• Kathmandu Eco Hotel - This will serve as our meeting location. We will gather here, wait for 15 minutes to assemble all travelers, refill our water bottles, and then proceed towards SwayambhuNath. The walk to Bhagwan Pau takes about 30 minutes.

• Indrayani Temple - Legend has it that in the 13th century, when Licchavi King Gunakamdev founded Kathmandu city, he established eight Matrikas in the form of Khadga. This temple of Indrayani, also known as Luti Ajima, is one of them. Along the way, we will learn how Indrayani acquired the name Luti Ajima and hear stories of the other Matrikas.

• P872+H7H - Bijeshwori Temple holds significance for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees. It is a major pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists due to its Buddhist affiliation. Some Hindu followers also consider it a sacred Shaktipeeth. More details will be shared during the tour.

• Bhagwan Pau Gold Silver Jewelry Shop - Known as the feet of Lord Buddha, Bhagwan Pau is located at the base of Swoyambhu hill, where the main entrance with 365 steps begins. We will take a short break, hydrate, and prepare to climb the 365 steps to reach the top of the hill and explore SwayambhuNath Stupa.

• Swayambhunath Temple - This is our main highlight. Swayambhunath, the self-originated one, will be explored in depth. We will learn about the origin of Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Valley, as well as delve into the lore and legends of Manjushree. Basics of Buddhism, such as prayer flags, the five elements, the four noble truths, the eightfold path, and the thirteen steps to nirvana, will also be covered.

We will explore the various shrines, temples, and stupas around the Swayambhu premises, encircling the stupa itself.

• Harati Ajima Temple - Discover the unique Nepalese pagoda-style architecture of the temple. Our knowledgeable tour guide will share the story of how the demon Harati transformed into Mother Harati and why she is worshipped by people in the valley.

• World Peace Pond - Located on the western side of the Swayambhunath Temple, the World Peace Pond features a brass statue of Buddha standing on a lotus flower in the center. The words on the wall, written in English and Nepali, read “May Peace Prevail On Earth.”

• Manjushree Temple - A small temple dedicated to Maha Manjushree on Swayambhu Hill. We will explore legends about how Kathmandu Valley transformed from a great lake into a city and enjoy a panoramic view of the western side of Kathmandu Valley. From here, we will descend Swayambhu Hill and head towards Amideva Buddha Park, which houses three large Buddha idols.

• Amideva Buddha Park - Amideva Buddha Park features three enormous idols: Amitabha Buddha (Amideva) at 67 feet in the center, with Chenrezig and Padmasambhava at 64 feet on either side. We will stroll around the park and share the story of Siddhartha Gautam, who became Gautam Buddha, Avalokitesvara, and The Precious Master.

This is our final stop before circling Swoyambhu Hill towards Bhagwan Pau and returning to the meeting point, where our tour concludes.

• Bhagwan Pau Gold Silver Jewelry Shop - After visiting Amideva Buddha Park, we will walk around the base of Swayambhu Hill and proceed to Bhagwan Pau.

• Shova Bhagwati Temple - Shova Bhagawati is a revered shrine dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, located on the banks of the Bishnumati River in Kathmandu, Nepal. This temple is one of the four major Bhagwati temples in Kathmandu, built during the Licchavi period. More about its religious and historical significance will be shared during the tour.

• Kathmandu Eco Hotel - From Bhagwan Pau, we will return to Kathmandu Eco Hotel, Thamel, our meeting point. Travelers who wish to explore Swayambhu further and return to the meeting point on their own may conclude the tour at any time.

• English speaking guide

• Tea and coffee
• Entrance fee Swayambhunath is 200 Rupees (about US$1.50) in cash paid directly to Temple authorities

This intimate tour, limited to a maximum of 5 participants, delves into the myths and legends surrounding Swayambhunath and the origins of the Kathmandu Valley. As you admire the stunning ancient architecture along the way, a knowledgeable and friendly local guide will escort you through the neighborhoods of Swayambhu and Saraswotithan. The highlight of this tour is the Swayambhunath Temple, one of Nepal’s most sacred Buddhist stupas, perched on a hilltop in the heart of Kathmandu. Your guide will provide deeper insights into the site, particularly during religious ceremonies.

The youth price applies to students with a valid student card.

• Travelers with severe asthma and knee problems are not advised to join the tour.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.