• Pumpernickel Bakery - This will serve as the meeting point, located in the heart of Thamel. It takes about 30 minutes to reach Bhagwan Pau.

• 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, the story of how Indrayani acquired the name Luti Ajima and the tales of other Matrikas will be shared.

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

• Swoyambhu Bhagwan Pau - Known as the feet of Lord Buddha, Bhagwan Pau is located at the base of Swoyambhu hill, where the main entrance with 365 stairs begins. A short rest will be taken here to hydrate and prepare for the climb up the 365 stairs to reach the top of the hill and explore Swayambhunath Stupa.

• Swayambhunath Temple - This is the main highlight. Swayambhunath, the self-originated one, will be explored along with the history of its origin and that of the Kathmandu Valley. The tour will cover lore and legends about Manjushree, basics of Buddhism such as prayer flags, the five elements, the four noble truths, the eightfold path, and the thirteen steps to nirvana.

The various shrines, temples, and stupas around the Swayambhu premises encircling the stupa itself will be explored.

• Harati Ajima Temple - The unique Nepalese pagoda-style architecture of the temple will be explored, and the story of how the demon Harati became Mother Harati and why she is worshipped in the valley will be shared by our experienced tour guide.

• 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. Legends about how Kathmandu Valley transformed from a great lake into a city will be shared, along with a panoramic view of the western side of Kathmandu Valley. From here, the descent down Swayambhu Hill will lead to Amideva Buddha Park, which houses three large Buddha idols.

• Amideva Buddha Park - Featuring three gigantic idols of Amitabha Buddha (Amideva) at 67 feet in the center, Chenrezig, and Padmasambhava at 64 feet on either side. The park will be explored, and the story of Siddhartha Gautam, who became Gautam Buddha, Avalokitesvara, and The Precious Master will be shared.

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

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

• Pumpernickel Bakery - From Bhagwan Pau, the walk back to Kathmandu Eco Hotel, Thamel, the meeting point, will commence. Travelers wishing to explore Swayambhu further and return to the meeting point independently 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 participants admire the stunning ancient architecture along the route, a knowledgeable and friendly local guide will lead them 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. The 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.