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Home/Nepal/Kathmandu/Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Swayambhunath Monkey Temple: Kathmandu's Sacred Icon

Ascend to the sacred heights of Swayambhunath, the iconic Monkey Temple of Kathmandu. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient stupa offers a profound spiritual journey through vibrant Buddhist traditions, mesmerizing prayer flags, and panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. Immerse yourself in authentic cultural tours, explore historic heritage sites, and witness the mesmerizing rituals of this religious landmark. Whether you are seeking a peaceful spiritual retreat or a guided sightseeing adventure, our curated experiences bring the mystical essence of Nepal to life. Book your unforgettable Kathmandu pilgrimage today!

4.9/5 avg ratingTours from $9.91137 unique experiences53% private tours available

At a glance

Rating

Rating

4.9★ average

Based on 3,568 pooled reviews with ~98% positive sentiment

Tour Price

Tour Price

$41–$102 typical

Median price is $64, with a full range of $10–$220

Tour Length

Tour Length

4–12 hours typical

Median duration is 6 hours

Tour Type

Tour Type

Cultural & Sightseeing

91% of options are cultural, 85% are sightseeing tours

Best Value

Best Value

Adventure tours

Averages 5.0★ at $59, which is at or below typical pricing

Languages

Languages

8 languages offered

Includes EN, ES, HI, FR, DE, IT, ZH, and JA

234 Products

Kathmandu Sightseeing | UNESCO World Heritage sites Private/Group

Kathmandu Sightseeing | UNESCO World Heritage sites Private/Group

10 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.96 (883 reviews)
96.94%
3.06%
excellent guideGreat tourknowledgeable
Viator
$10
Book now
View Details
Kathmandu Sightseeing | UNESCO World Heritage sites Private/Group
Summary

Embark on a captivating journey through Kathmandu with our Private Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour. Led by our expert English-speaking guide, explore iconic landmarks and hidden gems, delving deep into Nepalese culture and history. Discover spiritual Hindu sites, explore majestic Buddhist stupas, and mar...

Inclusions
  • All taxes and fees
  • Professional English speaking tour guide.
  • Private transportation with air condition
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off by a private vehicle.
Exclusions
  • Monument entry fees - NPR 1400 for 2 UNESCO, NPR 2600 for 4 UNESCO and NPR 6000 for 7 UNESCO sites.
  • Personal Expenses, Any meals and drinks.
  • Gratuities for guide and driver.
  • Guides fluent in languages other than English are available for an additional cost.
Itinerary
  • Swaymbhunath
  • Boudhanath Stupa
  • Pashupatinath Temple
  • Pashupatinath Temple
  • Patan Durbar Square
  • Patan Museum
  • Patan Gate
  • Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Changu Narayan Temple
  • Bhaktapur
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu Valley
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Only Nepali and Indian nationals of the Hindu faith are permitted to enter the inner premises of Hindu temples during the tour., Complimentary pick-up and drop-off services are provided from hotels located in Kathmandu city centers. Additional charges may apply for pick-up or drop-off outside these areas., Feel free to take a lunch break during the tour. Consult with your guide for recommendations on highly recommended restaurants, and enjoy a wonderful dining experience., Entrance fees in Nepali rupees can be paid at the entrance of each site, with lower fees for SAARC nationalities. Fees are NPR 1400 for 2 UNESCO, NPR 2600 for 4 UNESCO and NPR 6000 for 7 UNESCO sites., Please carefully confirm your selected package, including inclusions and exclusions, and verify it with your guide before the tour. Also inform them in advance of any special preferences or requirements., For group sharing tours, please be flexible with the pickup time and tour schedule, as they may vary due to traffic, location, and other travelers. Pickup is available from hotels within the Thamel area, with drop-off at your hotel or a designated location within the city area after the tour. Please follow the guide’s instructions and schedule.
Cancellation Policy

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

Kathmandu: Full Day 7 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group

Kathmandu: Full Day 7 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group

9 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.94 (537 reviews)
96.31%
3.69%
great touramazinggreat day
Viator
$8$8
Book now
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Kathmandu: Full Day 7 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group
Summary

Discover the rich history, culture, and spirituality of Kathmandu Valley on a full-day tour covering seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore ancient temples, royal palaces, sacred stupas, and historic squares that showcase Nepal's remarkable Hindu and Buddhist traditions. From the peaceful Boudha...

