Swayambhu Mahachaitya
Nepal, Bagmati Province · Nepal travel guide
Monkey Temple
Ancient hilltop Buddhist complex offering panoramic city views, sacred monuments, cultural heritage, and vibrant religious traditions.
Plan your visit
| Time to spend | About 2 h (1.5–3 h) |
|---|---|
| Best time of day | 6–8:30 AM — morning prayers, sunrise over the valley, cooler climb |
| Avoid | 11:30 AM–2:30 PM — strong sun on exposed steps, tour crowds |
| Best months | Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov |
| Months to avoid | Jun–Aug |
| Entry fee | NPR 50 |
| Setting | Outdoor |
| Effort | Some walking — ~365 steps from the east stairway; monkeys snatch food |
| Good for | Families, Kids, Couples, Solo, Groups |
| Rating | 4.6 / 5 on Google (20,915 reviews) |
Clear mountain views October to April; steps are slippery in monsoon.
Frequently asked questions
How much time do you need at Swayambhu Mahachaitya?
Most visitors spend about 2 h; 1.5–3 h depending on pace.
What is the best time to visit Swayambhu Mahachaitya?
6–8:30 AM, for morning prayers, sunrise over the valley, cooler climb. The best months are Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov.
What is the entry fee for Swayambhu Mahachaitya?
NPR 50 for Indian adults.
Is there a dress code at Swayambhu Mahachaitya?
Modest dress; walk clockwise around the stupa
More things to do in Nepal
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Everest Base Camp Treks and Expeditions
- Buddha Stupa
- Changu Narayan Temple
- Gosainkunda
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Chandragiri Hills Ltd.
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square