
Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 25 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour worth booking?
Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour is a 5-hour experience in Kathmandu, Nepal, from $5 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 25 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (25)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $5 per person
This tour offers a rare combination of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and spiritual insight—all within a convenient half-day format. The scenic cable car ride to Chandragiri Hills provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas and Kathmandu Valley, making it one of the few places where you can enjoy such vistas without a long hike. The peaceful hilltop temple adds a serene and spiritual atmosphere to the journey. What sets this tour further apart is the visit to the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in history and symbolism. Combined with professional guiding, hotel pickup, and a refreshing lunch box, this tour—offered in group, private, or all-inclusive formats by Relax Getaways—delivers comfort, cultural depth, and unforgettable experiences in just a few hours.
What you get
About this experience
This tour offers a rare combination of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and spiritual insight—all within a convenient half-day format. The scenic cable car ride to Chandragiri Hills provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas and Kathmandu Valley, making it one of the few places where you can enjoy such vistas without a long hike. The peaceful hilltop temple adds a serene and spiritual atmosphere to the journey. What sets this tour further apart is the visit to the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in history and symbolism. Combined with professional guiding, hotel pickup, and a refreshing lunch box, this tour—offered in group, private, or all-inclusive formats by Relax Getaways—delivers comfort, cultural depth, and unforgettable experiences in just a few hours.
What's included
Included
- Pick up from & drop off at hotel by private vehicle.
- All-Inclusive Option (if Selected): Includes Lunch Box, soft drinks, & Cable car ticket & entry fee
- English-speaking professional tour guide.
- Lunch box: Water (500ml bottled water), Muffin, Donut, Banana, Seasonal Fruit, and Juice.
- Air-conditioned private transportation.
Not included
- Entrance fees to sightseeing monuments (applicable for Group and Private Tour options only).
- Fees For SAARC Nationals: Total: USD 10 per person (Chandragiri Cable Car & Swayambhunath)
- Personal expenses.
- Tips.
What you'll see and do
Chandragiri Hills is a scenic hilltop destination located on the southwestern outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, approximately 2,500 meters above sea level. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including peaks like Everest, Annapurna, and Manaslu on clear days. Accessible via a modern cable car ride that lasts around 10–15 minutes, the journey itself is a highlight, soaring over lush forests and offering stunning valley vistas. At the top, visitors can explore the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, a sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva with historical and spiritual significance. The hilltop also features landscaped gardens, a children’s playground, souvenir shops, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. Chandragiri Hills is a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and family-friendly recreation, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking peaceful ambiance and majestic views away from the city bustle.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Swoyambhu Mahachaitya
Swayambhunath Stupa, commonly known as the Monkey Temple, is one of the most iconic and ancient religious sites in Nepal. Perched atop a hill in western Kathmandu, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a 360-degree view of Kathmandu Valley and is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. Dating back over 2,500 years, the central stupa features a brilliant white dome topped with a gilded spire, upon which the all-seeing eyes of Buddha gaze out in four directions. The site is adorned with prayer flags, spinning wheels, and smaller shrines and temples, reflecting a rich blend of Vajrayana Buddhist and Hindu architectural influences. The nickname “Monkey Temple” comes from the sacred monkeys that inhabit the site, adding a lively and unique character to the spiritual atmosphere. With its deep historical roots, sacred symbolism, and elevated location, Swayambhunath offers visitors a profound cultural experience and a peaceful retreat from the city's chaos.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Private Tour
Chandragiri and Monkey Temple: Private transportation with a dedicated guide, flexible start time, personalized experience, and lunch box included. Duration: 5 hours: Approximately 5 to 6 hours. Route of tour: Hotel → Chandragiri Cable Car Station → Chandragiri Hills → Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) → Hotel Private Vehicles: Air-conditioned private car, SUV, or van based on group size and preference. Pickup included
Private Chandragiri Tour Only
Pickup included
Group Tour / Shared Tour
Group Joining Tour: Small Group, shared AC transportation with a professional guide, fixed 9 am and 1 PM departure, and a lunch box included. Duration: 5 hours: Approximately 5 to 6 hours. Route of tour: Hotel → Chandragiri Cable Car Station → Chandragiri Hills → Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) → Hotel Vehicle type: Air-conditioned private car, van, or minibus (based on group size). Pickup included
All Inclusive Option
All Inclusive Private Tour: Private transportation with a guide, flexible start time, all entrance fees included, and a lunch box with soft drinks. Duration: 5 hours: Approximately 5 to 6 hours. Route of tour: Hotel → Chandragiri Cable Car Station → Chandragiri Hills → Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) → Hotel Private Electric Vehicles: Air-conditioned private car, SUV, or van based on group size and preference. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Relax Getaways
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 25 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
25 verified traveler reviews for Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Chandragiri Cable Car ride & Monkey Temple
Had a great day. Guide Ananta Aryal was excellent, very friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. Early morning start was best to get view of mountains. Driver and vehicle were also very good. A good day out
Response from the operator: Namaste from Relax Getaways! Thank you very much for your kind words and for enjoying this activity with our guide. We truly appreciate your feedback, as it helps future travelers in their decision-making. Have a great time ahead! Sincerely, Relax Getaways Customer Support Team
via Tripadvisor
AMAZING
I had a great tour with a guide Rustem Khulal of the Relax Getaways Kathmandu tour operator, and I am very grateful to both Rustem and the manager Resham. They had demonstrated the high business ethics, effectiveness and humanity. Rustem had performed a ritual with a singing Nepalese bowl; and we chanted a mantra together on the top of a mountain, after making a wish, which brought tears to my eyes. Rustem had made me a gift — a rudraksha chanting beads, which I will use for the sacred practice with warm memories of Nepal and its amazing people.