Inclusions
  • Pick up from & drop off Hotel by private vehicle.
  • Lunch box: Water (500ml of bottled water), Muffin, Donut, Banana, Seasonal Fruit, and Juice.
  • All-inclusive option: Includes food, soft drinks, entrance fees, Khana set or choice of dishes.
  • English Speaking Professional Tour guide.
  • Air-conditioned private transportation.
Exclusions
  • Entrance fees to sightseeing monuments (applicable for Group and Private Tour options only).
  • Personal Expenses.
  • Pashupatinath Evening Aarati Tour (NPR 1000 per person applicable)
  • Tips
Itinerary
  • Swaymbhunath
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • Patan Durbar Square
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square
  • Changu Narayan Temple
  • Pashupatinath Temple
  • Boudhanath Stupa
Good to know
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

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

UNESCO Seven World Heritage Tour in Kathmandu

UNESCO Seven World Heritage Tour in Kathmandu

12 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.97 (276 reviews)
97.21%
2.79%
amazingGreat tourknowledgeable
Viator
$45
Book now
View Details
UNESCO Seven World Heritage Tour in Kathmandu
Summary

There are seven awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley. Dating back over 2000 years, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites rank as some of the finest in architecture and spirituality in all of Nepal. We know you want to see them, but what can you do when you are strapped for tim...

Inclusions
  • Private vehicle
  • Hotel pick up and drop off.
Exclusions
  • Food and Drinks
  • Tips & Gratuities
  • Anything not in inclusion section
Itinerary
  • Swaymbhunath
  • Amideva Buddha Park
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • Kumari Chowk
  • Patan Durbar Square
  • Durbar (Central) Square
  • Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar)
  • Patan Museum
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square
  • Nyatapola Temple
  • Dattatreya Temple
  • 55 Window Palace
  • Siddha Pokhari
  • Changu Narayan Temple
  • Pashupatinath Temple
  • Boudhanath Stupa
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Dress code is smart casual
Cancellation Policy

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

Kathmandu: Full Day Top 4 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group

Kathmandu: Full Day Top 4 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group

6 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.94 (312 reviews)
97.43%
2.57%
Great tourknowledgeablehighly recommend
Viator
$8
Book now
View Details
Kathmandu: Full Day Top 4 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group
Summary

Discover Kathmandu's rich cultural and spiritual heritage on a full-day guided tour of four remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Begin at the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal's most important Hindu pilgrimage site, located along the Bagmati River. Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world'...

Inclusions
  • Pick up from & drop off Hotel by private vehicle.
  • Lunch box: Water (500ml of bottled water), Muffin, Donut, Banana, Seasonal Fruit, and Juice.
  • All-inclusive option: Includes food, soft drinks, entrance fees, Khana set or choice of dishes.
  • English Speaking Professional Tour guide.
  • Air-conditioned private transportation.
Exclusions
  • Entrance fees to sightseeing monuments are not included and must be paid by guests directly.
  • Personal expenses
  • Pashupatinath Evening Aarati Tour (NPR 1000 per person applicable)
  • Tips
Itinerary
  • Swaymbhunath
  • Patan Durbar Square
  • Pashupatinath Temple
  • Boudhanath Stupa
Good to know
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

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

Kathmandu: Top 4 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group

Kathmandu: Top 4 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group

3 hrsPrivate tour
4.93 (247 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$2
Book now
View Details
Kathmandu: Top 4 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group
Summary

Join a private or group guided tour of 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites: Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. See Buddhist stupas, royal courtyards, and Hindu temple grounds.

