Swayambhunath Monkey Temple Kathmandu

Detailed Travel Information

About Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple)

Perched atop a conical hill west of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath is one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal, dating back over 1,500 years. Famed for the hundreds of holy monkeys residing in its northwest forest grove, climbing its 365 ancient stone stairs rewards visitors with a glittering golden spire and panoramic views of the entire Kathmandu valley.

Visitor Advice & Tips: Climb the 365 stone stairs from the eastern base for a classic pilgrimage experience; taxi road also reaches the western upper gate.

How to Reach from Town: 3 km west of Thamel, Kathmandu.

Visiting Essentials

Entry Ticket ₹50 NPR for SAARC nationals, ₹200 NPR for foreign tourists
Opening Hours Open all day; best at sunrise and twilight
Best Time to Visit October to March
Taxi Accessibility Direct Road Pickup

Parent Destination

Kathmandu Valley

Cultural epicentre of Nepal with seven UNESCO World Heritage sites: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Durbar Squares.

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Free for Indian citizens; ₹1,000 NPR for foreign nationals 4:00 AM to 9:00

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One of the largest spherical Buddhist stupas in the world, the beating spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal.

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Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

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NPR 250 (SAARC), NPR 1,000 (Others) 10:00 AM – 5:

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Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple) — Cultural Significance, Spiritual Legacy & Architecture

About the Place & Historic Heritage

Perched atop a conical hill west of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath is one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal, dating back over 1,500 years. Famed for the hundreds of holy monkeys residing in its northwest forest grove, climbing its 365 ancient stone stairs rewards visitors with a glittering golden spire and panoramic views of the entire Kathmandu valley.

Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple) — Opening Hours, Photography Charges & Guide Availability

Visiting Timings, Ticket Prices & Entry Rules

Ancient hilltop stupa with all-seeing eyes of Buddha, golden spire, and sweeping 360-degree Kathmandu valley panoramas.

Quick Travel Specs

Destination Type
Verified Cabs Available 24/7
Permit Guidance 100% Assisted

Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple) — Directions from Town Center and Chauffeur Pickup

How to Reach & Local Cab Transfers

By Flight

Fly into Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Our chauffeur meets you at arrival gate with your name placard.

By Train

De-board at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Siliguri Junction for direct taxi connections into the hills.

By Private Cab

Smooth mountain drive in sanitized sedans or luxury Innova Crysta with verified hill drivers.

3 km west of Thamel, Kathmandu.

Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple) — Full Day and Half Day City Tour Cab Rates

Taxi Services to this Attraction

Salugara to Gajoldoba Teesta Barrage Taxi

Popular

4.9

Salugara to Gajoldoba Teesta Barrage Taxi

Chauffeur-driven private taxi transfer from Salugara to Gajoldoba & Dooars. Driven by verified native drivers via standard hill roads. Transparent fares, zero surge pricing, and door-to-door drop.

Cab Type: Innova Crysta / Dzire / SUV

₹1,400 FIXED TARIFF

25 km 40 Minutes Verified

View Details

Popular

4.9

Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling Taxi

Chauffeur-driven private airport taxi from Bagdogra Airport (IXB) to Darjeeling Town via scenic Rohini Highway. Doorstep pickup at terminal gate with flight delay tracking, sanitized cabs, and transparent rates.

Cab Type: Innova Crysta / Dzire / SUV

₹2,500 FIXED TARIFF

70 km 2.5 to 3 Hours Verified

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Popular

4.9

Bagdogra Airport to Mirik Lake Taxi

Direct private cab from Bagdogra Airport to Mirik Lake via Garidhura. Enjoy boating at Sumendu Lake, Bokar Monastery, and rolling tea gardens of Thurbo.

Cab Type: Innova Crysta / Dzire / SUV

₹2,200 FIXED TARIFF

52 km 1.5 Hours Verified

View Details

Popular

4.9

Bagdogra Airport to Kurseong Taxi

Chauffeur-driven taxi from Bagdogra Airport to Kurseong. Explore Makaibari tea factory, Eagle’s Crag, and historic British schools in comfort.

Cab Type: Innova Crysta / Dzire / SUV

₹2,000 FIXED TARIFF

48 km 1.5 Hours Verified

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Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple) — Comprehensive Sightseeing Itineraries

Tour Packages Covering this Spot

Mirik Lake & Pashupati Nepal Border 1-Day Excursion

Most Selling

4.9

Mirik Lake & Pashupati Nepal Border 1-Day Excursion

Scenic full-day mountain tour to Sumendu Lake in Mirik, rolling Tingling tea hills, Bokar Monastery, and the international Indo-Nepal border market at Pashupatinagar.

Cab Type: Hatchback / Sedan / SUV

₹1,200 pp BEST PRICE

Sightseeing Same Day (8 to 9 Hours)

View Package Details

Most Selling

4.9

Mirik Lake & Pashupati Nepal Border 1-Day Excursion

Experience the best of Darjeeling with our 1 Day holiday tour package. Includes private chauffeur-driven vehicle, fuel, tolls, and sightseeing.