Response from the operator: Namaste from Relax Getaways! Thank you very much for your kind words and for enjoying this activity with our guide. We truly appreciate your feedback, as it helps future travelers in their decision-making. Have a great time ahead! Sincerely, Relax Getaways Customer Support Team
via Tripadvisor
Lovely day out of the city
We had a wonderful day with Anon, he was very knowledgeable and helpful with any questions we had along the way. The driver we had made us feel very safe and he navigated the roads expertly! The cable car ride was scenic and provided a nice view of the mountain range even if it was a bit cloudy. Both temples we visited were beautiful and not overly crowded (Visited on a Monday). The snack lunch provided was yummy and the perfect size for the day out.
Response from the operator: Namaste from Relax Getaways! Thank you very much for your kind words and for enjoying this activity with our guide. We truly appreciate your feedback, as it helps future travelers in their decision-making. Have a great time ahead! Sincerely, Relax Getaways Customer Support Team
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommended great day out
Great trip on the cable cars up the mountains, spectacular views, even if it was a bit misty, but still a very enjoyable day out. Anon was our guide and he was extremely knowledgeable and hospitable, we enjoyed learning about the history of Hinduism and Nepal as a country. The visit to the temple was enjoyable and again Anon was very knowledgeable and we thoroughly enjoyed his company 😊 Loads of monkeys at the temple including lots of babies (so cute) which adds a different dimension to us as westerner's where all our monkeys are in captivity 🐒 Nice little packed snack box too and bottle of water which was a nice gesture 😊 Would highly recommend this trip especially with Anon
Response from the operator: Namaste from Relax Getaways! Thank you very much for your kind words and for enjoying this activity with our guide. We truly appreciate your feedback, as it helps future travelers in their decision-making. Have a great time ahead! Sincerely, Relax Getaways Customer Support Team
via Viator
Great way to experience more of Kathmandu.
I wanted another cultural day tour aside from the Unesco sites. This tour was so much fun. Punam, my guide picked me up at my hotel. Her communication updates were perfect. The car was super comfortable. I really enjoyed the Monkey Temple. Punam provided just the right amount of details. The cable car ride was well organized and a lot of fun. Unfortunately it was very cloudy so I couldn’t see the mountains but Punam came to the rescue and messaged me photos of the same view on a sunny day.
Response from the operator: Namaste from Relax Getaways! Thank you very much for your kind words and for enjoying this activity with our guide. We truly appreciate your feedback, as it helps future travelers in their decision-making. Have a great time ahead! Sincerely, Relax Getaways Customer Support Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $5 to $120
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Relax Getaways, who run 11 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.7.
See everything Relax Getaways runsWhy this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kathmandu.
How much does Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour cost?
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Prices start at $5 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kathmandu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kathmandu is not rushed.
Is Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 25 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kathmandu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kathmandu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kathmandu and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kathmandu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kathmandu?
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On Outty we rank every Kathmandu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kathmandu Sightseeing | UNESCO World Heritage sites Private/Group, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek: Private Group & Discounte Price. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kathmandu?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kathmandu?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour?
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Included: Pick up from & drop off at hotel by private vehicle; All-Inclusive Option (if Selected): Includes Lunch Box, soft drinks, & Cable car ticket &; English-speaking professional tour guide; Lunch box: Water (500ml bottled water), Muffin, Donut, Banana, Seasonal Fruit, and Juice; and Air-conditioned private transportation. Not included: Entrance fees to sightseeing monuments (applicable for Group and Private Tour options only; Fees For SAARC Nationals: Total: USD 10 per person (Chandragiri Cable Car & Swayambhunath); Personal expenses; and Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1167 listed pickup locations in and around Kathmandu. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour?
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Across 25 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Private Tour, Private Chandragiri Tour Only, Group Tour / Shared Tour, All Inclusive Option. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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