The Chandrigiri Hill Cable Car and Monkey Temple Tour offers an unforgettable experience in Kathmandu. Visitors can explore the iconic Swyambhunath Stupa, engage with Buddhist traditions, and ascend to Chandrigiri Hill via a scenic cable car. Atop the 2,551-meter hill, they’ll discover the revered Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple and a fascinating Thanka painting school. With knowledgeable guides and optional activities like zip lining, this tour promises an enriching day in the Kathmandu Valley. But what truly sets this experience apart is the chance to witness the captivating interplay between the natural and the spiritual.
Good To Know
- This tour features the Chandrigiri Hill Cable Car and Monkey Temple, allowing visitors to experience scenic cable car rides and explore cultural and historical sites.
- Highlights include the Swyambhunath Stupa, a Buddhist monastery with panoramic views, and the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple at an elevation of 2,551 meters.
- The tour includes a visit to a Thanka painting school, where visitors can learn about traditional Tibetan Buddhist art.
- Positive reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the overall experience, which can be customized with optional activities like zip lining.
- The tour can be booked with flexible pickup options and includes a professional guide, private transportation, and covered entrance fees for the Monkey Temple.
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Contents
- Good To Know
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Inclusions
- Pickup Information
- Tour Experience and Reviews
- Booking Information
- Exploring Swyambhunath Stupa
- Visiting Chandrigiri Hill
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?
- Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?
- Is Photography Allowed Inside the Temples?
- Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?
- What Should I Wear for the Best Experience?
- Sum Up
- Our Top Picks in Kathmandu
- More Tours in Kathmandu
- More Tour Reviews in Kathmandu
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Kathmandu we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
The Chandrigiri Hill Cable Car and Monkey Temple Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the cultural and historical highlights of Kathmandu, Nepal.
Located in the heart of the city, the tour takes travelers on a journey to the Swyambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, as well as the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple on Chandrigiri Hill.
Along the way, visitors can enjoy a scenic cable car ride and visit a Thanka painting school.
With a 5.0 rating from 8 reviews, the tour is suitable for cultural and historical exploration and is available year-round.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kathmandu.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour kicks off with a visit to the iconic Swyambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, where travelers can explore the Buddhist monastery and witness the iconic religious site.
Next, the tour takes visitors to Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple on Chandrigiri Hill, offering breathtaking views from 2,551 meters above sea level.
Along the way, guests can stop at a Thanka Painting School to learn about this traditional Nepalese art form.
The day’s highlights also include a scenic cable car ride up Chandrigiri Hill, providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding jungle, Kathmandu City, and the majestic Himalayas in the distance.
Inclusions
Typically, the tour includes a professional guide, private transportation, entrance fees for the Monkey Temple, and lunch.
The Chandragiri Cable Car ticket, which costs around $22 for a round trip, is also covered in the overall price. The cable car ride offers scenic views of the jungle, Kathmandu City, and the Himalayas.
The tour experience is highly recommended, with positive feedback on the knowledgeable guides and the overall experience. Visitors can explore temples, enjoy the views, and even opt for zip lining during the tour.
The tour is suitable for cultural and historical exploration and is available year-round.
Pickup Information
Pickup for the Chandrigiri Hill Cable Car and Monkey Temple Tour is available from hotels in Thamel or within a 5 kilometer radius.
Travelers can contact the tour operator via WhatsApp or email to arrange pickup details. This convenient option ensures a seamless start to the tour, allowing participants to focus on the upcoming cultural and historical exploration.
The tour guides are knowledgeable and provide a comprehensive experience, from the scenic Chandrigiri Hill cable car ride to the immersive visits at the Monkey Temple and other sites.
Pickup availability and flexibility contribute to the overall positive reviews received by this popular tour.
Tour Experience and Reviews
Recommended to start the tour at 7 am to 2 pm, the Chandrigiri Hill Cable Car and Monkey Temple Tour offers an immersive experience for cultural and historical exploration.
The cable car ride provides breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle, Kathmandu City, and the majestic Himalayas. Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience through their expertise.
The tour includes exploring temples, enjoying scenic vistas, and an optional zip lining activity, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the unique blend of cultural and natural wonders.
Booking Information
The Chandrigiri Hill Cable Car and Monkey Temple Tour is priced starting from $60.00 per person, with the cost varying based on the group size. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, and confirmation is received at the time of booking. While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it is stroller accessible, and infant seats are available to accommodate most travelers.
| Booking Information | |
|---|---|
| Price | Starting from $60.00 |
| Cancellation Policy | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour |
| Confirmation | Received at booking |
| Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible, but stroller accessible |
| Child Accommodations | Infant seats available |
Exploring Swyambhunath Stupa
During the tour, visitors embark on an exploration of the iconic Swyambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. This ancient Buddhist shrine sits atop a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley, offering a panoramic view of the city.
The tour includes a visit to the monastery, where visitors can observe the devotional rituals of Buddhist monks. The experience also features:
- Admiring the striking white dome and piercing golden spire of the stupa
- Witnessing the resident monkeys that lend the site its nickname
- Discovering the 365 stone steps leading to the top of the hill
- Exploring the numerous prayer wheels and statues surrounding the stupa
- Learning about the site’s historical and cultural significance from the knowledgeable tour guide.
Visiting Chandrigiri Hill
After exploring the iconic Swyambhunath Stupa, visitors embark on a cable car journey to the top of Chandrigiri Hill.
At an elevation of 2,551 meters, the hill offers breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley, lush forests, and the distant Himalayas.
The tour includes a visit to the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, a revered Hindu shrine located on the hilltop.
Visitors can also explore a Thanka painting school, where they can learn about the intricate Tibetan Buddhist art form.
The cable car ride and the scenic vistas from Chandrigiri Hill provide a perfect complement to the cultural and historical exploration of the Monkey Temple earlier in the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?
Based on the tour overview, it’s likely that bringing your own food is not encouraged. The tour includes lunch, so guests are expected to eat the provided meal. However, you may want to check with the tour operator if you have any dietary restrictions.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?
Yes, there are restroom facilities available during the tour. Restrooms can be found at the Swyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) and other key stops along the itinerary to ensure a comfortable experience for participants.
Is Photography Allowed Inside the Temples?
Photography is generally allowed inside the temples during the tour, but visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting religious activities. It’s recommended to check with the guide for any specific restrictions at each temple site.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?
Yes, you can typically extend the tour duration if needed. The tour provider is usually flexible and can accommodate requests to spend more time at the sites or add additional activities, subject to availability.
What Should I Wear for the Best Experience?
For the best experience, visitors should wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Dressing in layers is recommended, as temperatures may vary throughout the tour. Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are also advisable to protect against the sun.
Chandrigiri Hill Cable Car and Monkey Temple Tour
“Thank you to Mr. Prakash for the tour of the monkey temple and Kritipur. The detailed information provided and care taken of me was excellent. The …”
Sum Up
The Chandrigiri Hill Cable Car and Monkey Temple Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Ascending to the hilltop, visitors can explore the revered Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, observe Thanka painting, and enjoy optional activities like zip lining. With knowledgeable guides and a comprehensive itinerary, this tour promises an unforgettable experience in the Kathmandu Valley.