Cab Type: Hatchback / Sedan / SUV

₹1,200 pp BEST PRICE

Sightseeing 1 Day

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Darjeeling Early Sunrise & 7-Point Sights 1-Day Tour

Most Selling

4.9

Darjeeling Early Sunrise & 7-Point Sights 1-Day Tour

Experience the best of Darjeeling with our 1 Day holiday tour package. Includes private chauffeur-driven vehicle, fuel, tolls, and sightseeing.

Cab Type: Hatchback / Sedan / SUV

₹1,600 pp BEST PRICE

Sightseeing 1 Day

View Package Details

Gajoldoba Teesta Barrage & Bengal Safari 1-Day Tour

Most Selling

4.9

Gajoldoba Teesta Barrage & Bengal Safari 1-Day Tour

Unbeatable budget day trip from Siliguri featuring the migratory bird paradise of Gajoldoba Teesta Barrage, open jeep wildlife safari at Bengal Safari Park, and Coronation Bridge.

Cab Type: Hatchback / Sedan / SUV

₹999 pp BEST PRICE

Sightseeing Same Day (6 to 7 Hours)

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100% Verified Customer Feedback

What Our Clients Say About Us

Discover firsthand experiences from families, solo wanderers, and honeymooners who relied on Siliguri Cab Rental for seamless airport transfers and high-altitude mountain circuits. Read transparent reviews on driver punctuality, fleet cleanliness, mountain driving safety, and zero-hidden-charge billing.

4.9 / 5 • Based on 850+ Google Reviews

Google Verified Review

"Exceptional Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling transfer!"

"Our flight into Bagdogra landed 40 minutes late, but our driver Rajesh was already waiting with a welcome board. The Innova Crysta was spotless, fresh, and drove safely through the winding Rohini ghats. Transparent fixed price with zero toll hassles. Truly the best cab service in Siliguri!"

RK

Rajesh Kumar

Travelled from New Delhi • Bagdogra to Darjeeling

Trip Date: Oct 2026

Google Verified Review

"Flawless 5N/6D North Sikkim & Gurudongmar Lake trip!"

"Booking our North Sikkim tour with Siliguri Cab Rental was the best decision. They handled all our Army permits for Gurudongmar Lake and Zero Point smoothly in Gangtok without us waiting in queues. Our Scorpio driver was skilled on snowy roads and very respectful with my parents."

SG

Sneha Gupta

Travelled from Kolkata • North Sikkim Tour

Trip Date: Sept 2026

Google Verified Review

"Very safe mountain driver & most affordable tariff"

"I compared prices with at least 5 cab agencies in Siliguri before booking. Siliguri Cab Rental gave the most genuine rate without any hidden charges for night halts or fuel surcharges. Driver Bhutia drove with extreme care during heavy rain on the Teesta highway."

AV

Ankit Verma

Travelled from Mumbai • Gangtok to Pelling

Trip Date: Aug 2026

Google Verified Review

"Tiger Hill Sunrise pickup at 3:45 AM was spot-on!"

"We were worried about finding a cab in Darjeeling at 3:30 AM for the Kanchenjunga sunrise. The driver arrived 15 minutes early with car heater on! He knew the shortcut road to avoid the traffic bottleneck near the summit gate. Excellent service, five stars without hesitation."

AD

Dr. Arindam Das

Travelled from Bangalore • Darjeeling 7-Point Sightseeing

Trip Date: July 2026

Google Verified Review

"Best experience for Dooars Wildlife Safari!"

"Booked an Ertiga cab for a 3-day trip to Lataguri, Gorumara, and Jaldapara forest reserves. The chauffeur was familiar with forest department timings and watchtower permits. Comfortable seating, great AC, and reasonable price. Will book them again for our Bhutan trip."

MS

Meera Sen

Travelled from Hyderabad • Dooars Jungle Circuit

Trip Date: June 2026

Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple) — Visitor Answers on Parking, Accessibility & Best Hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about visiting Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple), weather, taxi rates, permit rules, and sightseeing itineraries.

What are the visiting hours and entry fee for Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple)?

Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple) is generally open during Open all day; best at sunrise and twilight. The entry ticket fee is ₹50 NPR for SAARC nationals, ₹200 NPR for foreign tourists. We suggest visiting in morning hours for pleasant weather and optimal photography lighting.

What is the best time of year to visit Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple)?

The best season to visit Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple) is October to March, offering comfortable temperatures and crisp views of surrounding Himalayan landscapes.

How can I reach Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple) and are private cabs available?

3 km west of Thamel, Kathmandu.. Siliguri Cab Rental provides sanitized private cabs (Sedan, Ertiga, Innova Crysta) with seasoned hill chauffeurs for stress-free day tours to Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple).

What are the top visitor tips and guidelines for Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple)?

