Walking to the Monkey Temple – Swayambhunath – Private/Small Group
Why we love it?
The "Walking to the Monkey Temple – Swayambhunath" tour offers a three-hour guided experience through the vibrant streets of Bhaganpau, Kathmandu. Participants will explore significant cultural sites, including the Indrayani Temple and Shova Bhagawati Temple, led by a licensed English-speaking guide who provides insights into the rich heritage of the area. This tour is ideal for those interested in a deeper understanding of Kathmandu's spiritual and historical landscape, as well as for travelers seeking a more intimate group setting. Its distinctive focus on local temples and the cultural context surrounding the Monkey Temple makes it a unique opportunity to engage with Nepal's religious traditions.
Inclusions
- Professional Guidance: Tours are led by a licensed, English-speaking tour guide who is knowledgeable and passionate about Kathmandu’s culture and heritage.
Exclusions
- Entrance Fees: Entrance fee Swayambhunath is 200 Rupees (about US$1.50) in cash paid directly to Temple authorities.
- Meals: Lunch and other meals during the tour are not provided and are the responsibility of the participant.
- Gratuities: While not mandatory, tips for the tour guide are greatly appreciated as a gesture of gratitude.
- Travel Insurance: Participants are responsible for securing their own travel insurance to cover potential risks or unforeseen circumstances.
Itinerary
Meeting Point | PUMPERNICKEL BAKERY
We will meet at Pumpernickel Bakery
Your guide will be available 10 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, and bakery items that also cater to gluten-free and vegan diets.
Indrayani Temple
Our journey begins in Thamel and takes us to the famous Indrayeni Temple, located by the banks of the Bishnumati River. The goddess Indrayeni, revered as the Lhuti Ajima (Golden Grandmother) by the local Newar community, holds great cultural and spiritual significance. At the temple, you’ll have the chance to see the intricate erotic carvings on the struts, with our guide providing insights into their history and symbolism.
From there, we’ll continue on to the Shova Bhagawati Temple, another remarkable site on our path.
Shova Bhagawati Temple
The Shova Bhagwati Temple is another significant shrine on the way to Swayambhunath. Here, you will encounter the Ashta Matrikas (Eight Mothers) and the Nava Durgas (Nine Durgas), who are among the most revered goddesses in Nepali culture. These deities hold profound spiritual significance and represent the deep-rooted traditions of Nepal.
Bhagwan Pau
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.
Swayambhunath Stupa
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.
Harati Ajima Temple
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.
Manjushree Temple
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
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 Swayambhu Hill towards Bhagwan Pau and back to Meeting point, where our tour ends.
Please Note
- When visiting holy places in Kathmandu Valley, both men and women are encouraged to dress modestly out of respect for the cultural and spiritual significance of these sites.We recommend not wearing revealing clothing or sleeveless tops. Shorts are acceptable but should reach just above the knee and be modest. For women, it is preferable to wear trousers or a long skirt.
Know Before You Go
- Dress code applies
