Namo Buddha Panauti Day Hike

Major Attractions of Namo Buddha Panauti Day Hike

Although, the Namo Buddha Panauti Hiking trip lasts only a few hours, but within those few hours, you will see some unique culture, spiritual vibe, and architecture that you may have never seen before in Kathmandu. Among such attractions, some stand out as:

•  Dhulikhel

It is a small yet very beautiful village situated almost 30 to 32 km afar from the capital on the eastern slope of the Valley. At 1500 m altitude, this village is framed by the high profiles of some of the most beautiful mountains that exemplify its beauty.

From Annapurna to Ganesh, from Langtang to Gaurishankar, you can see more than twenty Himalayan giants of Nepal in this one place. Formerly known as the trade hub, this little town has seen many improvements in the last decade.

With the ecstatic blend of modernity and history, it is far more superior to the well-known Nagarkot. Apart from the snowy pyramids, the green hills, and the vast picture-perfect panorama of the entire Kathmandu Valley add an enchantment to this town.

In one corner, you can see the sky touching buildings, while on the other, you can still see the numerous old red brick houses and structures that are intricately designed and carved with wooden windows that multiply the pure Newari architectural style.

The central square of this town has two very important temples: the Hari Siddhi temple, characterized by its triple roof, and the Vishnu temple, which is flanked by two distinct Garuda statues.

•  Panauti

Panauti is yet another small town which is sacredly situated at the junction of the Roshi River and the Pungamati River. It is also believed that the current of the third unseen river that is mythologically associated with the Ganges and the Yamuna rivers of India also flows through here. Therefore, this town is considered spiritually very significant in Kathmandu.

It is home to the three-tiered pagoda-style temple of Indreswor Mahadev Temple where it is believed that the Shiva Lingam here is handcrafted by Lord Mahadev himself.

The temple is guarded by eight lions along with Nandi, the bull that serves as Shiva’s vehicle. The beams that support the temple’s roof are adorned with representations of Shiva’s various incarnations showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of Newar wood carving.

Then, there is also the Brahmayani Temple, and Krishna Narayan Temple but the town is celebrated for its unique Jatras and festivals, such as the Makar Mela which is celebrated every 12 years when the sun transitions from Kumbha (Aquarius) to Makar (Capricorn) Rashi (horoscope).

Followers believe that bathing in the sacred waters at Triveni Ghat (the meeting point of Rudrawati, Lilawati, and Padhmawati) of Panauti can cleanse all sins and alleviate skin ailments.

Then there is also Harisidhhi Jatra, Panauti Jatra, and Nava Durga Jatra (Chariot procession) during which the town transforms into a captivating spectacle.

•  Namo Buddha

Namo Buddha Monastery, officially known as Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery is established to remember the pivotal event in the life of the Buddha. It is believed that he once encountered a starving tigress unable to nourish her five cubs here so he sacrificed his thigh to feed them.

This monastery thus today stands as the value of compassion and altruism, the two main elements of Buddhism. Today, it has been imparting the lesson to young monks who will eventually go on to share their teaching with other monasteries.

Standing at 1750 height, this monastery is also known for its breathtakingly enchanting panorama. On one side, you can see the snowy realms while on the other the green zone surrounds the Namu Buddha.

To reach here and to move from here to another town of Panauti, you must hike through the orange groves, rice fields, and forests, an alluring environment for the trekking adventure. Truly, an evening must be spent here to see the multitude of stars that present the celestial display rarely seen in urban areas.

•  An enchanting looping route

On our Namo Buddha Panauti Hiking itinerary, you will be traveling from Namo Buddha to Panauti, which means you will be taking the loop route so you will be able to see the new landscape as you prepare to travel back to Kathmandu.

On the way down, you will have the opportunity to cross prayer flags galore, forests, rice fields, a river, and villages with colorful facades enough to leave you with superb images in your memory.

•  Phenomenal Himalayan Views

As of now, only the Nagarkot and the Poon Hill Viewpoint are two major lookout destinations for tourists. However, very near to Kathmandu Dhulikhel offers you the spellbinding view of more than twenty snowy ridges including Everest, Gaurshankar, Dorje Lhakpa, Annapurna, Numbur, and many more.

And once you are on the way to Namo Buddha, Makalu, and Manaslu in addition to these mountains will also gaze at you. Thus, in just a few hours, you will make lasting memories of some of the most breathtaking Himalayan vistas known to mankind.

•  Encounter with the Diverse Ethnicity

The Himalayas are the home of the Sherpas but the land of Kathmandu Valley is home to the Newars- the indigenous natives who have pretty much shaped the modern city, its valuable architecture, and its history.

Their most fascinating feature is the harmonious coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhism which are seamlessly integrated into daily life. This symbiosis is visible in religious practices, temples, rituals, and even festivities.

Almost all the temples, and stupas of the Kathmandu Valley have been built by the Newar artisans. These buildings, made of brick and wood, are adorned with detailed carvings and frescoes that tell religious and mythological stories.

However, their art is not limited to temples and pagodas but has also encompassed houses, mansions, palaces, and hotels as well. During this tour, you will have an exquisite meeting with these people as you venture to Panauti.

Best Time Period for Namo Buddha Panauti Day Hike

This short one-day hike to Namo Buddha Panauti is doable every day, every time, and every season of the year. Still, these enigmatic places are not only for the cultural and spiritual experiences but also for the natural surrounding views and the spectacle of the Himalayas.

Therefore, for the enriching experience that these places offer, it is best to undertake our Namo Buddha Panauti Hiking trip in the intermediary seasons of spring and autumn.