Kathmandu World Heritage Tour

Kathmandu World Heritage Tour

7 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
5 (90 reviews)
97.25%
2.75%
very goodexcellent tripgreat experience
Viator
$50
Book now
View Details
Kathmandu World Heritage Tour
Summary

-In this tour package you will visit 5 major attractions of Kathmandu valley which are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. - Opportunity to see hundreds of temples, palaces, Stupas within a day. -Kathmandu valley view from top of the Swayambhu hill.

Inclusions
  • Private Transportation(Air Condition)
  • All Taxes
  • An experienced government licensed holder Tour Guide.
  • Sightseeing around World Heritage sites
  • Pick up and drop from your hotel by private vehicle
Exclusions
  • Lunch
  • Entry/Admission fees-all sites
Itinerary
  • Swaymbhunath
  • Pashupatinath Temple
  • Boudhanath Stupa
  • Patan Durbar Square
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, If you have any inquiries about accessibility, please contact us on the given number
Cancellation Policy

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

Kathmandu Guided Tour

Kathmandu Guided Tour

6 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
5 (76 reviews)
96.95%
3.05%
amazingamazing experienceamazing guide
Viator
$120
Book now
View Details
Kathmandu Guided Tour
Summary

Kathmandu Guided Tour perfectly blends culture, religion, and spirituality. Visiting the different World Heritage Sites, you'll be enlightened about the Hindu and Buddhist religions, cultural diversity, and the architectural splendor of the historical sites. Similarly, you'll learn about Nepal's ric...

Inclusions
  • Entry/Admission - Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhnath Stupa, Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath Temple
  • Air conditioned private vehicle including hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional Tour Guide
Exclusions
  • Airport pickup and drop-off
  • Food & Drinks
  • Accommodations
Itinerary
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • Swaymbhunath
  • Boudhanath Stupa
  • Pashupatinath Temple
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Specialized infant seats are available, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

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

Kathmandu Heritage Tour

Kathmandu Heritage Tour

4 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
5 (69 reviews)
99.05%
0.95%
wonderfulHighly recommendedwonderful experience
Viator
$34
Book now
View Details
Kathmandu Heritage Tour
Summary

It is an opportunity to know the cultural sites, local customs and products at a time. Apart from visiting the sites, you will get a chance to taste local cuisines, participate in short workshop and interaction with local artisans, products and healing session. It includes an English / Spanish Speak...

Inclusions
  • English / Spanish Speaking Licensed Tour Guide
  • Private Air Conditioned vehicle. For 1 pax, transfer by motorbike or a surchage of €25 for a car.
Exclusions
  • Monument Entrance Fee
  • Tips and personal expenses
Itinerary
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • Swaymbhunath
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

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

Monkey Temple - Swayambhunath Tour - Private/Small Group

Monkey Temple - Swayambhunath Tour - Private/Small Group

3 hrsEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
4.99 (83 reviews)
97.98%
2.02%
Amazing tourvery knowledgeablehighly recommend
Viator
$15
Book now
View Details
Monkey Temple - Swayambhunath Tour - Private/Small Group
Summary

The private walking tour is NOT sold out, you can book for 1 person and can come with more people. The private tour with transportation is for max 3 people because of the vehicle limitation. Also here you book for 1 person. Your guide will contact you with 24h after your booking and we have 100% re...

Inclusions
  • English speaking guide
Exclusions
  • Entrance fee Swayambhunath is 200 Rupees (about US$1.50) in cash paid directly to Temple authorities
Itinerary
  • Swaymbhunath
  • Manjushree Temple
  • Amideva Buddha Park
Good to know
  • 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, Travelers with severe asthma and knee problems are not advised to join the tour.
Cancellation Policy

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

Full Day Guided Tour in Kathmandu

Full Day Guided Tour in Kathmandu

6 hrsFree cancellation
5 (61 reviews)
99.71%
0.29%
amazingremarkable experiencerecommend
Viator
$65
Book now
View Details
Full Day Guided Tour in Kathmandu
Summary

Buckle up in a fancy car with our own guide who knows everything about Nepal. First stop, Patan Durbar Square, imagine a giant castle park with amazing carvings and hidden secrets. We'll even see special ceremonies, not everyone gets to see those! Next, we'll visit Pashupatinath, a super important...

