Panauti

पनौती

An ancient trading town at the confluence of the Panauti and Indrawati rivers, featuring centuries-old temples and traditional Newari architecture. The town serves as a cultural gateway to the eastern valleys with stunning riverside setting and relatively few tourists.

Things to do

• Indreshwar Mahadev Temple — A three-tiered pagoda temple dating back to the 15th century, located at the confluence of the two rivers and featuring intricate wood carvings typical of Newari craftsmanship.
• Riverside Walk at Confluence — Stroll along the banks where the Panauti and Indrawati rivers meet, offering peaceful views of the valley and opportunities to observe local life and traditional water usage.
• Panauti Durbar Square — The historic town square surrounded by restored Newari architecture and ancient residences, serving as the cultural heart where locals gather and traditional practices continue.
• Unmadhyeshwar Temple Trek — A short hike to this hilltop temple offering panoramic views of Panauti town and the surrounding river valleys, popular at sunrise.
• Local Pottery Workshops — Visit traditional Newari potter families still using hand-wheel techniques to create clay vessels and religious objects, many welcoming visitors to observe or participate.
• Indrawati River Exploration — Follow trails along the Indrawati river gorge through rhododendron forests to discover hidden waterfalls and natural pools used by locals for bathing.

Food to try

• Chatamari (Newari Pizza) — A rice flour crepe cooked on a griddle, topped with egg and minced meat or vegetables, representing a quintessential Newari street food found at local vendors throughout town.
• Yomari — Steamed sweet dumplings filled with jaggery and sesame seeds, traditionally made during the Yomari Punhi festival but available year-round at local bakeries.
• Bara (Lentil Fritters) — Deep-fried lentil patties served with spiced potato curry, a staple breakfast dish in Newari households and available at morning food stalls.
• Gundruk (Fermented Leafy Greens) — A tangy fermented vegetable preparation made from mustard greens, served as an accompaniment to rice meals and reflecting traditional Himalayan preservation techniques.
• Riverside Fresh Fish Curry — Local catch from the Panauti and Indrawati rivers prepared with traditional spices, available at small family-run restaurants with river views.
• Selroti (Sweet Rice Bread) — A spiral-shaped sweet fried bread made with rice flour, jaggery, and cardamom, sold hot by women at the temple and market areas, especially during evening hours.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Temple Timings and Customs — Most temples observe specific puja times in early morning and evening; remove shoes before entering and avoid photographing without permission, as many locals consider temples sacred spaces.
• Learn Basic Nepali Greetings — Using 'Namaste' and simple Nepali phrases shows respect and opens conversations with locals who appreciate effort to engage in their language, particularly in this less-touristy town.
• Participate in Seasonal Festivals — Panauti celebrates Indra Jatra and Yomari Punhi with community gatherings; attending or asking permission to observe these festivals provides authentic cultural immersion and strengthens local connections.
• Support Local Artisans Directly — Purchase pottery, textiles, and handicrafts directly from makers rather than middlemen, ensuring fair compensation and learning craft stories that connect you to Panauti's living heritage.

Nearby

• Thimi (Kathmandu Valley) — 5 km
• Changu Narayan Temple (Kathmandu Valley) — 5 km
• Dhulikhel (Kathmandu Valley) — 5 km
• Changu Narayan (Central Highlands) — 5 km