Panauti is well preserved Newari town located in the Kavre district where two rivers Rosi and Punyamati come together. Legend has it that a third river Rudhrawati flows into Panauti, forming a Triveni (three rivers junction), resembling Lord Shiva’s Trident. Yet, this third river is said to be visible only to the devout and the wise. The confluence of these rivers is also revered as Uttar Prayag Tirtha and Sachi Tirtha in Nepal.
It has also been regarded as an important religious site surrounded by temples and hiking trails. This ancient typical Newari town is in the process of being classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. It is already been declared a “Protected Monument Zone” under the Ancient Monument Preservation Act of 1956.
It is considered to be one of the most important medieval sites. It is approximately 32 km from Kathmandu. The town is rich with the Newari cultures and festivals. It is renowned for its religious sites, artistic temples, and stupas. There are many Buddhist and Hindu religious monuments.
Historical Background
Panauti is a historical city in Nepal. It is one of the oldest towns in Nepal with a rich cultural heritage. Panauti is also known for its traditional Newari architecture, carved wooden buildings, and pagoda-style temples. It was an important center for trade in ancient times.
There has been ongoing discussion regarding the founding of Panauti. Some attribute its establishment to Ananda Malla (1274-1310 AD), while others point to a golden scripture dated 1385 found within the Indreshwar temple, crediting King Harisingh Dev with the town’s foundation.
In the 17th century, Panauti became a part of Bhaktapur under the Malla kingdom. The Malla kings built many temples in the area.
Panauti used to be a busy place for trading when people traveled along the old Salt Trade route. But things changed in the 1950s when the salt trade stopped. Then, in the 1960s, a new highway called the Arniko Highway was built bypassing this old historical town.
Places to visit:
Panauti Durbar Square
The king’s palace in Durbar Square a historical monument of Nepal, remains unexcavated. Numerous artifacts of the palace, including stone bricks, coins, taps, and water wells are present.
Roshi Jharana
Roshi Jharana (Roshi Waterfall) is a hidden natural gem located near the town of Panauti in Kavrepalanchok district of Nepal. There is a natural swimming pool. It is a peaceful place surrounded by green trees and hills. The waterfall flows down the rocks and makes a small pool of clear water. People visit this place to enjoy nature, take photos, and relax. It is also a nice spot for a short walk or picnic with friends and family. Roshi Jharana is not very crowded, so it feels calm and quiet. It is a perfect place for those who love nature and want to spend some quiet time away from the city.
Indreshwar Mahadev Temple
The Indreshwar temple is one of the tallest, oldest multi-roofed pagoda-style temples in Nepal, built in 1294. It was originally built over a lingam. This temple is one of the main attractions of Panauti, in the heart of the city. The third river of Panauti originates from the Indreshwar temple, flowing towards the Brahmayani temple located opposite the Tri Beni Ghats. There are other temples such as Ahilya Mandir, Unmata Bhairav, and Krishna Mandir.
The southern support beams are decorated with detailed carvings that tell stories from the famous Hindu epic Mahabharata, while the carvings on the western side depict tales from another Hindu epic, Ramayana.
Triveni Ghat & Brahmayani / Krishna Narayan Temples
A sacred confluence where the Roshi and Punyamati rivers meet and mythologically, a third invisible river Lilawati. The Brahmayani Temple (17th century) and Krishna Narayan Temple sit nearby. During Makar Mela (every 12 years), pilgrims gather here for river baths.
Unmata Bhairab temple
This temple has beautiful wooden carved doors and windows. Bhairab represents one of the diverse manifestations of the Hindu deity Mahadev, also known as Shiva. A picture of him when he’s calm is known as Unmata. Inside Unmata Bhairab temple there are shrines of Asta matrika. In 1982 this temple was restored with French aid.
Tula Narayan Temple
It is a temple located in the courtyard of Indreshwar Mahadev Temple. There is a stone idol of the Hindu God Vishnu known as Tula Narayan. An ancient inscription on a gold plate, dating back to 1400 AD, records King Jayasingh Ramvardhan’s remarkable act of offering gold, known as “Tuladan,” equivalent to his body weight.
