Panauti Community Hike and Homestay: Nepal is a land of unparalleled scenic beauty and one of the most diverse geographical regions on earth. It contains an incredible variety of terrain in a relatively small area, ranging from the tropical lowlands to the summit of Mt. Everest at 29,035 ft (8850m)! Moreover, its friendly people come from over 130 different ethnic groups, adding an interesting dimension to the country.
Out in the countryside, traditional mountain life continues at a slower pace, and countless adventures await in the mountains. Many visitors return repeatedly because fitting everything in one trip is challenging.
For instance, you can hike from Sanga to Panauti through the Kathmandu Valley. This unique route lets you encounter nature, locals, and their culture. Starting in Sanga, home to one of the world’s tallest Shiva statues, the hike takes you through rolling farmlands and ethnic Tamang villages, with fantastic views across hills and mountains. The hike ends at Panauti, a well-preserved Newari town where you stay at the Panauti Community Homestay before driving back to Kathmandu the following day.
The 10-kilometre Sanga to Panauti Community Hike is an easy-to-moderate trail that has only recently been developed. On reaching Sanga, the hike cuts off from the highway onto an off-the-beaten-path trail. This less-traveled route takes you along beautiful scenery and gives you glimpses of rural village life in Nepal.
Community homestay in Nepal provides us with a glimpse into life in rural Nepal. Additionally, it allows us to experience the culture meaningfully while building relationships with community members. Activities you could do during the homestay vary from petting baby goats to cooking traditional Nepalese meals on firewood and grazing cattle or fishing in the nearby river, then preparing the dinner yourself with guidance from the host family.
Furthermore, Panauti Community Homestay is the perfect way to experience Nepali hospitality while visiting one of Nepal’s oldest towns with ornate temples and hiking trails through the hills. Panauti is around an hour’s drive from Kathmandu and an ideal destination for a quick break or when hiking or touring the hills around Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, and Namo Buddha. It provides an ideal combination of modern facilities and rural attractions. Additionally, travelers seeking a change from bustling Kathmandu can find it here without going far. You can get close to the local lifestyle, socialize with families, and get involved in traditions. The warm hospitality ensures a memorable experience.
Just let us know what activities interest you most and we will come up with a very befitting homestay plan for you.
On the confluence of the Rosi and Punyamati rivers, Panauti offers a glimpse into time as you stroll from the lively market area to the serene stone-cobbled alleys of the old town.
Panauti is a small town, not entirely rural. So accommodation and food align with that. The fresh food is often locally grown, surrounded by hills and green rice fields. If visiting during the rice-planting season (June-July), you may even participate in the rice-planting festival.
While staying in Panauti, don’t miss the chance to tour the temples and other Newari architectural features of the town. The complex of temples at Triveni Ghat, beside the confluence of the Roshi and Punyamati Rivers, includes some of the most ancient temples in Nepal, which have the unusual honor of never having been destroyed in an earthquake.
Travelers who want to stretch their legs can enjoy walking through the farmland around the town, or even embark on the Panauti to Sanga Community Hike Trail. This takes a few hours and passes through ethnic Tamang villages, which contrasts with the Newari culture of Panauti. This hike can be done in either direction, beginning or ending in Sanga, which is right on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley. There are also longer trekking trails to nearby Dhulikhel and Namo Buddha.
Panauti, a historical site on the outskirts of Kathmandu, had long been overlooked as a tourist destination. Because of few opportunities in the neighborhood, many choose to leave Panauti for school and work. Tourism was identified as a method to provide new opportunities for women and youth in Panauti, as well as provide revenue for community development. The homestay provides an opportunity for Panauti’s local women to assume greater responsibilities in the community. At Panauti community homestay, women are now able to communicate with foreign guests with the help of basic English classes provided to them. Solar panels have been installed, and the sanitation of the neighborhood has improved along with the personal hygiene of the local people. The promotion of handicrafts such as shoemaking is also fostered via the community homestay platform.
Panauti is home to a farming community, by day the villagers work in the fields tending to their crops and livestock. The children spend the day in the school and their evenings playing football or hide and seek.
John F.K. International Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, one of the Royal Vacation representatives will receive you at the airport and will transfer you to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or explore on your own.
