Swayambhunath Temple tour from Kathmandu: myths and 365 stairs

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/14

Duration3h

GroupUp to 5

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for 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.