Chandragiri Hill with Swayambhunath Stupa Day Tour

Chandragiri Hill with Swayambhunath Stupa Day Tour
Trip Information
  • Duration1 Day
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Max Altitude2 551m/8 369ft
  • ActivityTours
  • Group Size1+
  • Trip StartHotel
  • Trip EndHotel
  • Best TimeSept to June
Highlights
  • Explore Swyambhunath Stupa, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal.
  • Immerse yourself in the mystical environment of the Swyambhunath Stupa, where a strange harmony between two cultures, Hinduism and Buddhism, can be observed. 
  • Both areas offer a peaceful break from the city's bustle.
  • On clear days, the stunning Himalayan vistas are visible from Chandragiri Hill, offering a stunning backdrop.
  • Capture beautiful landscapes, ornate architecture, prayer flags, and the tranquil atmosphere that symbolizes both Swyambhunath and Chandragiri.
  • Make the best of your day by discovering spirituality, culture, and natural beauty all in one day.

Introduction: Swyambhunath and Chandragiri Day Tour 2024/2025.

Embark on a spiritual and religious excursion via Kathmandu's cultural, religious, and natural attractions.

Swyambhunath, often known as the Monkey Temple, is an ancient sacred place in the Kathmandu Valley. The Monkey Temple is a well-known and recognized landmark with cultural, historical, and religious significance for Buddhists and Hindus. On the other hand, Chandragiri Hill is a scenic hill station southwest of Kathmandu. It is well-known for its spectacular vistas of the Himalayan range and the Kathmandu Valley. Chandragiri Hill's main draw is its amazing panoramic landscapes. From the top of Chandragiri hill, visitors may enjoy a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley, complete with metropolitan scenery, terraced farmland, and ancient monuments. On clear days, the snow-capped Himalayan peaks provide a stunning backdrop, making for an unforgettable experience.

Swyambhunath Stupa is one of Nepal's oldest stupas, dating back over 2,000 years. The history is rife with legend and mythology. The stupa is said to have risen from a primitive lake, and the valley is said to have once been a lotus flower, with Swyambhunath at its center. The Swyambhunath Temple is regarded as a symbol of enlightenment and an important pilgrimage place for Buddhists because it is said to house the relics of Kashyapa Buddha. The stupa is an architectural wonder, with its iconic white dome topped by a golden shrine and covered with colorful prayer flags. The Buddha's eyes, painted on all four sides of the stupa, represent wisdom and compassion and protect all beings. Smaller shrines, temples, and statues surround the stupa, adding to the spiritual atmosphere.

The day tour begins with an hour-long drive to reach the city and valley outskirts of Thankot, a small town and gateway to Kathmandu from other parts of Nepal. Start a short walk to get into a cable car that takes you to the top of the scenic Chandragiri Hill. Enjoy the morning until mid-afternoon, overlooking spectacular views of snow peaks in the north with tiers of green hills that surround this beautiful spot. From here, on the same route with an exciting drive to reach the old and famous Swyambhunath and its stunning-looking dome stupa with the eyes of Buddha in four cardinal directions watching over the people for rights and wrongdoings. It is also a famous landmark of Kathmandu and Nepal; it stands with pride overlooking the valley and Kathmandu city. Swyambhunath, popularly known as Monkey Temple, Due to the many Rhesus species of monkeys that dwell around the Stupa premises and the lovely, cool forest that surrounds this old Buddhist monument,

After an enjoyable time, end the afternoon heading back to your hotel with a great, refreshing day on the Chandragiri Hill Day Tour with Swyambhunath Stupa.

chandragiri-hills

What makes the visit to Swyambhunath and Chandragiri worth it?

Holiday Tours Nepal shares several reasons why to go on a day trip towards Swyambhunath and Chandragiri Hill are:

Swyambhunath Temple:

  • Spiritual Importance: Swyambhunath is the most sacred and beloved Buddhist stupa of Nepal. For Buddhists, it has significant spiritual importance and serves as a place of meditation, worship, and reflection.
  • Historical Importance: This historic stupa is almost 2,000 years old. The historic significance and the stories the monkey temple holds from the past make it a fascinating destination to visit.
  • Cultural Exploration: Swyambhunath is a cultural treasure trove where you can see and even participate in numerous religious rituals and festivities. It's an opportunity to learn about Buddhist traditions and practices.
  • Architectural Beauty: With its white dome and golden spire, the Monkey Temple is an architectural masterpiece in and of itself. The all-seeing Buddha eyes painted on the spire add to its visual appeal. The surrounding structures, prayer wheels, and prayer flags add to the overall attractiveness.
  • Panoramic Views: Swayambhunath is located on the top of the hill providing amazing panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding mountains. It's an excellent location for photography and observing the peaceful scenery.
  • Monkey Temple: Swyambhunath has a lively and sacred monkey population, which provides a unique and lovely touch to the temple complex. The presence of a large number of monkeys makes your visit more memorable.
  • Cross-culture Harmony. 

