Top things to do in Panauti, Nepal

Panauti is a medieval town in the heart of Nepal and has been home to Newari people for centuries. Panauti Community Homestay provides travelers with a chance to experience Panauti’s rich heritage with modern access such as Wi-Fi, hot water, cable TV in the living room, etc, all while staying at authentic homes run by Nepali women. It is a home for family, couples and solo travelers to come and experience Newari culture, artisanship, history and cuisine. When you stay in Panauti, you will have an opportunity to explore Panauti’s many temples or enjoy a walk around the city, all within walking distance of your homestay. Here are list of top five things to do while visiting this medieval town. 

1. Hiking around Panauti

There are two lovely hikes to or from Panauti

Community Hike from Sanga to Panauti through Tamang Hill Villages.

Hiking about 10 kilometers from Sanga to Panauti (or vice versa) is an easy-moderate difficulty. The scenery is magnificent with the views of majestic Himalaya peaks towering over you along the trail. You can stop by and enjoy local foods at some of Tamang settlements. There are several farm fields along the way you’ll walk through as well as Tamang people working in their rice paddies or tending livestock who stop what they’re doing to wave hello at us. After hiking around 5-6 hours, you can stop your trail at Panauti village community homestay where you can have a delicious meal.

Community Hike, Things to do in Panauti

“the hills of Nepal certainly feel like exercise by the end of the day.” Elen Turner

Hike to Namo Buddha Sacred Buddhist Site from Panauti Homestay

Hiking to the preserved Tibetan Buddhist site of Namo Buddha is an excellent way to get off the beaten path in Nepal. Starting from Panauti you’ll climb gradually uphill about 250 meters through fields and forests, meeting Nepali villagers and farmers on  the way. When you reach the Namo Buddha sacred site you will find a clean and no-polluted environment with fresh air. The snow-capped Himalayas will amaze you with the view from Namo Buddha Site. There is also a large Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery where Buddha’s sons, monks, perform a worshipping ceremony in the big hall and nice delicious meals to enjoy.

Monastary of Namoboudha

“There are plenty of lodging options at Namo Buddha and staying at the monastery itself is a very special experience.” Eva Winers

2. Explore the Medieval Town, Panauti

Home to 40 temples, all diverse in architecture and style, Panauti also features a museum showcasing sculptures, inscriptions, and other artifacts. This town of festivals celebrates 28 different festivals on various occasions every year. With a history spanning centuries, Panauti has had many rulers who left their mark on its architecture.

There are pieces of each era still standing today, from medieval times to modern times. Panauti also features traditional houses with courtyards surrounded by wooden screens to maintain the privacy of family members. The houses are still constructed in an authentic, traditional way, like they were back in ancient times, with Nepalese designs and architecture. The host of the homestay place will offer to take you around the town and houses while explaining about the town’s history. It is also a nice place for photographers to take vintage photos.

Temples in Panauti

“As the city is old, they also have the oldest Temple in Nepal, next to the museum. It was built in the 13th Century and its handcraft work is very unique.” Harri Markkanen

3. Cycling Adventures

As Nepal is a wonderful land filled with mountains and magnificent scenery, it has beautiful trails to start your adventure with a bicycle, especially in this town Panauti. Local Youths are starting to give service to tourists and corporate in eco friendly and sustainable tourism activity. Bikers can start the trail from Panauti Bike station where all the services for bikers are provided. If you connect with a local homestay, they can arrange your whole biking trail with a local guide and perfect sightseeing. Throughout the path, you can witness markets, vintage buildings,  farms, temples and most importantly splendid sceneries. There is also a chance to enjoy Nepal Traditional Tea which represents Nepali Culture. Even the beginner riders can take this trail with the guidance of trained local youths. 

“With the establishment of Panauti Bike station, cyclists can now travel leisurely to Panauti and rent a mountain bike there and then without having to worry about unnecessary logistics.” Aadyaa Pandey

“With the establishment of Panauti Bike station, cyclists can now travel leisurely to Panauti and rent a mountain bike there and then without having to worry about unnecessary logistics.” Aadyaa Pandey

4. Savor Your own Nepali food

Visiting Nepal is not complete without having Nepali Culture Tea and self-made home cooked Nepali meals. While staying with locals, visitors can create their own Nepali Food by learning of traditional cooking recipes of Nepal. Visitors can shop for food ingredients from local markets and cook together with the local homestay hosts. You can learn traditional home meals of Nepali starting from shopping, chopping to plating and then enjoy the warm and delicious meals. 

Cook with locals, things to do in Panauti

“If you want to know how the locals live and cook, this is definitely for you! Lovely clean houses and a delightful family, a brilliant concept that allows you a small glimpse of this super community! Your stay includes a lovely walk of the village which is full of history a pure delight. Thanks for a lovely time.” SPats

5. Stay with locals at Community Homestay

A personal encounter with locals by staying at Community Homestay is highly recommended while you are in Panauti, Nepal. Traveling is more unique if you make more friends along the way. Meeting new people and having fun with them is much more memorable than the standard arranged tourist trips. Hosts from Panauti Community Homestay are friendly and kind. They can offer you the best homestay experience while living and eating with them while travelling around Panauti City. Panauti is a well-preserved city with few tourists. The  hosts from community homestay are well experienced and will receive their guests with comfortable facilities and warm services.

Live with local, Things to do in Panauti

“ No better way to immerse oneself in local living than to stay with a family.” Nikki P

Book your Panauti Homestay Experiences Now

Book your Panauti Homestay experience with Community Homestay Nepal, the biggest provider of homestays and community things to do in Nepal. 

Check our pre-made itineraries with circuits that include Panauti and or learn how we can help you to get to Panauti. 

Contact Community Homestay Network

Contact our experienced travel experts and they will help you to plan your visit, things to do in Panauti, answer your questions and more.

We can book tours and activities in Panauti and Nepal for you as well as organize the perfect homestay experience according to your requests. 

There is no better way than getting immersed in genuine Nepalese culture than with the Community Homestay Network in Nepal.

CommunityHomestay - Team

Community Homestay Network is a leading provider of authentic and immersive local travel experiences. We connect global travelers with real and authentic Nepal by letting them stay with the locals and experience a typical Nepali lifestyle. Our experiences are designed with the goal of leaving positive impact on the local communities and environment.

CommunityHomestay - Team

Community Homestay Network is a leading provider of authentic and immersive local travel experiences. We connect global travelers with real and authentic Nepal by letting them stay with the locals and experience a typical Nepali lifestyle. Our experiences are designed with the goal of leaving positive impact on the local communities and environment.