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1750M
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All year round
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Private vehicle
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Easy
Itinerary
After your breakfast, our private vehicle will come to pick you up at the hotel. You will be staying in. You will have an hour of the ride from Kathmandu to Panauti. Along the way, you will enjoy the beautiful sight of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and the surrounding landscapes.
After about an hour of the ride, you will reach Panauti. You will spend a few moments here, exploring the historical monuments such as Temples, Panauti palace, etc. You can stroll around the town and interact with locals as well.
From Panauti, you will start hiking to Namobuddha monastery which is situated at the top of the hill. You will ascend uphill from the town crossing the forests, picturesque villages, and the river. The monastery of the top and the prayer flags can be seen from the trail. After walking for about 4 hours you will reach the monastery. When you reach the top, you can spend some time watching the pray of monks and enjoying the serene environment. The valley and the surrounding landscapes look amazing from here.
After spending some time at Namobuddha, you will trek down the same route to get to Panauti. Our vehicle will drive you back to Kathmandu and drop you to your hotel.
General Information About Panauti Namobuddha day hike
Panauti Namobuddha Day Hike is a popular hiking trail in Nepal that offers stunning views of the Himalayas and the surrounding countryside. The hike starts from the historic town of Panauti, located about 32 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu, and takes you through lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages.
The highlight of the hike is the Namobuddha Monastery, a sacred Buddhist site perched on a hilltop that offers panoramic views of the valley. According to legend, this is the place where the Buddha, in one of his previous lives, sacrificed his body to a hungry tigress and her cubs.
The hike is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all levels, although there are some steep sections and stairs to climb. It takes about 3-4 hours to complete the round-trip hike, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at the monastery.
Route Description for Panauti to Namo Buddha
Start your trek in Panauti, which is easily accessible by road. Board either a direct bus to Panauti from Ratna Park Bus Stop in Kathmandu or take a bus from Ratna Park Bus Stop to Banepa, and then transfer to another bus to Panauti. The bus ride to Panauti from Kathmandu is particularly scenic. Admire the lush green fields and breathe in fresh, clean air as you travel further from the city. Leave early for Panauti to avoid traffic. Be sure to have your face mask handy for the dusty stretch from Banepa to Panauti.
Starting Routes of Panauti to Namobuddha Day Hiking
Besides Panauti, there are two routes to do Panauti to Namobuddha Day Hiking. This course starts with the Panauti as well. The first one is from Shanku village and the second one by the Balthali route. What it’s like to walk from these routes, let’s check it out.
From Shankhu:
This route from Shanku to Namobuddha is for those who have ample time to stroll around. Shanku to Namobuddha is a 26km hike. So, this is best for free wandering travelers. The trails of this route will guide the walkers through several villages, farm fields, and forests. The Shanku route presents the little show of the Panauti region. Picking the Shanku route is more of walking over the trails than the Panauti exploration.
From Balathali
Balathali route is the most popular route to reach Namobuddha hilltop. It is just a 5km uphill hike from Balathali to Namobuddha. This route runs through some beautiful yellow mustard fields and villages. The walk is strenuous as we have to reach the hilltop. After crossing several bridges and rivers, we reach the bottom of the uphill. From there, it is a snaky way that ends at the top of Namobuddha.
The Best time to Do Panauti Namobuddha Day Hike
The Panauti Namobuddha hike is possible all year. However, the spring season (March to April) and the autumn season (September to December) are regarded as the greatest.
Spring is regarded as one of the greatest seasons for trekking and climbing in Nepal, not only because of the pleasant weather but also because of the beautiful scenery. Fresh flowers carpet the trail, Rhododendron blossoms, in particular from March.
Autumn in Nepal brings mild temperatures and good hiking and climbing conditions, capped off by breathtaking views made possible by the monsoon clearing the air of dust and pollution. The autumn season showcases vivid colors of joyousness as it is also the time of year when Nepal celebrates the important festivals of Dashain and Tihar.