Climb the 365 stone stairs from the eastern base for a classic pilgrimage experience; taxi road also reaches the western upper gate.. Please respect local environmental guidelines, avoid littering, and keep a camera ready for scenic photo spots.

What is the taxi fare from Bagdogra Airport (IXB) and NJP to Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple)?

Private taxi fares from Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station start at ₹2,500 for comfortable Sedans (Swift Dzire/Etios) and ₹3,800 to ₹4,500 for luxury SUVs (Innova Crysta / Ertiga). All rates are pre-fixed with zero surge pricing.

Which months are the best time to visit Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple) for clear mountain views?

The prime seasons are March to May (pleasant spring weather with blooming rhododendrons and orchids) and October to December (crisp autumn skies offering uninterrupted, crystal-clear views of Mount Kanchenjunga). Winter months (December to January) offer chilly mountain charm and occasional snowfall in high-altitude belts.

Are special permits required to visit Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple) or nearby attractions?

Darjeeling and Dooars require no permits for domestic or international tourists. For destinations located in Sikkim (Gangtok, Pelling, Tsomgo Lake, and North Sikkim), Indian citizens require standard entry permits which our team arranges upon arrival using your Voter ID/Passport and photos.

How safe are the hill roads to Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple) during the rainy season?

Our entire fleet is driven exclusively by certified mountain chauffeurs with over 10 years of Himalayan driving experience. While monsoon brings lush greenery and waterfalls, our team actively monitors highway condition reports across Rohini Highway, Hill Cart Road, and NH10 to choose the safest, quickest alternative routes.

What are the top must-visit sightseeing attractions in and around Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple)?

Highlights include panoramic sunrise viewpoints, historical tea estates, heritage Himalayan Toy Train rides, sacred Buddhist monasteries, botanical gardens, and local cultural craft markets. Our drivers provide curated local itineraries so you don't miss any hidden gems.

What type of clothing should travelers pack for Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple)?

During summer and spring, light woolens and windcheaters are sufficient for evenings. In autumn and winter (October through February), heavy thermal innerwear, down jackets, woolen caps, and gloves are essential, especially for early morning sunrise excursions.

100% Verified Customer Feedback

What Our Clients Say About Us

Discover firsthand experiences from families, solo wanderers, and honeymooners who relied on Siliguri Cab Rental for seamless airport transfers and high-altitude mountain circuits. Read transparent reviews on driver punctuality, fleet cleanliness, mountain driving safety, and zero-hidden-charge billing.

4.9 / 5 • Based on 850+ Google Reviews

Google Verified Review

"Exceptional Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling transfer!"

"Our flight into Bagdogra landed 40 minutes late, but our driver Rajesh was already waiting with a welcome board. The Innova Crysta was spotless, fresh, and drove safely through the winding Rohini ghats. Transparent fixed price with zero toll hassles. Truly the best cab service in Siliguri!"

RK

Rajesh Kumar

Travelled from New Delhi • Bagdogra to Darjeeling

Trip Date: Oct 2026

Google Verified Review

"Flawless 5N/6D North Sikkim & Gurudongmar Lake trip!"

"Booking our North Sikkim tour with Siliguri Cab Rental was the best decision. They handled all our Army permits for Gurudongmar Lake and Zero Point smoothly in Gangtok without us waiting in queues. Our Scorpio driver was skilled on snowy roads and very respectful with my parents."

SG

Sneha Gupta

Travelled from Kolkata • North Sikkim Tour

Trip Date: Sept 2026

Google Verified Review

"Very safe mountain driver & most affordable tariff"

"I compared prices with at least 5 cab agencies in Siliguri before booking. Siliguri Cab Rental gave the most genuine rate without any hidden charges for night halts or fuel surcharges. Driver Bhutia drove with extreme care during heavy rain on the Teesta highway."

AV

Ankit Verma

Travelled from Mumbai • Gangtok to Pelling

Trip Date: Aug 2026

Google Verified Review

"Tiger Hill Sunrise pickup at 3:45 AM was spot-on!"

"We were worried about finding a cab in Darjeeling at 3:30 AM for the Kanchenjunga sunrise. The driver arrived 15 minutes early with car heater on! He knew the shortcut road to avoid the traffic bottleneck near the summit gate. Excellent service, five stars without hesitation."

AD

Dr. Arindam Das

Travelled from Bangalore • Darjeeling 7-Point Sightseeing

Trip Date: July 2026

Google Verified Review

"Best experience for Dooars Wildlife Safari!"

"Booked an Ertiga cab for a 3-day trip to Lataguri, Gorumara, and Jaldapara forest reserves. The chauffeur was familiar with forest department timings and watchtower permits. Comfortable seating, great AC, and reasonable price. Will book them again for our Bhutan trip."

MS

Meera Sen

Travelled from Hyderabad • Dooars Jungle Circuit

Trip Date: June 2026

Sightseeing & Landmark Guidance

Frequently Asked Questions on Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple)

Key information regarding visiting hours, entry fees, transport accessibility, and sightseeing itineraries.