Bihar
In Panauti there are bihars in Aghatol. These Bihars have traditional Newari architecture with carved wooden doors and windows. Some of them are very old and show the long history of Buddhism in Panauti. Visitors can walk around, take photos, and learn about the culture and religion of the area. The Bihars are an important part of Panauti’s spiritual and cultural life.
Panauti Museum
Panauti Museum is inside the Indreshwor Temple courtyard. A historical and cultural museum was established in 2011. There are stone arts, wooden arts, masks, etc. It was established by a local member of the community with the Co-ordination of Panauti Municipality.
Janti Dhunga Panauti
Janti Dhunga is located at Chamkharka, Panauti. It is a scenic hill station nestled in a serene village. There are stones in different shapes and sizes. The pristine surroundings of Janti Dhunga are ideal for nature enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.
Khopasi
Khopasi is one of the most beautiful places in Panauti. It is surrounded by green hills, rivers, and farms, making it a beautiful place to visit. People in Khopasi mostly grow crops and vegetables, and the village is known for its simple and natural way of life. Visitors can enjoy walking through the fields, meeting friendly local people, and learning about village life in Nepal. Khopasi is also the starting point for hikes to places like Balthali and Namobuddha.
Kushadevi
Kushadevi is another beautiful location and Kushadevi Temple, Bihabar River, Gurdhoom Dada, and Mane doban are the major attractions of this place.
Nagi Danda
Nagi Dada, the tallest hill in Panauti is popular for the views of the majestic Himalayas, sunrise, and sunset. You can also enjoy panoramic views of Panauti, Banepa, Dhulikhel, and certain parts of Kathmandu. It is home to rural Tamang settlements.
Kalati Bhumi Danda
After walking along the River Roshi, you’ll arrive at Kalati Bhumi Dada. Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple on the way to Kalati Bhumi Dada. Forest, scenic views, etc are the major attractions of this place. It is also a Tamang village.
Things to do:
In Panauti, you can enjoy many fun and peaceful activities. One popular option is to hike, passing through villages and rice fields while you see the Himalaya in the distance.
You can also walk or cycle around the medieval town, exploring narrow streets, wood carved temples, and Panauti Durbar Square with its traditional Newari architecture and 40+ historic temples.
Staying in a community homestay, you can cook Nepali meals with a local family, join craft or cooking workshops, and learn about Newari culture directly from the hosts. And for a quieter moment, visit Triveni Ghat, the sacred riverside, to learn about local rituals and the town’s spiritual life.
- Sightseeing
- Hiking
- Picnic
- Paragliding
- Swimming in Roshi waterfall
- Participate in the rice-planting festival during the monsoon season
Panauti hike
Panauti to Kalati Bhumi Dada
The Panauti hike is a wonderful adventure for people who love walking and exploring nature. As you walk along the River Roshi for about an hour from Panauti, you’ll come across a beautiful Tamang community village called Kalati Bhumi Dada. During your hike, you’ll also have the chance to visit Bhaleshwor Mahadev, a sacred site where you can make wishes. The entire hike is filled with scenic views, lush green forests, and natural water sources.
Panauti to Namobuddha
The Panauti Namobuddha hike offers an opportunity to visit a holy site and experience the charm of a traditional village. During the hike, travelers can see villages, temples, monasteries, forests, and the traditional ways of life of the Newar and Tamang communities. The endpoint of this one-day hike is the Namobuddha Monastery, also known as Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery.
Panauti paragliding
Phulchowki-Kushadevi region offers breathtaking views of the mountains and villages, forest. Paragliding takes off from Gurdum Danda and lands at Bancharetar in Kushadevi.
Architecture and Monuments
In this culturally rich city, adorned with temples, courtyards, and monuments, one can witness the true craftsmanship of the people from that era.
