Kathmandu · KATHMANDU TEMPLE AND MONASTERY TOURS

The 15 Best Temple and Monastery Tours in Kathmandu

26 tours  ·  from $11

Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Kopan are four completely different kinds of sacred place, and one afternoon can hold two of them. These 15 tours are compared on route, walking distance and what the guide is actually able to explain.

Kathmandu Spiritual Sites: Bodhnath & Pashupatinath Tour - Boudhanath Stupa: prayer wheels and butter lamps
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Kathmandu Spiritual Sites: Bodhnath & Pashupatinath Tour

1.Kathmandu Spiritual Sites: Bodhnath & Pashupatinath Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 185 reviews · from $60Our pick

This four-hour small-group tour links Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple by public transport and on foot. Your English-speaking Nepali guide explains Buddhist and Hindu customs, leads you through the evening Aarati ceremony, and helps you navigate the crowds. Guides may include Rita, Amit, Subash, or Bipin.

“You are an amazing guide Bipin. He knows this town, it's little alleyways and the best locations for that special photo. Loved it, recommend it.”

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Kathmandu: Nagarkot Sunrise and Hike Tour to Changu Narayan - Nagarkot sunrise and the Himalayan view
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Kathmandu: Nagarkot Sunrise and Hike Tour to Changu Narayan

2.Nagarkot Sunrise and Hike Tour to Changu Narayan

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 151 reviews · from $55

Leave Kathmandu before dawn for Nagarkot’s Himalayan sunrise, then walk about 12 kilometers through villages, forests, and small temples to Changu Narayan. Your private English-speaking guide sets the pace, explains local Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and helps turn a cloudy day into a worthwhile countryside outing.

“This is an easy and relaxed trail through several villages, tiny temples and a forest, that ends in colourful Changu Narayan Temple. We were guided by Razz that made the experience even more enjoyable by providing detailed information of the different temples, villages and spots seen on the way. Moreover, he gave us interesting insights on Buddhism and Hinduism. He really went on the extra mile to make us feel like a local.”

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From Kathmandu: Everest View from Nagarkot & hike to Changu - The three-hour walk from Nagarkot to Changu village
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From Kathmandu: Everest View from Nagarkot & hike to Changu

3.Everest View from Nagarkot & hike to Changu

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 140 reviews · 6 - 6.5 hours · from $43

Leave Kathmandu by private car for sunrise views from Nagarkot, then hike about three hours through farms, forests, villages, and a suspension bridge to Changunarayan Temple. Guides such as Sagar and Shekhar explain Nepalese culture, religion, plants, and history along the way.

“Nice hike with many good views, our guide explained us a lot about the nepalese culture and the landscape.”

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Kathmandu: Chandragiri Cable Car and Monkey Temple Tour - Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple and the meaning of the hilltop
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Kathmandu: Chandragiri Cable Car and Monkey Temple Tour

4.Chandragiri Cable Car and Monkey Temple Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 139 reviews · 5 hours

Travel by private car from Kathmandu to Chandragiri Hills for a 15-minute cable car ride, temple visit, Himalayan viewpoints, and momos. Then explore Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, with an English or Hindi-speaking guide. Optional ziplining and an overnight resort stay are available.

“Our tour guide, Sampada, was absolutely amazing. She was informative, punctual, and funny. She made sure to share great facts about both the temple and Chandragiri that made this tour a great first experience for us in Kathmandu. She even took the time to let us try Nepalese coffee between the two locations when we expressed at the start of our tour that it was one of our to do items while in Nepal. Our driver was also fantastic as well. We are so happy we booked this trip to start our adventure in Nepal and would highly recommend it to others.”

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Nagarkot Sunrise & Hike to Changu Narayan Day Tour from Kathmandu - A private ride makes the pre-dawn journey easier
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Nagarkot Sunrise & Hike to Changu Narayan Day Tour from Kathmandu

5.Nagarkot Sunrise & Hike to Changu Narayan Day Tour from Kathmandu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · from $25

Leave Kathmandu at 4:15am with an English-speaking guide such as Razz or Nutan, reach Nagarkot for sunrise, then walk through farmland and villages to Changu Narayan. Private transport, water, and the temple entrance are included. The 12-kilometer hike is moderate, with a no-hike option available.

