Namobuddha Panauti Hike
One of the popular hiking route around Kathmandu valley. The hike starts after taking the proper transfer from the hotel depending on the number of people. For two people might be the car and 4-5 people a small van, for 10-12 people might be the samll mini bus and more than that might be the bus. The transfer is about 45 kms away from Kathmandu. The first part of the drive follows the friendship highway for about 32 kms. After leaving the friendship highway a bifurcation from Dhulikhel, an old Newar town, for about 10 kms in a highway to Bardibas and take another bifurcation to the Namobuddha. From Kavre Bhanjyang, where the bifurcation starts few kilometers is blacktopped and last part is still rough. The transfer is upto the monastery of Namobuddha. After making a brief visit to monastery climb up to the view point from where one can see the whole Langtang Range of the Himalaya if weather permits. The hike starts descending at the beginning to reach the main temple of Namobuddha, which is a small stupa but one of the holy sacred shrine for buddhist and hindu people from different part of Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan.Aroud the stupa one can see the Buddhist prayer flags and some stores selling tourist soveniers and some beverages. If somebody like to stop for the meal, one can get a simple meal in local restaurant. The hike descends to reach a small stream and crosses that stream and follows the unpaved road until Panauti. One can see the village lifestyles during the whole trip. The beautiful cultivated terrraces are also typical landscape of the area. After walking about three hours from Namobuddha, one can reach the old Newar town of Panauti. Panauti located in the confluence of two small rivers has some beautiful temples and old buildings with Newari architecture. One of the popular temple from Panauti is 14th century Indreswor Mahadev temple. The popular shrines nearby is Radhakrishna temple and Bramhayani temple across the river. In the complex of Indreswor Mahadev temple an old building houses a small traditional museum. Panauti is nearly 100% Newar town and considered located above the rocky terrain. As it is located above the rocky terrain, the town is considered safe during the time of the earthquake. With ducks paddling in the stream, big rest house for town's old men, a cremation platform in the confluence of the river make the place incredibly charming.
What to carry during this hike?
Mostly the hike is downhill and passes through cultivated farmland and villages. At the beginning the trail passes through forest for few minutes but as you go through farmland the sun is quiet strong so carry good sun cream, a bottle of water you can buy at the beginning and practically in Panauti does not have tourist restaurant so better to carry some energy bars. Locally manufactured biscuits and potato chips are available on the way also. A proper rain gear is necessary especially if you are going in rainy season.
The cost of the tour and inclusions
The price of the tour is $120 and two persons can accommodate on this price. The price includes an air-conditioned private transport to the Namobuddha monastery and pick up by same transport from old town of Panauti and an experienced English speaking guide. For more than two persons another tier is applicable as we have to change transport.
Exclusion
Entrance fee to Panauti, Namobuddha and any types of meals, drinks and tips
If you are interested with more than one day hike around Kathmandu you can try our Nagarkot-Dhulikhel-Panauti trek.