Pagoda Style Three storied Temple
- Indreshwor Temple
- Bhramhayani Temple
- Krishna Temple
Pagoda Style Two storied Temple
- Kathan Ganesh Temple
- BishwoNath Temple
- PashupatiNath Temple
Shikhar Style
- Badrinath temple
- Kedar nath temple
- Ram Janaki temple
- Dhaneshwor temple
- Pashupatinath temple
- Karunamaya temple
- Tula Narayan temple
Festivals and Celebrations
There are several festivals celebrated in Panauti. Many festivals are celebrated throughout the year. One of the most famous festivals is the Panauti Jatra.
Panauti Jatra
Panauti Jatra takes place every year in Panauti. It is a chariot festival at the end of the monsoon. During this festival pulling of the chariot begins from the town’s old Durbar Square. Animals such as goats and ducks are sacrificed during this festival.
Makar Mela
Makar Mela is celebrated once a month in Magh every twelve years. Devotees across the nation and India come here to take a holy bath at the junction of the Punyamata and Roshi rivers. The fair commences with the sun’s entry into the Makar Rashi on Makar Sankranti day.
Places to stay
Panauti community homestay
Panauti Community Homestay provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the Newari culture of Panauti. Almost every homestay has Wi-Fi available. Most homestays have Western-style toilets, while a few of them have squat toilets. Travelers get both modern comforts and countryside sights.
Panauti Picnic Spot
The Panauti picnic spot is a great place for a fun day out with family and friends. It offers a peaceful and scenic environment where you can relax and enjoy nature. With lush greenery and serene surroundings, it’s the perfect setting for a picnic.
Thumki Danda/Bhalthali Picnic Spot
There are picnic spots at Thumki Danda in Panauti. It is near by Panauti hydro station. From Thumki Danda one can get beautiful views of Panauti and the Panauti hydro station. Thumki danda is also known as Bhalthali.
Janti Dhunga Picnic Spot
It is the best place for a dry picnic. There is Roshi Jharana near this spot.
Gorakhnath Temple
There is a picnic spot near Gorakhnath Temple on the top of a hill.
Climate
Panauti’s climate is neither too cold nor too hot.
How to reach Panauti?
You can reach Panauti from Kathmandu in about 1.5 to 2 hours. The easiest way is to take a local bus from Ratna Park or Old Bus Park to Banepa, and then take another short bus or jeep ride to Panauti. Buses are cheap and run regularly. If you prefer comfort, you can hire a taxi or private vehicle, which is faster and more convenient. The road is good, and the journey offers views of hills, villages, and farmland. You can also ride a motorbike or scooter, which gives more freedom to stop and explore along the way. Some adventurous travelers even go by bicycle, enjoying the scenic ride through Bhaktapur and Banepa.
Panauti bus park
Panauti Bus Park is located in the town of Panauti, which is in the Kavrepalanchok District of Nepal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Where is Panauti located?
Panauti is a small historic town in Kavrepalanchok District, about 32 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu, Nepal.
Q. Why is Panauti famous?
Panauti is famous for its old temples, beautiful Newari architecture, cultural festivals, and the sacred Triveni Ghat, where three rivers meet. It is also known for its peaceful environment and community homestays.
Q. How can I reach Panauti from Kathmandu?
You can reach Panauti by local bus, private car, or motorbike. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
Q. Can I stay overnight in Panauti?
Yes, you can stay overnight. Many visitors choose community homestays, where you can live with a local family and enjoy traditional food and culture.
Q. Is Panauti good for a day trip?
Yes, Panauti is perfect for a day trip from Kathmandu, but staying longer gives you more time to enjoy its quiet charm.
Q. What is the best time to visit Panauti?
The best time is autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May), when the weather is clear and pleasant.
Q. Are there festivals in Panauti?
Yes! Panauti hosts Panauti Jatra every year and Makar Mela every 12 years. These festivals are colorful and full of traditions.
Q. Is Panauti safe for tourists?
Yes, Panauti is a very safe and friendly town for both local and international tourists.