# Swayambhunath Sunrise Walk

> The Swayambhunath sunrise walk takes you to Kathmandu's oldest Buddhist stupa at the most beautiful time of day. Climb the steep eastern stairway past stone Buddhas and playful monkeys, join local pilgrims spinning prayer wheels on the kora, and watch the sun rise over the Kathmandu Valley, with the Himalaya on the horizon on clear mornings.Hotel pick-up, guide, entry fee and breakfast included.

## Trip facts
- **Destination:** Nepal
- **Duration:** 1 days
- **Difficulty:** Easy
- **Activity:** Cultural walk
- **Max altitude:** About 1,420 m / 4,660 ft
- **Best season:** Year-round; clearest Oct–Apr
- **Group size:** 1–15 people
- **Accommodation:** None (half-day tour)
- **Meals:** Breakfast
- **Price:** from US$25 per person
- **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/swayambhunath-sunrise-walk
- **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=swayambhunath-sunrise-walk

## Overview
**Quick answer:** a half-day walk to Swayambhunath at dawn, back in Thamel by about 9 am, from US$25 per person including breakfast.

Swayambhunath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See our [Swayambhunath guide](/places/swayambhunath).

### At a glance

FactDetailsDurationAbout 3 hoursStartBefore sunrise, from your hotelHighlightsEastern stairway, stupa, valley viewsCostFrom US$25 per person

## Highlights
- Swayambhunath stupa at dawn
- The eastern stairway
- Morning kora with pilgrims
- Views over the Kathmandu Valley
- Breakfast with a view

## Day-by-day itinerary
### Day 1: Swayambhunath sunrise walk
Pick-up before dawn, short drive to the foot of the hill, climb the eastern stairway to the stupa for sunrise, walk the kora with pilgrims, then breakfast before returning to your hotel.
_Walking: 2–3 hours · Altitude: 1,420 m · Meals: Breakfast_

## What is included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Licensed guide
- Swayambhunath entry fee
- Breakfast
- All government and local taxes

## Not included
- Drinks
- Tips

## Useful information
### Monkeys

Keep food out of sight; the monkeys will grab it.

### Etiquette

Walk clockwise around the stupa and dress modestly.

## Packing list
- Comfortable shoes
- Warm layer for the early start
- Camera

## Frequently asked questions
### What time does the walk start?
Before sunrise; the time varies by season.

### How many steps are there?
About **365** on the eastern stairway.

### How much does it cost?
From **US$25 per person**.

### Why is it called the Monkey Temple?
Because of the monkeys that live on the hill.