Inclusions
  • Government Taxes and Office Service Charges
  • Purified Drinking Water
  • Government Licensed Tour Guide
  • Pickup and Drop off from and to your hotel
  • Car, Jeep, or Van Transportation acc. to number of travelers
Exclusions
  • Entry Fee of Sightseeing Attractions
  • Food and Drinks
  • Personal Expenses, Tips, and Gratuities for the Guide and Driver
Itinerary
  • Patan Durbar Square
  • Pashupatinath Temple
  • Boudhanath Stupa
  • Swaymbhunath
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

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

...

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple).

Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur)
Learn more

Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur)

2.3 km away • from $5

Freak Street (Jhochhen Tole)
Learn more

Freak Street (Jhochhen Tole)

2.3 km away • from $13

Hanuman Dhoka
Learn more

Hanuman Dhoka

2.3 km away • from $10

Thamel
Learn more

Thamel

2.4 km away • from $4.07

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.

Across the booking platforms we compare, most options fall between $47 and $100, with a median price of around $70. The full range spans $10 to $200, so you'll find budget-friendly tickets as well as premium guided experiences. Booking ahead is worth doing, since around two-thirds of the options we compare offer free cancellation, giving you flexibility if plans change.

Private tours dominate the selection we compare: 62% of the 206 options are private tours, making them the standout format here. This means you'll have a guide or driver to yourself or your group, rather than joining a larger group. If you prefer shared experiences, group tours are also available, and the options we compare span about 4 to 11.6 hours in duration, so you can choose anything from a quick visit to a full morning or afternoon outing.

Swayambhunath is rated 4.82 stars across 3,818 combined reviews across booking platforms, with roughly 97% of reviews positive. Travellers repeatedly use words like excellent, highly recommend, amazing, fantastic, and knowledgeable when describing their experiences, making it a genuinely well-loved attraction.

The options we compare are offered in 8 languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Chinese. This broad language coverage means you can likely find a tour or guide that works for your group, whether you're travelling solo or with family.

Yes. About two-thirds of the options we compare (66%) offer instant confirmation, so you can often lock in your booking right away without waiting for a response. This is especially handy if you're planning a trip on a tight schedule or prefer not to wait for email confirmation.

A small number of the options we compare are tagged as eco-friendly (5% of listings). If sustainable tourism is important to you, it's worth filtering for these when you browse, though the tag is applied by tour operators themselves rather than through formal certification.

Based on the data we see across booking platforms, absolutely. With a 4.82-star rating and nearly 3,818 combined reviews, almost all of them positive, Swayambhunath is one of the most consistently praised attractions travellers book. The overwhelmingly positive feedback, combined with the wide range of tour formats and price points available, makes it a genuine must-see for most visitors to Kathmandu.

Kathmandu sits at 1,400m elevation. Most visitors experience mild symptoms. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and consider acclimatization before higher treks.

Tap water is not safe for drinking. Use bottled water or filtered water. Many hotels provide filtered water bottles for guests.

Consult your doctor about typhoid, hepatitis A, and Japanese encephalitis vaccines. Malaria prophylaxis may be recommended for lower elevations.

Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur)2.3kmFreak Street (Jhochhen Tole)2.3kmHanuman Dhoka2.3kmThamel2.4kmAsan Market2.6kmGarden of Dreams2.6kmDakshinkali Temple4.6kmChobhar Village5.3kmKirtipur5.8kmGolden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar)5.8kmPashupatinath6kmPatan (Lalitpur)6.9km
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