreign Nationals, NPR 50 for SAARC Nationals and free for Children under 10. The Walking takes about 45 to 60 minutes from Thamel across the Bishnumati River.
The Main Eastern Stairway: Features a steep climb of 365 stone steps. Along the way, you pass small shrines, prayer wheels, and resident rhesus monkeys.
The Western Entrance: A vehicle road leads straight up to the back parking lot, which is ideal for visitors with limited mobility or elderly family members.
The Main Stupa: Features the iconic all-seeing Buddha eyes painted on all four sides and a gleaming golden spire.
Circumambulation: Walk clockwise around the base of the stupa while spinning the large metal prayer wheels for good karma and wisdom.
Hariti Temple and Shantipur: Historic shrines dedicated to local protector deities located toward the rear of the complex.
Panoramic Views: Sweeping overlooks of the entire Kathmandu Valley.
Rooftop Cafés and Nearby Sites: Hidden rooftop seating areas in the back corner of the complex offer tea and snacks, while a short walk leads down to the World Peace Pond and Buddha Park near the Ring Road.
A short overview of Monkey Temple Swayambhunath Tour
Ages: 27-90,
Group Size: Max of 10 per group
Time: 3 hour
Start time: Morning and Afternoon.
Guide: English Speaking Tour Guide with authorized licensed by government.






