Things to do in Panauti

Discover Bhaktapur, a well-preserved medieval city-state and UNESCO-World Heritage site, on a day trip from Kathmandu. Visit the Newari city, famous for its intricate pagodas and delicate handicrafts. Also, visit Panauti, where you’ll have a chance to meet with local entrepreneurs. Meet your guide at the meeting point and hop into an air-conditioned vehicle. Drive to Bhaktapur, a well-preserved medieval city-state and UNESCO-World Heritage site. Discover one of Nepal’s prettiest attractions during this behind-the-scenes peek at the Newari city, famous for its intricate pagodas and delicate handicrafts. Next, visit Panauti, where you’ll have a chance to meet with local entrepreneurs. Afterward, return to Kathmandu.

Embark on a serene day tour to Namobuddha and Panauti, two hidden gems nestled in the Kathmandu Valley. Namobuddha, a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site, offers breathtaking mountain views and tranquil surroundings, perfect for meditation and reflection. The ancient town of Panauti, rich in Newari culture, showcases timeless temples, charming streets, and vibrant festivals. This tour is ideal for those seeking a blend of spirituality, history, and natural beauty. Discover the peaceful ambiance and rich heritage of Nepal in just a day.

One of the holiest pilgrimage sites in the world for Buddhists is located 40 kilometers from Kathmandu. According to legend, a young prince named Mahasattva—who in some accounts is a reincarnation of the Buddha himself—saw a tigress carrying five pups that she had just given birth to while out on a stroll in the forest with his siblings. The tigress could hardly move due to her extreme hunger. He chopped his flesh out of sympathy and started feeding the tigress and her pups. Afterwards, just his bones and hairs were discovered when other brothers went looking for him. On top of these ruins, a stupa known as Namo Buddha was constructed. A few of the features of Khopasi-Balthali hike are sprawling terraced rice fields, picturesque Newari villages, a clear-day vista of snowcapped mountains, Buddhist monasteries, and verdant woods. Balthali, one of the greatest day trip destinations outside of the Kathmandu Valley, is a typical community with age-old customs and cultures that haven't been impacted by modernization. We will start our walk from Batase Danda when our chartered bus takes us there. This trip will combine a stroll through a community and through the jungle. Itinerary 7:30 AM: Pick up from your hotel in Kathmandu and drive to Namobuddha (42 km). 9:00 AM: Arrive at the monastery, visit the site, and enjoy the Himalayan views from the stupa. 10:00 AM: After an hour, begin your hike to Balthali village, descending from Prying Flag Hill. 12:00 PM: Reach Balthali after a 2-hour walk and enjoy an authentic lunch with a host family. 1:00 PM: Say goodbye to the family and hike to Khopasi (1 hour), where the driver will pick you up. 1:30 PM: Drive to Panauti (10-15 minutes) for sightseeing. 2:30 PM: Explore the narrow streets and key monuments of Panauti. 4:00 PM: Drive back to Kathmandu (32 km).

Learn how to make yomari, a steamed rice dumpling that is a key part of the Newari community in Nepal's Yomari Punhi festival. Join a class in Thamel and make your own yomari. Meet your guide and learn about the history of yomari. Discover how it is a steamed dumpling made from rice flour dough and filled with sweet ingredients like chaku (molasses or palm sugar) or khuwa (condensed milk) and sesame seeds. Hear how yomari is often shaped like a fish. The name "Yomari" comes from the Nepal Bhasa words "ya:" which means "to like" and "mari" which means "delicacy." Learn how yomari is traditionally eaten on Yomari Punhi, but it can also be prepared for special occasions like birthdays and baby showers. Leftover yomari can be eaten for breakfast. According to legend, yomari was created by a Newari couple in Panauti, Kathmandu Valley, who experimented with the first rice harvest and molasses. Learn how to make yomari step by step and finally, eat yomari made by you.

Start your day early with a departure from Kathmandu to Panauti a journey of approximately 33.3 kilometers that typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by car. Bhaktapur, a renowned for its well- preserved medieval architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history. Upon arrival in Panauti, begin your tour at the Indreshwar Mahadev Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples in the area, dating back to the 13th century. The temple’s intricate wood carvings and stone sculptures are remarkable examples of Newari craftsmanship. Stroll through Panauti’s old town, where you’ll find beautifully preserved Newari architecture and several ancient temples and stupas. Visit the Panuti Durbar Square and explore the surrounding alleys to discover hidden shrines and traditional houses. After a fulfilling moments in Panauti , set off for , a historic town Bhaktapur ,offers scenic views of the country side and takes roughly an hour. Upon your arrival on Bhaktapur, begin your exploration at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the heart of the city. Here you’ll encounter an array of magnificent temples, palaces, and courtyards, including the 55- Window Palace, Vatsala Temple, and the Nyatapola Temple,a five-story pagoda that stands as one of the tallest in Nepal. Wander through the narrow, winding streets, discovering traditional Newari homes, local markets, and artisan workshops. Don’t miss the Pottery Square, where you can observe local craftsmen at work, shaping clay into beautiful pottery. For a deeper cultural experience, consider visiting the national Art Gallery, which houses a collection of ancient paintings and sculptures. After an enriching experience in Bhaktapur, start your journey back to Kathmandu in the late afternoon. The return trip typically takes about 45 minutes depending on traffic. This trip offers a perfect blend of historical exploration and cultural immersion. From the bustling, heritage-rich streets of Bhaktapur to the tranquil, ancient charm of Panauti, you’ll experience the profound history and vibrant culture of the Kathmandu Valley, making it a memorable excursion from the capital city.