Chandragiri Hill:

  • Stunning Mountain Views: Chandragiri Hill provides panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges Manaslu, Ganesh,Langtang, and Jugal. Seeing a snow-capped peak is amazing, and it is a highlight for many travelers.
  • Cable Car Adventure: The small journey to Chandragiri Hill begins with a thrilling cable car ride. The cable car ride to Chandragiri not only allows easy access to the hill but also provides a unique view of the lush area below.
  • Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple: A sacred Hindu sanctuary, the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple is located at the top of the Chandragiri hill. The architectural splendor and religious significance of the Bhaleshwor temple make it a worthwhile stop on your tour.
  • Nature Retreat: Chandragiri Hill is a tranquil relaxation from Kathmandu Valley's hustle and bustle. It is a perfect spot to unwind, relax, and connect with nature, surrounded by lush trees and a tranquil environment.
  • Hiking Opportunities: If you like to hike, Chandragiri has hiking paths that wind through the beautiful forested area. These pathways allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of the area on foot.
  • Adventure Activities: In addition to stunning scenery, Chandragiri Hill offers opportunities for adventure lovers. There are hiking trails, zip lines, and other outdoor activities accessible.

Combining visits to Swyambhunath and Chandragiri Hill allows you to explore both the spiritual and natural sides of Nepal. It's the right blend of cultural exploration and outdoor adventure, creating an unforgettable and varied tour experience.

swayambhu-nath-monkey-temple

When is the best time to visit Swyambhunath and Chandragiri?

Swyambhunath and Chandragiri Hill can be visited at any time of year. Seasonally, the best time to visit Swyambhunath and Chandragiri Hill is during the autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November) seasons in Nepal.

The monsoon season (June to August) typically brings considerable rains, which can cause landslides and obscured views. The paths could turn slick and unsafe. If you choose to travel during the monsoon season, check the weather prediction before departing.

The weather gets cold and freezes throughout the winter season (December-February). However, it is best to travel to the place. You might find snow on the Chandragiri hill.

If you visit Swyambhunath and Chandragiri Hill during the festival, you will be able to enjoy both the spiritual and natural aspects of Nepal. It's the right blend of cultural exploration and outdoor adventure, creating an unforgettable and varied tour experience.  People typically visit during Dashain, Tihar, Loshar, Buddha Jayanti, and so on.

Remember that festival seasons may bring more people, so plan accordingly if you want a more calm and relaxed visit. Immersing oneself in the local culture and traditions during these festivals, on the other hand, can be a memorable and gratifying experience.

Is a cable car ride to Chandragiri Hill safe?

The cable car rides to Chandragiri Hill are usually safe and well-run. In general, the authorities and operators of such tourism destinations in Nepal are concerned about guest safety. 

Furthermore, there are other important factors Holiday Planer Nepal suggests you consider before embarking on your journey.

  • Study the Weather: Sometimes due to inclement weather, such as strong rain, severe winds, or lightning, the ride may not be successful. Before departing towards your destination, check the weather forecast.
  • Weight restrictions: You need to check the weight limits and keep in mind the cable car operator's weight restrictions. Overcrowding on the cable car could be hazardous. The distance from the cable car stand to the destination is around 2.4 km.
  • Hold on: While inside the cable car, hold on to the handrails or other marked areas to ensure your stability. Do not move here and there to avoid misbalance.
  • Stay Calm: Try to stay calm throughout the drive to avoid any unexpected movements that could lead to an accident.
  • Take Precautions: If you are prone to motion sickness or have other health issues, see your doctor before riding the cable car.

Where does the trip begin and end?

As we begin our day, the trip to Swyambhunath Temple and Chandragiri Hills starts from your hotel, where a representative from our company will be there to receive you in the lobby of the hotel. As the tour is inside the Kathmandu Valley, you will begin your trip after your breakfast. (You can even start before your breakfast). After, we take a car ride from the hotel towards Thankot. From Thankot, we take a 2.5-kilometre cable car ride towards Chandragiri, which is situated at an altitude of 2551 meters. There, we can visit the temple and see the 360-degree view of the valley and the gorges around it. After spending some time there we visited the UNESCO heritage site Swyambhunath. Swyambhunath is famous for its cultural and historical importance. Spending some time at the Monkey Temple, we will take some lunch as per the client's preference and then take a ride back towards the hotel, where the trip will end.

