Bagmati Province, Nepal
Things to do in Panauti
One of Nepal's oldest Newar towns, in Kavrepalanchok southeast of Kathmandu, set at the sacred Triveni river confluence and known for its pagoda temples and pioneering community homestay.
Panauti is one of the oldest Newar towns in Nepal, set on a low spur where the Punyamati and Roshi rivers meet at the sacred Triveni confluence, about 32km southeast of Kathmandu in Kavrepalanchok. Compact, walkable and far quieter than Bhaktapur, it preserves a genuinely medieval townscape of brick houses, carved windows and pagoda temples — and is best known for the magnificent Indreshwar Mahadev Temple, among the tallest and oldest pagodas in the country.
Most visits centre on the old town and the river. Wander the temple-lined lanes of Panauti Durbar Square, descend to the Triveni confluence and its ghats, and cross to the riverside shrine of Brahmayani Temple, guardian goddess of the town. The leafy Khware riverside by the confluence is the spiritual heart of Panauti and the focus of the Makar Mela, a great pilgrimage festival held only once every twelve years. To slow down and live the town from the inside, stay with a family through the celebrated Panauti community homestay.
Start with our roundup of the top things to do in Panauti, then sort the practicalities: where to stay, how to get there and the best time to visit. Panauti pairs easily with nearby Dhulikhel and the heritage city of Bhaktapur. For wider context, see our guides to Newar culture and heritage, Newari cuisine and the best day hikes near Kathmandu.
Where to stay in Panauti
Sights & attractions in Panauti
Festivals & events in Panauti
Getting around in Panauti
Plan your trip in Panauti
Frequently asked questions
Is Panauti worth visiting?+
Yes — Panauti is one of the best-preserved old Newar towns in the Kathmandu Valley, with a genuinely medieval feel, important pagoda temples and far fewer crowds than Bhaktapur. Its riverside setting and pioneering community homestay make it a rewarding, low-key day trip or overnight from Kathmandu.
How far is Panauti from Kathmandu?+
Panauti is about 32km southeast of Kathmandu in Kavrepalanchok, roughly one-and-a-half to two hours by car or local bus via Banepa. It is an easy day trip and pairs naturally with Dhulikhel or Namobuddha on the same route.
What is Panauti famous for?+
Panauti is famous for the 15th-century Indreshwar Mahadev Temple, the sacred Triveni river confluence and ghats, its compact medieval Newari old town, and the Makar Mela pilgrimage festival held once every twelve years. It also runs one of Nepal's best-known community homestay programmes.