“The excursion to Nagarcot to see the sunrise was great. The guide and the driver were on time, despite the 4 a.m. appointment. The car was comfortable, the driving safe and our guide, sorry I can't remember his name, friendly and prof”

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From Kathmandu: 2 Stupas and Kopan Monastery Spiritual Tour - Kopan Monastery: the heart of the experience
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From Kathmandu: 2 Stupas and Kopan Monastery Spiritual Tour

6.2 Stupas and Kopan Monastery Spiritual Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 115 reviews · 5 hours

Spend five hours visiting Jamchen Vijaya Stupa, Kopan Monastery, and Boudhanath Stupa with a private English-speaking guide. Expect hotel pickup, car transport, Buddhist teachings, time for meditation, and a chance to stop for Nepalese food. Guides have included Pooja, Karma, Aneel, Pranav, and Razz.

“The guide's explanations were very clear and easy to understand. The monastery was amazing. It was a great tour. The guide was great.”

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Lunch with Nuns - Monastery - Nagi Gumba and the view over Kathmandu
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Lunch with Nuns – Monastery

7.Lunch with Nuns – Monastery

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · from $135

Leave Thamel by car, pass Budhanilkantha, and hike 1 to 2 hours through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to Nagi Gumba. Your guide introduces Buddhist customs, then you meet resident nuns and share lunch with them. Hotel pickup, park fees, and lunch are included.

“So I've been volunteering for 2 months in Nepal and my mother came to visit me. Gap Nepal organized a whole trek for us to Poon Hill, everything was taking care of. Even if I got sick during the trek, they were super reactive and made it really easy for me and we were able to finish the trek in full health!”

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Mt Everest view from Nagarkot -hiking to Changu UNESCO site - The downhill walk through Nepalese villages
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Mt Everest view from Nagarkot -hiking to Changu UNESCO site

8.Mt Everest view from Nagarkot -hiking to Changu UNESCO site

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 64 reviews · from $47

Escape Kathmandu for a mostly downhill hike from 2,175-meter Nagarkot to Changu Narayan. Guides such as Shekhar and Sagar explain local culture, plants, religion, and history while you walk through villages and forest. Clear weather may reveal Everest, but the temple and countryside are the reliable rewards.

“1.5 hours through peak traffic, nice view of Kathmandu valley from tower. 1.5 hour trek, diner where we were supposed to have lunch was closed -assume it is permanently closed. Nothing special about the experience -guide was good and good communicator. Would I do it again -no. Not value for money.”

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Monkey Temple - Swayambhunath Tour - Private/Small Group - From Pumpernickel Bakery to Bhagwan Pau
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Monkey Temple – Swayambhunath Tour – Private/Small Group

9.Monkey Temple – Swayambhunath Tour – Private/Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · from $15

Walk from Thamel to Swayambhunath with a guide such as Santosh in a group of no more than five. Hear Hindu and Buddhist legends, climb 365 steps, visit neighborhood shrines, and see Kathmandu from the Monkey Temple hill. Bring cash for the 200-rupee entrance fee.

“Santosh took me through a walk in the neighborhood of Thamal on the way to monkey temple. A very enriching walk through the neighborhood to understand the past and current of Kathmandu that I'll recommend for anyone who's intere”

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Kathmandu: Pashupatinath Temple Evening Aarati Tour - Hotel pickup from Thamel, Boudhha, or central Kathmandu
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Kathmandu: Pashupatinath Temple Evening Aarati Tour

10.Pashupatinath Temple Evening Aarati Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · 3 hours · from $45

Spend three hours at Pashupatinath Temple with an English-speaking guide such as Ramesh, Rajat, or Anjan. Explore the temple complex, learn the meaning of Hindu rituals, then watch the Bagmati River Aarati with chants, bells, lamps, incense, and music.

“Our guide Rajat was amazing. He was very informative and was able to answer any questions we had. We learnt so much on this trip and it was a great insight into other cultures and traditions.”

