A Complete Guide to Visiting Panauti, Nepal’s Hidden Cultural Treasure

Panauti is one of Nepal’s oldest towns, and you may not have heard of it. But if you are visiting Nepal, then it needs to be on your itinerary. It is just as beautiful as some of the more well-known cities, just less touristy.

Where is Panauti?

Panauti isn’t very far from Kathmandu, only 32 KM, and in fact, people do live here and commute to the capital. Panauti lies tucked away in the lush hills of Nepal’s Kavrepalanchok District. This makes it an easy day trip or, even better, a peaceful overnight escape from the city. Despite its proximity to bustling Kathmandu and nearby Bhaktapur, Panauti remains largely untouched by mass tourism, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional Newari life.

How to get to Panauti?

Reaching Panauti from Kathmandu is straightforward, and there are several options.

By road, the journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Local buses and microbuses to Banepa or Panauti leave regularly from Kathmandu’s Ratna Park or Koteshwor bus stations, offering a budget-friendly (though crowded) experience. From Banepa, it’s a short onward bus ride or taxi to the town centre.

Alternatively, for a more comfortable and direct trip, you can hire a private taxi or arrange a car, which also allows flexibility for stopping at viewpoints along the way.

Finally, if you want to incorporate a bit of a hike into your journey to Panauti, you can get a private transfer to Sangu and from there depart on a beautiful hike to the village of Panauti. Along the way, you will pass local villages and travel through the stunning scenery of lush hills and forests. A perfect way to experience rural and serene Nepal. Before eventually arriving in the historic village of Panauti. This is the way I arrived in the town!

Where to stay in Panauti

There is only one answer to this question. Panauti Community Homestay. It is a must. Staying here was the highlight of my time in Nepal, and I was so sad to leave.

Top Tip: To ensure you get the most out of your homestay at Panauti Community Homestay, book at least two nights. More meals to cook, henna to have painted and time to chat!

This Community Homestay is a women-led initiative that started in 2012 and became one of the founding members of the Community Homestay Network (CHN), which now has over 36 locations across Nepal. It connects travellers with local families and is one of the best ways to support the community. While staying with our host family, we cooked together, chatted and played cards, learned about their routine, helped with the house, had henna tattoos and were dressed in their traditional dress for a local dance.

How long do you need in Panauti?

I would recommend at least two nights. While you can see all the sites in a day, staying at the homestay allows you to really immersive yourself in the local life of Nepal. Two days here will give you time to relax and get to know your hosts very well!

Things to do in Panauti

Once in Panauti, there are plenty of sights to see and wonderful things to experience. Read on for the best things to do in Panauti.

Join the Panauti Community Homestay

It is not just accommodation! Staying in a homestay is one of the best things you can do in Panauti. Experience warm Newari hospitality, learn to cook traditional dishes, and immerse yourself in local life while supporting sustainable tourism.

Explore the Old Town & Newari Architecture

Wander through Panauti’s cobblestone streets to admire beautifully preserved Newari houses, intricately carved wooden windows, and traditional courtyards. Don’t worry about getting lost; the charming streets are a warren. You can find some amazing hidden gems down side alleys. The 2015 earthquake didn’t have quite such a devastating effect on this area, so there is still a lot of original architecture to find.

Go on a bike ride

One of the best ways to see the surrounding countryside and see a little more of the village is on a bike ride. You can do this through the Community Homestay with Panauti Bike Tour. The ride takes 3-4 hours, going via the old market, Indreshwor Temple, and Tri-beni Ghat. Then onto orange farms at Sunthan, onwards to Khopasi, a small Newari town, where you have the best Nepali masala tea. Finally, return to Panauti to visit a silk farm.

Indresvar Mahadev temple

One of the largest Newari pagoda-style wooden temples in Nepal, the Indresvar Mahadev temple dates back to 1294. It took nearly 90 years to complete, and has been restructured over the years. It has survived numerous earthquakes, including the most recent 2015 one.

Visit the Panauti Museum

Inside the Indreshwor Temple is the small but informative Panauti Museum. Built in 2011 as part of a community project. It was designed to enlighten visitors about the history and heritage of Panauti. Showcasing artefacts, religious statues, and insight into Panauti’s history and Newari culture. It was visited by 3,500 foreign tourists in 2024!

Walk to the Tri-beni Ghat 

The Tri-beni Ghat is a serene and spiritual place in Panauti. Located at the confluence of the Roshi, Punyamati, and the mythical Lilawati rivers. Steps lead down into the water, and religious rituals and holy dips take place here. It is considered sacred and a beautiful spot for photography, especially at sunrise.

The Palace Ruins

There is very little that remains of the palace, and hardly any excavation has been done. But you can spot the place where it once stood, although now it is more likely to be used as a football pitch!  

See the Brahmayani Temple

Sitting peacefully on the banks of the Punyamati River, the Brahmayani Temple is devoted to the goddess Brahmayani, one of the revered mother goddesses in Hindu tradition. Its quiet, atmospheric setting makes it a lovely spot to pause and soak in the slower pace of life in Panauti. During festivals, the temple comes alive with the vibrant energy of pilgrims, colourful offerings, and rhythmic chanting that carries across the water. Even outside of these celebrations, it’s worth wandering down to the riverside to see locals performing daily rituals, washing in the sacred waters, or simply gathering to chat beneath the shade of the trees.

Take a Countryside Hike

If you didn’t arrive in Panauti via hike, you might want to go on one while staying in the town. This is one of the best ways to experience the charm of Panauti and the surrounding countryside. Trails wind through terraced fields, past farming villages, and up into gentle hills that open up to panoramic views of the valley below. You can head to Khopasi, a small village steeped in traditional Newari culture, or continue to the peaceful village of Balthali. Along the way, expect warm smiles from locals and curious children calling out greetings.

Attend a Local Festival

If you visit during Panauti Jatra (held in July/August), you’ll discover colourful processions, music, and traditional rituals. This multi-day celebration sees the town transformed into a whirl of colour and energy, with ornate chariots carrying sacred deities through the streets. Drums beat in rhythms, locals in traditional dress join the processions, and the air fills with the scent of incense and freshly prepared offerings. Even if you’re just a spectator, you’ll be swept up in the joyous atmosphere. It’s the perfect chance to see the town’s spiritual traditions come to life.

Shop for Local Handicrafts

Panauti’s small but characterful shops and stalls offer a chance to take home a piece of the town’s heritage. Look out for handwoven fabrics, wooden carvings, and small souvenir items made by local artisans. Many items are made by local artisans who rely on traditional techniques passed down through generations, so your purchase supports not just the local economy but also the preservation of these skills.

Enjoy a Riverside Picnic

The banks near Tri-beni Ghat or Brahmayani Temple are perfect for a quiet moment surrounded by nature. Pack some snacks from a local bakery and find a shady spot along the banks. You might see locals coming to bathe, wash clothes, or chat with neighbours, offering a glimpse of everyday life in the peaceful surroundings. Whether you stay for an hour or an afternoon, it’s the kind of unhurried experience that makes you feel truly connected to the place.

Final thoughts on Panauti

One of the most interesting stops on my 10 days in Nepal! It offered such a genuine insight into traditional life in Nepal, as well as the perfect mix of culture and countryside. I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary if you are visiting. It will no doubt become a highlight of your time in Nepal.

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