Check out the cool village of Panauti, about 32 kilometres (around a 1-1.5 hour drive) from Kathmandu. On our Panauti Village Tour, you’ll get to see real Newari culture, old temples, and traditional houses that are hundreds of years old. You can also enjoy walking along the beautiful riverside, exploring the town’s narrow lanes, and trying some tasty local food.
Panauti is famous for its festivals, like the Panauti Jatra. It’s also one of the few places in Nepal where you can still see how old towns used to be. The town sits where two rivers meet, giving great views and perfect spots to just relax and enjoy the scenery.
This tour is great for anyone who loves culture, taking photos, or just exploring a place that feels a bit different. In one day, you’ll get to see history, how people live in the village, and enjoy the natural beauty all around.
Book now to secure your spot for the upcoming Panauti Jatra festival with Abound Holidays. Let Our Expert Guides Immerse You in Newari Culture, Scenic Views, and Local Traditions.
Panauti Village Tour at a Glance - A Cultural Day Trip from Kathmandu
- Location: 32 km from Kathmandu (1.5 hr drive)
- Duration: 1 Full Day
- Best For: Culture lovers, photographers, families
- Highlights: Temples, riverside walks, Newari food, homestay
Panauti is one of Nepal’s underrated hidden spots. Even though it’s close to Kathmandu, you can see how people really live without lots of tourists around. In this tour, you can check out old temples, small museums, and buildings made with amazing local skills that have lasted for hundreds of years.
The village is peaceful and off-the-beaten-path, so you can walk quiet streets and hang out by calm riverbanks without big tourist crowds. It’s near Kathmandu but feels like a whole different world full of culture and calm. And it’s awesome for culture lovers and photography because every street, temple, and corner has a story and a great photo chance.
Highlights of the Panauti Village Day Tour
This Panauti day tour is packed with experiences that mix culture, everyday village life, and nature:
1. Explore Ancient Temples & Heritage Sites
Panauti is full of history, with some of Nepal’s oldest and most important temples and buildings. You can Visitt these sites for a glimpse into centuries of Newari culture.
- Indreshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in the Kathmandu Valley, famous for its amazing design and the spiritual meaning it holds.
- Panauti Museum lets you learn about local history, traditions, and see artifacts that show centuries of Newari life.
- Traditional architecture can be seen as you walk through narrow lanes filled with intricately carved wooden houses and old courtyards.
2. Experience Local Newari Lifestyle
In Panauti, you can see how people live their everyday lives. The locals are really friendly and still do their old traditions, so you can watch real Newari life up close. You can meet families, see how they cook, celebrate festivals, and go about their daily stuff, making it feel like you’re part of their world for a bit.
- Meet Newari families and see their traditions, festivals, and crafts.
- Join homestays to cook, try crafts, and hear local stories.
- Support tourism that helps families and keeps culture alive.
3. Scenic Views & Nature Walks
Besides its rich culture, Panauti is full of natural beauty and amazing spots for photos.
- Riverside Walks: Stroll along the Roshi Khola and cross traditional suspension bridges.
- Panoramic Views: Enjoy wide views of Panauti village surrounded by green hills.
- Photogenic Spots: Explore quiet alleys and open spaces that are perfect for photography.
4. Taste Authentic Newari Cuisine
If you’re visiting Panauti, trying the local food is a must. The town is famous for yummy traditional dishes that everyone should taste.
- Enjoy traditional Newari dishes like bara, yomari, and momo.
- Samayabaji: A traditional Newari dish made of beaten rice, lentils, and various tasty sides.
- Homestays or local restaurants serve fresh meals made with local ingredients.
Meet the People of Panauti | Local Homestay & Culture
If you visit Panauti, meeting the locals is super fun and interesting. Staying in a homestay lets you see how people live and learn their traditions.
- Panauti’s homestays, often run by women, give you a peek into local life and help support families.
- Learn traditional crafts like woodcarving, pottery, and cooking.
- Join community tourism that helps local families earn a living.
- Experience daily life, ceremonies, and cultural traditions up close.