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Temples and Stupas Tour in Kathmandu Valley - Boudhanath: prayer around the great stupa
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Temples and Stupas Tour in Kathmandu Valley

11.Temples and Stupas Tour in Kathmandu Valley

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · from $34

Spend seven hours with an English-speaking guide visiting Pashupatinath, Patan Durbar Square, and Boudhanath. Guides such as Deepa or Kalpana may lead the day. Transport is included, but entrance fees, meals, and hotel transfers are extra.

“This was a very good tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable, and never stopped teaching us about the history of Nepal and answering our questions, even during lunch! They were also kind enough to drop us off at our hotel after the tour even though they were not required to do so :”

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Chandragiri Cable Car & Monkey Temple Tour- Private/Group - The road from Thamel to Chandragiri
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Chandragiri Cable Car & Monkey Temple Tour- Private/Group

12.Chandragiri Cable Car & Monkey Temple Tour- Private/Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 5.5 hours

This 5.5-hour Kathmandu tour pairs a cable car ride to Chandragiri Hills with Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple. Expect hotel pickup, an English or Hindi-speaking guide, a packed lunch, Himalayan views when skies are clear, and guides such as Punam, Sajina, Asmita, and Sujan on recent departures.

“Had a great day thanks to my tour-guide Sujan and our driver. The cable car experience was great with amazing views of the peaceful, snowy mountains. My guide’s knowledge was very impressive. He mentioned important facts about the history of Nepal, its culture, religious variety and even politics. I truly enjoyed my day with him as he guided me throughout the whole experience. He was kind enough to take photos for me too! The lunch box was very tasty. Gave me enough energy to keep me going. Im glad I participated in this activity- it’s a must when visiting beautiful Kathmandu!”

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Private Chandragiri Cable Car and The Monkey Temple Tour - Swayambhunath, Kathmandu’s hilltop temple complex
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Private Chandragiri Cable Car and The Monkey Temple Tour

13.Private Chandragiri Cable Car and The Monkey Temple Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews

Spend about four hours with a private guide, transportation, cable car ride, temple visits, bottled water, and a vegetarian or chicken momo meal. Chandragiri offers mountain views and Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, while Swayambhunath adds Buddhist and Hindu sites above Kathmandu.

“We recommend this trip highly for those looking for a nice half day trip with a fun cable car ride, nice views of the city and surrounding hills and several interesting temple visits. On a day with less haze, views of the Himalayas would have”

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Kathmandu: Pashupatinath Temple Aarti Night Tour - Hotel pickup and the ride to the temple
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Kathmandu: Pashupatinath Temple Aarti Night Tour

14.Pashupatinath Temple Aarti Night Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 29 reviews · 3 hours · from $71

Visit Pashupatinath Temple after dark with hotel transport and an English-speaking guide. You’ll see the golden-roofed shrine, silver doors, Bagmati River ghats, and the evening aarti. Guide Madhu has led some departures, though your assigned guide may differ. The three-hour tour is private and wheelchair accessible.

“Super interesting visit to this Hindu temple. Learned an awful lot that was fascinating! Unfortunately our driver was quite late and we missed the beginning of the ceremony but it was still a good visit.”

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Kathmandu Heritage Tour – Private Full-Day UNESCO Sites & Temples - Swayambhunath and Kathmandu from the hilltop
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Kathmandu Heritage Tour – Private Full-Day UNESCO Sites & Temples

15.Kathmandu Heritage Tour – Private Full-Day UNESCO Sites & Temples

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 27 reviews · from $60

Spend 5 to 8 hours touring Kathmandu’s major Hindu and Buddhist sites in a private vehicle with a guide such as Krishna, Jamuna, or SuJan. See the Monkey Temple, living goddess Kumari, Pashupatinath cremation ghats, and Boudhanath. Hotel pickup, bottled water, and transport are included, but entrance fees are extra.

“Learned a lot. Krishna was very accommodating fluent in English language just need to talk slower. He knows the subject matter really well. Hard working”

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New in Kathmandu Temple and Monastery Tours

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