The summer months of May to August are often avoided for trekking/hiking in Nepal due to significant heat and moisture surges, scorching temperatures, clouds, haze, and rain. The clouds of monsoon obstruct views and the heavy rain pour generates muddy pathways along with some season insects and bugs. Other than that, the landscape view after the heavy rainfall is outstanding and clear.
While winter is not recommended for the high altitude and multi-day trekking journeys, it is a good time to do a one-day Panauti Namobuddha Hike. The winter in Kathmandu valley is relatively mild making it a suitable location for shorter walks at a lower altitude. Over the top, the Himalayan vistas are stunning (when the weather is clear) in the winter months.
Despite the pleasant winter weather, the Kathmandu Valley is less overcrowded in the winter, and the valley’s spectacular attractions are less crowded and easier to observe. The treks are also considerably more pleasant and serene without the masses of people.
Foods And Accomodation
Generally, if the location we are hiking towards consists of restaurants or cafes then we will have our meals and tea/coffee in those local restaurants/cafes. But if the destination doesn’t have any restaurants then our guide will take a packed lunchbox both veg and non-veg as per the traveler’s choice, and a water bottle with him/her. We will enjoy the hygienically packed lunch overlooking the mesmerizing scenery seen from the hilltop
Since day hikes are single-day trips, it doesn’t require accommodations so it is not included in the package. However, we offer 3-star category accommodation with breakfast on a twin/double sharing basis.
But the accommodation can be modified as per the traveler’s interest, budget and availability. Luxurious resorts, standard hotels to comfortable guesthouses, lodges, and homestays are available in Kathmandu.
GEARLIST
Clothing/Equipment/Gear for Day Hike Panauti to Namobuddha
Kathmandu Valley is surrounded by beautiful hill stations around its perimeter. So it is of no surprise that Kathmandu is really popular for day hikes. Phulchowki is the highest hill surrounding Kathmandu Valley located at an altitude of 2750 meters above sea level. To help you pack efficiently, we have prepared a gear list for Phulchowki Hike based on seasons. Nepal has four primary seasons:-
Winter: Winter in Nepal falls in January and February. It starts getting cooler after Christmas. The temperature is usually 0-4°C in the morning, 10-12°C at noon, and -1 to 0°C at night. So if you are planning to hike here any time after Christmas to the end of February then we suggest you wear long-sleeved t-shirts, hoodies or sweater/fleece, windproof and preferably waterproof jackets because Phulchowki has temporary snowfall during winter.
Similarly, we suggest wearing beanies/hats, gloves, trousers, sports shoes/hiking hoots, and thermals if you prefer an extra layer of warmth. Carrying a water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hiking poles would be ideal.
Spring: March to May are spring in Nepal. The temperature in these months during the morning ranges from 10-12°C, 22-24°C at noon, and 14-16°C at night. Since the weather is pleasant during spring, apart from the basic essentials mentioned below, all you need is some casual shirts, shorts or trousers, a couple of long sleeves, sports shoes/hiking boots, a water bottle, sunscreen, sun hat/cap, sunglasses, and an overall/light jacket because it might get a bit chilly at the top.
Summer/Monsoon: June, July, August, and September are summer months in Nepal. But we have a summer monsoon that occurs from Mid-June to Mid-September. The temperature of Kathmandu ranges from 18-20 °C in the morning, 28-32°C at noon, and 16-18°C at night. We do not suggest you hike while raining but apart that that, Summer Hiking in Phulchowki is ideal too.
So, besides the regular items mentioned below, casual cotton wears, sunglasses, a sun hat/cap, an umbrella, or a raincoat are some essentials for the summer. Because this hike takes place in a lush forest, there might be some leeches if it rains the previous night.
These leeches aren’t harmful but might cause nuisance so the trick is to carry salt and if leeches try and stick to your body then you could sprinkle salt.
Autumn/Fall: October, November, and December are autumn in Nepal. It is the best time for the hike due to the delightful weather and visibility of beautiful vistas seen along the way and from the hilltop. The temperature during fall ranges from 8-10 °C in the morning, 22-25°C at noon, and 5-7°C at night. December is comparatively cooler than the other two months.
