Create an account sign-up-diamond

Start your adventure today.

Already a member? Login

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
432 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
14.1 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
3.5-5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead

Panauti to Namo Buddha

Panauti to Namo Buddha
Measurement:

Download an interactive map and guide on your phone today!

Table of contents

Sitting at an altitude of 5709ft, Namo Buddha is a small village set atop a beautiful hill with a well-preserved Buddhist monastery, Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Nepali Buddhists. Walking there from Panauti can be a pilgrimage of its own. Panauti, another ancient Newari village, lies in Kavre District, 21.7mi southeast of Kathmandu. Though Panauti is so close to modern amenities, it has managed to protect its ancient culture and preserve its numerous Hindu temples.

Route Description for Panauti to Namo Buddha

Start your trek in Panauti, which is easily accessible by road. Board either a direct bus to Panauti from Ratna Park Bus Stop in Kathmandu or take a bus from Ratna Park Bus Stop to Banepa, and then transfer to another bus to Panauti. The bus ride to Panauti from Kathmandu is particularly scenic. Admire the lush green fields and breathe in fresh, clean air as you travel further from the city. Leave early for Panauti to avoid traffic. Be sure to have your face mask handy for the dusty stretch from Banepa to Panauti.

Get off at Panauti Bus Stop and find your way to a local café for breakfast. Look for signs that read gwaramari (round bread in Newari), and enjoy the small balls of deep-fried flour, best served with tea. While here, visit a few of the temples, like Indreshwor, which lies conveniently on the way to the start of your hike.

The first 2.6 km of the hike is on asphalt paved roads. And though this section of the trek is the least interesting, you’ll get to see local life: villagers working the fields and children playing in the courtyards. Arriving at Sunthan Bus Stop, take a right at the fork in the trail and head south toward the Khopasi Bus Stop. Go along the relatively flat and easy Khopasi Khasthali Road, walking a single-track path that takes you through small, charming villages, from where you can admire the beautiful views of the valley before you.

The second stage of the hike is the most difficult. You’ll gain an elevation of almost 750 m as you cover 9.2 km. Though the trail from this point on is straightforward, you might want to take frequent breaks to restore your energy for the walk ahead. The trail then takes you down a gentle slope to the small village of Lapsibot. From here, the trail ascends uphill as you head northeast. Along the way, you’ll likely encounter fellow hikers and locals walking with the sounds of their voices replaced by the soothing sounds of birds and cicadas the higher you climb. As you work your way up, the view opens into a breathtaking vista of the monastery and the stupa in the distance while the majestic mountains paint the backdrop.

You’ll instantly recognize the Namo Buddha monastery as you witness the hundreds of thousands of prayer flags fluttering above the sunlit golden roofs of the monastery. Take in the stunning views of the valley you just trekked from this vantage point and enjoy the peaceful ambience. Be sure to hydrate over lunch at a local restaurant. Your hike ends here.

There are numerous lodging options at Namo Buddha with a stay at the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery being a particularly special experience. The monastery has simple but accommodating rooms reserved for travelers, where you can partake in meals alongside the monks and discover the pujas in the gumba and interact with young monks. Coming down from the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse, there are a variety of alternate lodging options, so reserving a room beforehand is not mandatory. You can decide to stay at Namo Buddha or take a bus back to Kathmandu and enjoy the scenic drive.

Insider Hints for Panauti to Namo Buddha

  • Spending a night at Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery is an awesome idea!
  • Have a face mask on to cover you from the dust of ongoing traffic.

Getting to the Panauti to Namo Buddha Trailhead

Get to Panauti by taking a bus from Ratna Park Bus Stop in Kathmandu.

Route Information

  • When to do:

    March to May and September to November

  • Mountain Huts:

    No

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Low

  • Route Type:

    One Way

Panauti to Namo Buddha Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews

0.0
No reviews
Write a review
×

Add a review

You must be logged in to post a comment.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.

Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

10Adventures Trail App

Take your trails online! Keep track of your route along the way.

Download for free today.

Get travel inspiration and discounts

Join our weekly travel newsletter