Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square in One Day: How the Tour Runs and What It Costs (2027)

Last updated 17 October 2026.

Short answer: Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square make the classic first day in Kathmandu: the hilltop stupa in the morning, lunch, then the old royal square in the afternoon, about five hours from hotel to hotel. Our Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square Day Tour costs USD 65 on Budget, USD 110 on Standard and USD 150 on Luxury per person for two to four people, with a private vehicle, a licensed heritage guide and both entrance fees included. Lunch is included on Standard and Luxury.

I am Shreejan. When people land in Kathmandu with one free day before a trek, this is the tour I suggest first. Both places are UNESCO World Heritage sites, both are still in daily use by the people who live around them, and both make far more sense with a guide who can tell you who built what and why it still matters.

Swayambhunath and Durbar Square at a glance

How does the day run?

Morning, Swayambhunath. We pick you up from your hotel and drive to the hill west of the old city. Swayambhunath is the stupa whose painted eyes look out over the whole valley. Pilgrims walk around it clockwise, spinning prayer wheels, and you are welcome to join them. Monkeys live on the slopes, which is why many visitors call it the Monkey Temple, so keep snacks and sunglasses in your bag. Your guide explains the stupa, the shrines around it and how Buddhist and Hindu worship sit side by side here.

Lunch. On Standard we stop at a good local restaurant, with tea or coffee. On Luxury lunch is at a good restaurant with all non-alcoholic drinks. Budget does not include lunch, and your guide will show you a good place to eat.

Afternoon, Kathmandu Durbar Square. We walk through the old royal square: the Hanuman Dhoka palace, the Taleju temple and the house of the Kumari, the living goddess. Your guide explains why the square still matters to the Newar people who live around it. Some buildings are still being restored after the 2015 earthquake, so part of the square may be screened off on the day. We drop you back at your hotel in the late afternoon.

What is the difference between Budget, Standard and Luxury?

All three include bottled water in the vehicle and a first aid kit with a pulse oximeter. Tips, shopping, drinks outside lunch and your hotel are not included.

What should I wear and bring?

• Comfortable shoes for steps and cobbles.
• Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples. Shoes come off at some entrances.
• Leather items are not allowed inside a few Hindu temples, so a cloth bag is easier.
• Your passport, a hat, sunscreen and a little cash for small offerings or a cup of tea.

What is the best time to visit?

Can I combine it with other places?

Yes. If you have two days, add our Pashupatinath and Boudhanath Day Tour or the Bhaktapur and Patan Day Tour. If you want all seven valley World Heritage sites, see the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour. My comparison of the Kathmandu Valley day tours helps you pick one or two. For more on each place, read my Swayambhunath guide and my Kathmandu Durbar Square guide.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Swayambhunath and Durbar Square tour take?

About five hours, from hotel pick-up in the morning to drop-off in the late afternoon, including lunch.

How many steps are there at Swayambhunath?

The main approach has 365 stone steps. If steps are hard for you, a road also reaches the top and we can drive you up.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes. The entrance fees for Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square are included on all three tiers, along with government taxes.

Can I see the Kumari, the living goddess?

We visit the house of the Kumari in Durbar Square, and your guide explains who she is and how she is chosen. Whether you see her on the day is not something we can promise.

Is the tour suitable for older travellers or children?

Yes. The pace is easy and the vehicle takes you close to both sites. We price children the same as adults.

Can I book it on the day I land?

If you land early in the morning it is possible, but most people enjoy it more the day after arrival. Message me and I will tell you what fits your flight.

How do I book?

Pay a 10 per cent deposit online to hold the date. The deposit is non-refundable and there is no refund if you cancel, but you can move your tour free with at least 72 hours notice to any date within one year. The balance is paid in Kathmandu, in USD or EUR, cash or card (card carries 3.5 per cent).

How do you plan this with us?

Message me on WhatsApp on +977 9810351300 with your date, how many of you there are and which tier you prefer. I will confirm the guide and send you the exact quote.

Written by Shreejan Simkhada, CEO of The Everest Holiday, from a family of three generations of family guides. TAAN Member #1586. WhatsApp +977 9810351300.