Tips during the trip
• Carry a raincoat or an umbrella with you if you are hiking during the monsoon season.
• Wear sunglass and cap to protect yourself from the heat if you are hiking in the summer season.
• There is no age requirement for participating in the hike. This one-day hike is easy and can be undertaken by children as well as elderly people.
• Wear comfortable clothes and sport shoes.
• Carry a liter of water with you. We recommend you carry your own water bottle. It will be economical as well as eco-friendly.
• Take good care of your personal belongings. If you are traveling in a public vehicle, make sure that you do not leave any of your belongings behind. As there are many public vehicles running the same route, it will be difficult to get back what you left behind.
• The trip will be postponed in case of inappropriate weather conditions.
Highlights of of Panauti Namobuddha Day Hike
- • Hike to the interesting and lively town town of Panauti and explore the Hindu and Buddhist monuments
- • Hike through the beautiful forests enjoying the scenic view of the landscapes
- • A short and sweet getaway within the Kathmandu Valley
- • Visit the Buddhist pilgrimage site Namobuddha Hill station(1750m)
- • One of the best ways to observe the Traditional town near Kathmandu
- • Admire both the natural and cultural beauty of Panauti Village
- • Explore and admire the serene and delightful Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery
- • Spend a peaceful time witnessing monks and devotees indulged in praying and chanting.
- • Take a chance and taste the special homemade liquor.
- • Get a chance to see the splendid Himalayan massifs of northern Nepal
- • Interact with local Newars to indulge in their traditional culture.
Cost includes of Panauti Namobuddha day hike
- Fluent English speaking and trained, Government license holder guide (spiritual) including all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance during the tour.
- All transportation charge during tour. A/C car or tourist micro bus or tourist bus depending upon your size.
- All government taxes and office expenses.
- Entrance fees & permit
Cost Excludes of Panauti Namobuddha day hike
- Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at International Airport - Kathmandu). You need 30$ dollar visa fee for 15 days, cash money will be easier.
- Your Travel and medical insurance.
- All the alcoholic and non alcoholic hot and cold drinks.
- Dinner
- Tips for the guide and driver (Tipping is expected).
No, there isn’t a specific age limit for Namobuddha Panauti hike. The hike is graded easy and therefore, children as well as adults can participate in this hike. It is one of the easiest and nearest hiking destinations from Kathmandu. It can be a perfect hiking destination for beginners. Also, you can opt to enjoy this one-day hike with your whole family.
The hike can be done all year round. However, spring and the autumn seasons are the best. Spring season includes months from March to May. Similarly, autumn season starts from September and lasts till December. These months provide the best visibility and suitable weather conditions.
Clicking photos or taking videos is strictly prohibited inside the gumba. There are signs in the walls that say, “No photos or videos”. But you are free to take as many pictures as you like outside the gumba. If you are not sure if you can take pictures in a specific place, feel free to ask about it to your guide.
Yes, you can reach Namobuddha by a local bus. If you want to skip hiking and just enjoy a short trip to Namobuddha, you can take a bus. The local bus departs every two hours between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Kathmandu’s Ratna Park. The cost of the bus fare is Rs. 55. Also, you may opt to take a taxi to Namobuddha which will cost around NRs. 2500.
Short Tour of Oldtown Panauti
This Panauti to Namobuddha Day Hiking will make you explore the oldest town of Nepal. You may feel like strolling in old Nepal. Panauti is an ancient town street filled with many temples and stupas. This town mimics the surrounding of Kathmandu valley. But, Panauti is a much more peaceful cultural heritage city than Kathmandu. So, on this day tour, you will explore some of the old temples and houses.
Restful Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery
Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, the most sacred Buddhist site, is the ultimate destination of this Panauti to Namobuddha Day Hiking. This beautiful monastery is full of prayer flags, wheels, and statues. Monks praying is one of the striking sights of this monastery, soul healing. While resting at the hilltop, this site also provides scenic views of the neighboring regions and mountains.