Why Choose Holiday Planer Nepal (Holiday Tours Nepal) for Chandragiri Hill with Swayambhunath Stupa Day Tour?

For many years Holiday Planer Nepal has provided top-class services to clients. Choosing us for your Nepal trip might be a sensible selection for a number of reasons:

  • Local Tour Operator: Holiday Planner Nepal has an extensive understanding of Nepal's geography, culture, and tourist sites. Our knowledge ensures that our clients have a genuine and immersive experience.
  • Customization Itinerary: We even provide customized trip packages based on your interests, choices, and budget. We can customize a trip to your interests, whether they be adventure, culture, or nature.
  • Professional Guides: We owe skilled and experienced local guides who can provide significant insights into Nepal's history, culture, and traditions. They improve your trip experience by sharing their knowledge. They do provide top-class services and detailed knowledge about your trip.
  • Safety: Travelling in Nepal, particularly in remote locations, can be dangerous and inconvenient sometimes. Holiday Planner Nepal prioritizes your safety and comfort by taking care of transportation, accommodations, and logistics.
  • Tour alternatives: We provide a diverse choice of tour alternatives, ranging from hiking in the Himalayas to cultural tours in Kathmandu and beyond. We offer a tour to suit your interests, whether you are an adventurer or a cultural explorer.
  • Sustainability: Holiday Planner Nepal is dedicated to responsible and sustainable tourism. We promote environmentally sustainable practices and assist local people, ensuring that your stay has a good impact on the area.
  • Local Connections: Being a local operator, we have strong connections with local communities, which can lead to unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
  • Easy Booking: Booking a tour with Holiday Planner Nepal is simple and easy. We have different facilities that help you with visas, airport transportation, and other parts of your vacation.
  • Customer Feedback: If you go for the reviews and comments for the services we provide, we are always positively reviewed by our clients. You can even look for internet reviews and comments from prior customers who used our services. When selecting a trip operator, positive comments from delighted consumers can bring peace of mind.
  • Flexibility: We are more flexible in case travel plans can change, and they are often flexible in accommodating changes to your itinerary or schedule.

Working with a reputable and experienced tour operator like Holiday Planner Nepal when planning a trip to Nepal will enhance your overall travel experience and help you make the most of your time in this beautiful and diverse nation.

Itinerary
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8 a.m to 12 p.m: Drive to Chandragiri and ride on a cable car and enjoy the day.

Morning after breakfast, an interesting drive to on the outskirt from Kathmandu city to reach the western valley rim.

On arrival at Thankot, a small town and the exit and entry point to Kathmandu city and the valley. From here short drive and walk for 10 minutes ride on cable car, after a pleasant then reach Chandragiri Hill one of the highest hill that surrounds Kathmandu valley at an altitude above 2,551 meters and 8369 feet high.

At Chandragiri, enjoy spending time around the Fun Park with refreshing time overlooking the panorama of Himalayan peak, from Manaslu, Ganesh with Langtang Himal range, extends further east towards Jugal Himal with Dorji Lakpa and Gaurishankar, as far towards Everest range of mountains.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m: Lunch break at leisure around Chandragiri Fun Park.

With time at Chandragiri to visit the temple, located on top Chandragiri hill, where once stood an idol of Lord Shiva, after a time here having lunch break at Chandragiri Resorts restaurants, and then back to the car park near Thankot after a short ride on a cable car.

1: 30 p.m to 2 p.m: Drive to Swambhunath Stupa for an hour tour.

From Thankot, drive takes you to wonderful site at Swambhunath Stupa perched on a hillock surround with green forest where many Rhesus monkey dwells, and thus the name Monkey Temple.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m. At Swayambhunath Stupa for an hour visit.

Swambhunath Stupa, dates back as far to 460 A.D. stands above Kathmandu west of the valley and city rim, a famous landmark of the country. Enjoy grand views of Kathmandu city and the valley with snow peaks in the north.

Swayambhunath and the Stupa with fascinating mystical eyes of Lord Buddha on the four cardinals, visit the monastery with the largest image of Sakyamuni Buddha, behind the hill a small temple dedicated to Lord Manjushree the patron god of Kathmandu valley.

