Off the main tourist trail, Panauti is a small Newar town where life still revolves around temples, courtyards and the rivers that meet beside it.
Quick answer: Panauti's highlight is the Indreshwar Mahadev temple, originally built in 1294 and one of the oldest surviving temples in Nepal, with superb carved roof struts. The town sits at the confluence of two rivers, has a well-preserved old core and runs a community homestay programme.
What to see
- Indreshwar Mahadev temple, a three-tiered pagoda.
- The river confluence and riverside ghats.
- Brick lanes, courtyards and old houses.
- Festivals, including a chariot festival.
Getting there
About 1.5 hours from Kathmandu, a few kilometres from Dhulikhel.
Combine it
Walk to Namo Buddha on our Panauti and Namo Buddha hike. See also village homestays.