Beautiful routes
Panauti to Namobuddha Day Hiking covers the most beautiful walking routes. The trails are mainly through several settlements, farm fields, and forests. You can explore the villages and their lifestyles as well. The best part is the mustard field below and above the communities. You will gaze at these serene surroundings.
Exploring the Diversity
Panauti to Namobuddha Day Hiking will make you explore the cultural diversity of Nepal. Your tour starts from the most diverse Kathmandu city, a city that habitats a range of people. Then, you will arrive at the Panauti, a significant settlement of Newari communities. Besides Newari, Panauti also homes other ethnics as well. After Panauti, you will head up towards Namobuddha, the famous Buddhist religious site. There you will explore some bit of Buddhist religion. So, this one-day hiking is also popular as a cultural tour.
More Information About Panauti Namobuddha day hike
Panauti Namobuddha Day Hike is an excellent way to explore a holy site as well as explore a traditional village up-close to the southeast of Kathmandu city. It is one of the most magnificent day hikes in the valley, full of discovery and adventure, where you will be able to enjoy the beauty of culture, religion, and nature all in one day. It is a great visit to capture the sights of Nepali cultures, religions, and sceneries.
Panauti is a beautiful town located in the Kavre district which is Located at the junction of two sacred rivers & the people here have been able to protect their traditional culture despite the fact that it is easily accessible, about an hour drive on a local bus from Kathmandu. Despite its proximity to the capital with modernization, Panauti has managed to preserve its ancient culture and numerous Hindu temples. Wood arts on the walls of old houses attract visitors’ sight, and its eye stalking difficult to walk over these streets. Being one of the older towns in Nepal, Panauti is dotted with many ancient temples and still provides the time-travels to olden days.
Major attraction of Panauti Namobuddha village
On this day hike, we get to observe the traditional lifestyle of Newar communities who mostly occupy the area. Apart from the Newars, other communities of Tamang, Magar, and a few Aryan communities have also made a home in the area as well.
Cultivating potatoes, corn, and soybean are the daily routine of the household in this locality. It is worth noting that people make a special type of homemade liquor esp. the Tamang people & you are very welcome to give it a try!
Every 12 years, Panauti hosts a fair which is very famous by Panauti Mela. The ins and outs of the fair start in a temple and the devotees from almost every corner of the country come here to observe the festive environment.
The ultimate endpoint of our Panauti to Namobuddha Day Hiking is the Namobuddha Monastery which is also called Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley on the south-east side.
Details information about Namobuddha
Namobuddha is one of the three major Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. It was opened for tourists in the year 2008. You will witness monks and devotees indulged in praying and chanting. You will experience a serene environment that is quite refreshing and reviving.
The Namobuddha monastery was opened for visitors in 2008, known by the name of Thrangu Tashi Yangtse. It lies at an altitude of 1750 meters near panauti. Along with the beautiful monastery, you will also get you to see the splendid Himalayan massifs. On the other hand, the hike will let you explore the corners of the lively town of Panauti. This will give you an insight into the local tradition, distinct culture and lifestyle.
One of the monastery’s most remarkable sights is monks praying for soul restoration. The monks here pray and chant Mantras and are fully devoted. It feels so reviving to see the monks chanting and devoting themselves in full & if you listen carefully with closed eyes, you might get some kind of spark hit that fulfills the empty soul. Thus, NamoBuddha is a lovely place to visit.
This one-day Panauti NamoBuddha trek across Kathmandu valley best option which is an easy and lovely trip appropriate for all trekkers in touch of spirituality during their trip. and is perfect for those with limited time. The trip has natural, cultural, and religious significance throughout, making it a religious hike to see both Hindu and Buddhist cultural sites close to Kathmandu’s major city.
We will pass through picturesque villages, rice fields, monasteries, temples, and forests along the way, with a panoramic view of the Himalayas and Kathmandu Valley. All of this combines to make the Panauti Namobuddha Day Hike that takes you into Nepalese rural life away from the rush and bustle of city life.