Who drained the lake with a mighty sword and made the valley possible for people to settle on the fertile land.

3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: End of the tour and back at the hotel.

Enjoying marvelous and interesting time at ancient Swayambhunath a short walk down to the car park, and then drive back to your hotel after a glorious Chandragiri Hill Day Tour with Swayambhunath Stupa.

    Route Map

    Chandragiri Hill with Swayambhunath Stupa Day Tour map
    Cost Details
    What's Included
    • Professional local Tour Guide of Kathmandu city.
    • All transfer and sightseeing tour by private deluxe Car / Coach with Air condition
    • pack lunch 
    What's not Included
    • Tour Entrances fees of the monuments
    • Nepal visa- USD 25 upon arrival, at the airport, bring 2 Passport size photos
    • All accommodation and meals in Kathmandu 
    • Travel insurance
    • Air fare and airport tax
    • Special Drinks
    • Cost of personal nature such as laundry, telephone, Tips etc.
    • Cost not mentioned in above list
    Availability
    • The trip departs everyday around the year
    • The trip and trek is fully customizable we can customize the trip according to the need and necessity of our clients
    • The trip is available for solo travelers group travelers and private travelers
    • We organize the trip for a large group and can provide service for a group of 100+ members as well
    • If the given date are not appropriate for the travllers and trekkers the trip can be conducted on the custom date provided by our clients
    • Holiday tours Nepal advises all our clients to book at least 7 days prior so all the arrangements can be done in time.

    Contact us at [email protected] or send us a text at +977-9816710843 or +977-9818178630 we are available 24/7 on whatsapp viber wechat for additional informations.

    Chandragiri Hill with Swayambhunath Stupa Day Tour FAQs

    • According to the Swyambhu Purana, it is believed that the entire valley was previously filled with a massive lake from which a lotus grew. The lotus later became Swayambhu, which means "Self-Created." The name derives from a self-existent eternal light (Swyambhu) over which a spa was later built.

    • Yes, there are different food options as per your preference and choice.

    • Yes, you are allowed to take photos and videos at both locations. Still, you need to consider certain rules and regulations. Be respectful and seek permission before taking photographs.

    • Yes, the Monkey Temple, also known as Swyambhunath, was a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Swyambhunath is known for its cultural and historical importance, as well as its distinctive architectural and spiritual value. It has been recognized worldwide and preserved as part of Nepal's cultural heritage as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    • Swyambhunath is known as the "Monkey Temple" because of the enormous number of monkeys that live in the temple complex and its surrounding environments. These monkeys are frequently seen walking around the stupa and the hill it rests on.

    • Normally, you are charged around Rs. 200 as the entrance fee for Swyambhunath Temple.

    • Swyambhunath and Chandragiri Hill transportation is easily accessible. You can get local transport from the main street to Swyambhunath and even to Chandragiri Hill. But you can talk to your tour operator about the private vehicle and make your tour easier.

    • Swyambhunath is well-known for its spiritual importance, historical significance, architectural beauty, panoramic views, and function as a symbol of religious tolerance and acceptance. Besides Swyambhunath Temple is famous for the religious harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism. 

    • Swyambhunath Stupa is one of Nepal's oldest stupas, dating back over 2,000 years.

      • Nepali- Rs. 750
      • Indian- Rs. 1150-1200
      • Foreigner-USD 20
    • Yes, both Swyambhunath and Chandragiri have tourist restrooms. In some situations, you may have to pay some amount for restroom use.

    • No, we cannot see Mount Everest from Chandragiri Hill. But we can observe the panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal, and so on.

    • We worship Lord Shiva at Chandragiri Hill. There is a temple named Bhaleshwor on Chandragiri Hill, especially for the Lord Siva. 

    • From Chandragiri Hill, we can observe the Himalayan mountain ranges like Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang, Jugal, and so on. 

    • Chandragiri Hill is famous for its panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal. Seeing a snow-capped peak is amazing, and it is a highlight for many travelers. Besides it is also famous for cable car adventure, Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple, nature retreat, hiking opportunities, adventure activities and so on. 

    • Bhaleshwor Mahadev is a Hindu temple on the Chandragiri hill in Kathmandu Valley. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

    • Chandragiri Hill lies in the capital city of Nepal Kathmandu. Chandragiri Hill is located 16 km from the central Kathmandu. We take a 2.5-kilometer cable car journey from Thankot to Chandragiri, which is located at an elevation of 2551 metres.

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