The springtime in Kathmandu extends between March and May and this is the time period when the terrain and the landscape of Namo Buddha, Dhulikhel, and Panauti are renewed with blossoming flowers, fragrant air, and the enchanting freshening atmosphere.

And as for hiking, there will be no scorching heat yet and you can easily walk and even overcome the steep upward climb to the Namo Buddha comfortably.

Likewise, the autumn/fall period extending from September through November days is another most comfortable time for our tour. This season is in fact the wonderful time when nature smoothly transitions from summer warmth to autumn coolness.

There will be fewer mosquitoes and bugs, and slowly Mother Nature will start to work its amazing show of turning the landscape of Namo Buddha and Dhulikhel into red, orange, and gold. On the other hand, the skies will be clearest blue that extends as far as eyes can see offering you the most transparent panorama of the mountains.

Winter expanding from December through the days of February is also not a bad time for this tour as the temperature around the Namo Buddha and Panauti is relatively warmer as compared to other parts of Nepal.

However, the monsoon time starting from June and extending up to the early days of September can shower the area with heavy rains, foggy days, and cloudy days. Therefore, it is wise to avoid this period if you truly want to see the full glory of these majestic places.

Are there any difficulties in the Namo Buddha Panauti Hiking trip?

Unlike other trekking and touring experiences in Nepal, our Namo Buddha Panauti day hike is a more accessible and comfortable option for participants regardless of their sex, fitness, health, and age.

This excursion is devoid of any challenges related to strenuous walking and hazardous hiking and completely eliminates the concern of altitude sickness.

However, due to its location on a hill surrounded by mountains, the climate at Namo Buddha can change unexpectedly, occasionally enveloping the area in cold mists.

Therefore, we suggest our guests prepare for these sudden drops in temperature by dressing warmly. Additionally, the steep vertical ascent to Namo Buddha and the several hundred stone steps at Dhulikhel may pose some difficulties for individuals with mobility issues or those with respiratory and heart conditions.

Thus, we recommend you consult a physician before participating in this tour if you suffer from asthma, respiratory issues, or mobility limitations. The same advice also goes for pregnant ladies as the steep uphill trek can be strenuous for them.

Who can partake in our Namo Buddha Panauti Day Hike?

A hike to Namo Buddha Panauti can be easily integrated as a short excursion if you choose to extend your visit to Kathmandu. As your tour organizer, we will see to all your transportation requirements.

We will provide you with a comfortable and spacious private vehicle for your journey to Dhulikhel and for the return trip from Panauti to Kathmandu.

As for the hiking segment, the walk is quite manageable and pleasurable too that involves a short period of steep ascent to the Namo Buddha Monastery. It is thus suitable for individuals with basic endurance and fitness levels.

Families with young children capable of walking for a few hours (approximately 3 to 4 hours) can also participate in our tour. The route is always charming, and scenic that follows the paved path running through the yellow rice paddies and forests.

However, if you are traveling with infants or children under the age of five, you may need to carry them, though there are resting spots along the way to ease the journey for parents.

Additionally, elderly travelers without any mobility issues or conditions such as arthritis can also comfortably partake in this tour. So we like to invite everyone who is seeking to recharge their batteries with a unique spiritual aura to take part in this amazing one-day tour.

Is any specific preparation needed for the Namo Buddha Panauti Day Hike?

This one-day tour is relatively easy and at a low altitude which means you don’t have to undergo any rigorous physical or mental training before the trip.

Anyone with basic health and fitness levels can easily take part. However, we must point out that the steep ascent to the monastery may be a bit exhausting for those who aren’t used to walking, especially for those who spend their whole day in front of a computer working behind the desk.

We therefore suggest that these people start walking twice a day, three times a week, to help their legs get accustomed to some hiking. As for preparation, please bring warm clothing, even if it doesn’t seem necessary at the start. The hill at Namo Buddha can quickly become enveloped in mist, so it’s best to be ready for any weather changes.

Accommodation and Dining Options

Please note that we will not be offering accommodation during this tour. However, if you desire, we can help you book three, four, or even five-star hotels in Kathmandu, Dhulikhel, or Panauti if you wish to spend a night in these lovely towns.

Please understand that this service will come at an extra cost. In addition, lunches and drinks during the tour will be self-catered. Along the way to Dhulikhel and Namo Buddha, you will find a variety of high-standard hotels, restaurants, and cafes, that offer plenty of dining choices.

At Namo Buddha, there is a canteen at the monastery, but the food options may be limited to items like chips, tea, noodles, and Thukpa. A budget of $25 to $30 will cover all your meal and beverage expenses comfortably.

Transportation

We will offer you private transfers during your hike to the Namo Buddha Panauti trip. We will collect you from your hotel or the location of your choice and transport you to Dhulikhel. Once your journey is complete, our vehicle will be waiting in Panauti to bring you back to Kathmandu, where we will drop you off at your hotel or any place you suggest.

Entrance fees and permits

Please kindly note that there is no need to pay any entrance fees or obtain permits to visit Dhulikhel and Namo Buddha. You are welcome to roam the town and the monastery freely.

If you wish, you can make a small donation at Namo Buddha Monastery to support its preservation. In Panauti, there is a small fee of 300 Nepali rupees per person to explore the Indreswor Temple and the museum, but we will cover this fee for you.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not a strict requirement for the Namo Buddha Panauti Day hike. Many travelers take on this excursion during their free time in Kathmandu, either before or after their other trekking experiences in Nepal. So the insurance they already have is generally adequate.

However, if you specifically ask about this trip, then travel insurance isn’t necessary, as it only involves a few hours of exploration. Still, if you prefer peace of mind, you can consider obtaining insurance to cover any potential accidents or injuries that could arise during the excursion.