Overnight: 5 Star Hotel in Kathmandu
After enjoying breakfast at our accommodation, we’ll begin an exciting full-day exploration of Kathmandu Valley’s main attractions. Our journey will take us to:
Kathmandu Durbar Square:
This historic square, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once the coronation and ruling center for the city’s monarchs. Despite the 2015 earthquake’s impact, it remains a remarkable showcase of traditional architecture. Highlights include Basantapur Square, Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, and Makhan Tole.
Swayambhunath:
Known as the Monkey Temple, this Buddhist monument offers breathtaking views of Kathmandu. The white dome symbolizes the earth, while the 13-tiered spire represents the stages of spiritual enlightenment. The site is surrounded by prayer wheels and statues of the Dhyani Buddhas, creating a vibrant atmosphere of worship.
Boudhanath:
Considered one of Nepal’s most significant Buddhist monuments, Boudhanath features a large white dome and a golden spire adorned with Buddha’s all-seeing eyes. The stupa is encircled by 108 small images of Amitabha Buddha and prayer wheels. It serves as a center for Tibetan culture in Kathmandu.
Pashupatinath:
Situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, this is Nepal’s most important Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his Pashupati form. The complex encompasses numerous temples, ashrams, images, and inscriptions, and it’s a major site for Hindu cremations.
After our tour, we’ll return to the hotel to freshen up before venturing out for a welcome dinner. During this cultural evening, we’ll have the opportunity to reflect on our day’s exploration of Kathmandu’s rich heritage.
Overnight: 5 Star Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals included: Breakfast and Welcome Dinner
In the morning, we eat at the hotel. Then we go for the whole day to see the old cities of Bhaktapur and Patan, known for their rich history and culture.
Bhaktapur:
Our first stop is Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Called the “City of Devotees,” Bhaktapur is famous for its well-preserved old architecture. The Durbar Square has the 55-Window Palace, Vatsala Temple, and the tall Nyatapola Temple, one of the finest pagodas in Nepal. The detailed wooden and stone structures here show the great skill of the Newar artists and sculptors.
Patan:
After a traditional Nepali lunch, we will drive to Patan, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also called Lalitpur or the “City of Fine Arts,” Patan has many temples, statues, and palaces. The highlight is the Durbar Square, with the old royal palace where the Malla kings lived. Important places are the Krishna Mandir temple for Lord Krishna with detailed stone carvings, and the Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple), a special Buddhist monastery.
Our last stop in Patan is the Patan Museum, located in a restored Malla palace. It displays a large collection of traditional Nepali art, such as bronze statues and religious objects, giving insight into the cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.
After the tour, we will return to Kathmandu for dinner. We can reflect on the great history and architecture we saw in Bhaktapur and Patan that day.
Overnight: 5 Star Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals included: Breakfast.
The hike is mostly easy, making it good for people who are moderately fit. While walking along the ridges, you will go past farm houses and stepped fields that shine in the sun in the valley below. You will also see beautiful views of the Himalayas in the background. An interesting thing about the area the trail goes through is that the people living here are mostly Tamang farmers. This is different from the Newari culture of Panauti, which you will find when you get there.
The way down into Panauti is a particularly nice part of the trail, and you will end the hike by going into the old part of the town. Once in Panauti, the Panauti Community Homestay will welcome you, and you will enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal to finish your day. The hike can also be done in the opposite way, from Panauti to Sanga.
After arriving in Panauti, you will check into the Panauti Community Homestay, located on the Panauti-Kushadevi Road near the Ganesh Mandir. Local women and housewives from the community run the homestay, and there are seventeen homes where guests will be well taken care of. It is a great chance to experience part of life with a Nepali family. Learning about the lifestyle, culture, and traditions of the locals by living so close to them can be a very interesting part of your vacation.
Overnight: Panauti Community Homestay, Panauti
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Approximately 3 hours before the departure of your flight, you will be transferred to Kathmandu International Airport from Panauti where we guide you to the check-in hall. From here we hope you had an amazing journey through our country, Nepal. And we hope to see you again.
Note: This itinerary is specially created for you. This itinerary can be adjusted in all aspects to meet your specific requirements. Please let us know what suits you best and we will be very pleased to provide you with a complete tailor-made holiday package.
Note: Please note: Tipping (guides/driver) is not included in the price. Guests can always decide if they would like to tip for good services to guides, porters, and drivers at the end of the trip. However, in Nepal, it is a custom of good faith to tip guides/drivers when they have provided a good service.
