Swayambhunath Temple tour from Kathmandu: Myths and 365 stairs

The 365 stairs lead to one of Nepal's holiest stupas, ringed with shrines and prayer flags.

This is a guided walking tour of Swayambhunath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, led by a local English-speaking guide through the myths, legends and sacred sites of the hilltop complex. The tour covers the neighborhoods of Swayambhu and Saraswotithan, climbs the 365 stairs to the main stupa, and explores the shrines, temples and parks around it. You choose between a private walking tour (1 person or more), a small group tour (up to 5 people), or a private tour with transportation (up to 3 people). The guide contacts you within 24 hours of booking, and the operator offers a full refund for cancellations.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Swayambhunath and surroundings

• Meet at Kathmandu Eco Hotel, Thamel
• Travel to Bhagwan Pau
• Pass by Indrayani / Luti Ajima Temple
• Pass by Bijeshwori Temple
• Rest and prepare at Bhagwan Pau
• Climb 365 stairs to Swayambhunath Stupa
• Explore Swayambhunath Temple and shrines
• Learn about Nepalese pagoda architecture
• Pass by World Peace Pond
• Visit Maha Manjushree Temple and view Kathmandu valley
• Walk around Amideva Buddha Park
• Pass by Shova Bhagawati Temple
• Walk back to Kathmandu Eco Hotel, Thamel

The experience

You start in Thamel, Kathmandu's tourist heart, and walk toward Bhagwan Pau, the base of Swayambhunath Hill, passing through neighborhoods and stopping at temples along the way. Your guide explains how the Indrayani Temple, one of eight Matrikas established in the 13th century when King Gunakamdev founded Kathmandu, got its alternate name Luti Ajima, and tells the stories of the other sacred shrines. At Bijeshwori Temple, a site sacred to both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, the guide shares why Tibetan Buddhists regard it as significant and what makes it a Shaktipeeth in Hindu tradition.

At Bhagwan Pau you rest and drink water before climbing the 365 stairs to the top of the hill. Swayambhunath, meaning "self-originated", is the main attraction: a stupa ringed with shrines, temples and smaller stupas. Your guide walks you through the complex, explaining the origin of Swayambhunath and the Kathmandu valley itself, and teaches the basics of Buddhism: the five elements, the four noble truths, the eightfold path, and the thirteen steps to nirvana. You'll see the Harati Temple, built in Nepalese pagoda style, and learn how the demon Harati transformed into a mother figure worshipped across the valley. The World Peace Pond on the western side holds a brass Buddha statue on a lotus, with words in English and Nepali: "May Peace Prevail On Earth."

From a small Manjushree Temple on the hilltop, you get a panoramic view of the western Kathmandu valley before descending toward Amideva Buddha Park, where three colossal Buddha idols stand: Amitabha Buddha at 67 feet in the center, with Chenrezig and Padmasambhava at 64 feet on either side. Your guide shares the stories of Siddhartha Gautama, Avalokitesvara and the Precious Master as you walk the park. The tour ends at the meeting point in Thamel, though you can end earlier at any point if you want to explore on your own or walk back at your own pace.

What’s included

• English-speaking local guide.
• access to all temples and shrines on the route including Swayambhunath stupa, Indrayani Temple, Bijeshwori Temple, Harati Temple, Manjushree Temple, World Peace Pond and Amideva Buddha Park.

Options for this experience

3 options

Walking tour of SwayambhunathUp to 5 people · Guide in English · 09:00 and 15:00

Private Tour SwayambhunathUp to 5 people · Guide in English · 09:00 and 15:00Lasts 3 hours

Private With TransportationUp to 3 people · Guide in English · 09:00 and 15:00A vehicle with a dedicated driver, with pickup from your hotel

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 15:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (27 and older) · Youth (10 to 26 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 5

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 1.50

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Amazing Kathmandu Tours

Is this one for you?Book the private walking tour if you want to move at your own pace and explore the neighborhoods on foot; choose the small group option if you prefer company and don't mind a fixed itinerary with up to four other travelers; pick the private tour with transportation if you'd rather not walk the full route and want pickup and dropoff included.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 26 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

How long does the walk take and how steep is the climb to Swayambhunath?

The tour takes three hours total. The main climb is the 365 stairs from Bhagwan Pau to the top of Swayambhunath Hill. Your guide builds in a rest stop at the base before you start the ascent.

What's the difference between the private tour, small group tour, and private tour with transportation?

The private walking tour works for one person or a group of any size on foot. The small group tour caps at five people and focuses on the myths and legends. The private tour with transportation is limited to three people because of vehicle space, and includes pickup and dropoff by car.

Do I need to pay anything extra for entry to Swayambhunath Temple?

Yes, the entrance fee to Swayambhunath is 200 Nepali Rupees (about US$1.50), paid in cash directly to the temple authorities on the day of the tour.

What are the temples and shrines I'll see besides the main Swayambhunath stupa?

You'll visit the Indrayani Temple (one of eight sacred Matrikas), Bijeshwori Temple (sacred to Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims), the Harati Temple (with its story of transformation), a small Manjushree Temple with valley views, and Amideva Buddha Park with three giant Buddha idols. You'll also see the World Peace Pond and Shova Bhagawati shrine on the Bishnumati River.

When will the guide contact me after I book?

Your guide will reach out within 24 hours of your booking to confirm details and answer any questions before the tour.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

Yes, the operator offers a 100% refund for cancellations.