Reserve Your Cultural Experience in Panauti Village Tour Today with Abound Holidays and Connect Directly with Local Families Through Homestays, Traditional Crafts, and Authentic Cuisine. Contact us now!
Top Things to Do in Panauti Village Tour
Panauti Village Tour is full of culture, history, and scenic spots, making it a perfect destination for a day trip or a short stay. There’s so much to see and do, from exploring temples to joining festivals and enjoying peaceful walks around the village.
- Visit historic temples and the Panauti Museum to learn about the town’s culture, buildings, and spiritual traditions.
- Join local festivals like Panauti Jatra or Makar Mela to see colourful traditions and lively celebrations.
- Stay with a local family in a homestay and try activities like cooking, crafts, and daily village life.
- Take walks by the river and in the countryside to enjoy peaceful scenery, suspension bridges, and traditional village life.
- Snap panoramic views of Panauti from rooftop cafes and scenic spots, perfect for photos and golden hour shots.
Festivals in Panauti Village
During Panauti’s festivals, the whole village bursts with life. You will be experiencing the colourful, buzzing, and exciting streets during this time.
Panauti Jatra (June/July)
Panauti Jatra is the village’s biggest festival of the year. The streets come alive with parades, lively music, and dancing. People carry sacred images, and you can watch traditional performances or even join in the celebrations. It’s the perfect time to experience the real energy and culture of Panauti.
Makar Mela (every 12 years)
Makar Mela is a rare and special fair that draws people from all over Nepal. Pilgrims come to bathe in the river, pray, and take part in religious ceremonies. The streets are packed with food stalls and fun activities. Visiting Makar Mela feels like being part of a huge spiritual and cultural party that happens only once every twelve years.
At Abound Holidays, we can customise your Panauti tour to match these festival dates. From arranging comfortable homestays to guided festival walks and cultural activities. We ensure you get the most out of your trip.
Plan Your Visit Around Panauti’s Vibrant Festivals with Abound Holidays and Experience Panauti Jatra or Makar Mela Up Close with Our Local Expertise.
Hidden Gems & Photography Spots in Panauti
Panauti is full of hidden spots that many visitors miss, making it a great place for exploring and photography. From peaceful riversides to charming alleys and stunning viewpoints, there’s plenty to capture and enjoy.
- Riverside and suspension bridges are perfect for calm and peaceful morning walks.
- Narrow alleys let you discover wood-carving workshops and historic lanes.
- Rooftop cafes offer panoramic views, making them ideal for photography lovers during golden hour.
Best Time for a Panauti Village Tour
The best time to visit Panauti is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant, the skies are clear, and exploring the town is comfortable. Summer is ideal if you want to experience the Panauti Jatra, a lively local festival, while winter offers crisp air, fewer crowds, and great photography opportunities.
Peak Season
Spring (March to May) and autumn (Sep to Nov) are the best times to visit Panauti. The weather is nice and ideal for walking around, checking out temples, and doing outdoor activities. In autumn, the skies are clear and the scenery is bright and colorful, which is great for sightseeing and taking photos.
Off Seasons
Summer (June-August) and winter (December-February) are the off-seasons. Summer can be rainy, but it’s when Panauti Jatra happens, so the village is full of colour, music, and celebrations. Winter is cool and dry, with fewer tourists, which makes it perfect for peaceful exploration and photography. Makar Mela occurs in winter but only once every 12 years, so it’s a rare experience.
Season | Highlights | Average Temperature | Weather Conditions | Festivals / Events |
Spring (Mar-May) | Nice weather, flowers bloom, sightseeing | 15-25°C | Mild and clear | Panauti Jatra (Late May) |
Summer (Jun-Aug) | Green surroundings, lively village | 20-28°C | Some rain, humid | Panauti Jatra (Early June) |
Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Clear skies, bright landscapes, great for walks | 14-24°C | Mild and sunny | - |
Winter (Dec-Feb) | Cool air, fewer people, good for photos | 5-18°C | Cool and dry | Makar Mela (every 12 years) |
Extend your cultural exploration by visiting Kathmandu’s iconic temples and heritage sites. Check out our Kathmandu City Tour for a full city experience.