Kathmandu: Monkey Temple and Chandragiri Cable Car Ride Tour

Kathmandu’s cultural tapestry unfolds through the "Monkey Temple and Chandragiri Cable Car Ride Tour." This comprehensive day excursion immerses visitors in the city’s harmonious blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Soar above the landscape on a two-hour cable car ride to Chandragiri Hill, where panoramic vistas await. Explore the iconic Swoyambhunath, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and discover its captivating stupas and shrines. With seamless hotel transfers, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Nepal’s cultural heritage. What lies in store for those who embark on this unforgettable journey?

Key Points

• Full-day adventure to Monkey Temple and Chandragiri, priced from $87 per person and offered in English.
• Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, private transportation, certified guide, cable car tickets, and entrance fees.
• Offers panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and Himalayas, and immerses visitors in Hindu and Buddhist heritage.
• Features a guided exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple).
• Not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This Kathmandu tour offers a full-day adventure to the iconic Monkey Temple and a scenic cable car ride at Chandragiri. Priced from $87 per person, the tour lasts one day and is offered in English.

It’s a private group option, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, a certified guide, cable car tickets, and entrance fees.

A private group tour with free cancellation, offering hotel pickup/drop-off, private transportation, a certified guide, cable car tickets, and entrance fees.

Highlights include panoramic valley and Himalayan views, exploration of Hindu and Buddhist heritage, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility impairments.

Itinerary

The tour begins with hotel pickups from Lalitpur and Kathmandu.

Next, guests embark on a 2-hour scenic cable car ride to the top of Chandragiri Hill. At the hilltop, they’ll visit the Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple and enjoy the serene environment.

The tour then ascends to the iconic Monkey Temple (Swoyambhunath), where a 2-hour guided exploration awaits. Guests will discover the ancient stupa, shrines, and prayer wheels while taking in panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley.

Itineraries are subject to change, and the tour concludes with drop-offs back at the original pickup locations.

Highlights

Breathtaking panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and Himalayas await guests on this tour.

The exploration of natural and cultural beauty in one day is a highlight. Visitors will enjoy Hindu and Buddhist traditions by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Swoyambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple.

This iconic temple complex features a large white stupa, numerous shrines, prayer wheels, and resident monkeys. Guests will have the opportunity to ascend to the hilltop and enjoy the stunning vistas overlooking the Kathmandu Valley.

Tour Details

Starting with hotel pickup, the tour departs for Chandragiri.

Guests embark on a scenic cable car ride to the hilltop, where they’ll visit the Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple and enjoy the serene environment.

Next, they ascend to the iconic Monkey Temple, or Swoyambhunath. Here, a guided tour allows exploration of the ancient stupa, shrines, and prayer wheels.

A guided tour of the ancient Swoyambhunath stupa, shrines, and prayer wheels offers exploration of this iconic Monkey Temple.

Throughout the day, travelers bask in panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and the majestic Himalayas.

The tour concludes with drop-off at the original pickup locations in Lalitpur and Kathmandu.

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Inclusions and Requirements

This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private car transportation, a certified city tour guide, roundtrip cable car tickets, and entrance fees to the monuments.

Guests should bring their passport, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a camera and water. A copy of the passport is required for entry to some sites.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. Please note that opening hours are subject to change.

The government tax and service charge are included in the tour price. Travelers must provide a copy of their passport for this tour.

Breathtaking Panoramic Views

When guests ascend the Chandragiri Cable Car, they’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and the majestic Himalayan mountain range.

From the hilltop, they can admire the sprawling city below and the snow-capped peaks in the distance. This cable car ride offers a unique perspective, allowing visitors to see the natural beauty and urban landscape in one sweeping view.

It’s an ideal way to start the tour, setting the stage for the exploration of Kathmandu’s cultural and religious heritage at the Monkey Temple later in the day.

Immersion in Hindu and Buddhist Traditions

Although the Chandragiri Cable Car offers breathtaking views, the true highlight of this tour lies in the immersion into Kathmandu’s rich tapestry of Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

The centerpiece is the Swoyambhunath, commonly known as the Monkey Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors will explore the ancient stupa, shrines, and prayer wheels, learning about the syncretism of the two faiths.

The ancient Swoyambhunath, the Monkey Temple, offers insight into the syncretism of Hinduism and Buddhism in Kathmandu.

The serene environment of the Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple further immerses guests in spiritual contemplation.

This tour provides a unique opportunity to witness the harmonious coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhism, central to Kathmandu’s cultural identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour information doesn’t mention any restrictions, so you’re free to pack your own snacks and beverages to enjoy during the day.

Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Monkey Temple?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors are advised to wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees when visiting the Monkey Temple. This shows respect for the religious site.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Add Extra Activities?

Customers can extend the tour duration or add extra activities, but they’ll need to coordinate this directly with the tour operator. Additional fees may apply, and availability will depend on the specific request and tour schedule.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts specifically for students or seniors. However, they may be willing to negotiate the price for larger groups or bookings made well in advance. It’s best to inquire directly about any special offers.

How Often Do the Cable Cars Run and What Is the Capacity?

The cable cars run continuously throughout the day, with a capacity of around 40 passengers per car. Passengers can expect an average wait time of 10-15 minutes to board the next available cable car.

The Sum Up

The "Monkey Temple and Chandragiri Cable Car Ride Tour" offers a unique opportunity to experience Kathmandu’s rich cultural heritage. The scenic cable car ride to Chandragiri Hill provides breathtaking panoramic views, while the exploration of the iconic Swoyambhunath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, immerses visitors in the harmonious blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. This full-day adventure with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off is a must-do for those seeking to discover the essence of Nepal’s cultural tapestry.

You can check availability for your dates here: