Getting around · Panauti
How to Get to Panauti
How to reach Panauti by bus or car from Kathmandu via Banepa, or on foot from Dhulikhel and Namobuddha.
Panauti is reached by road, about 32km southeast of Kathmandu in Kavrepalanchok. The route runs east along the Araniko Highway to Banepa, then turns south for the short final stretch down to the old town. You can come by local bus via Banepa or by private car or taxi in about one-and-a-half to two hours — and, more memorably, you can walk in from Dhulikhel via Namobuddha.
From Kathmandu by car
The simplest option is a private car or taxi: head east out of the valley on the Araniko Highway to Banepa, then turn south for the few kilometres to Panauti. Allow roughly one-and-a-half to two hours depending on traffic. A car also lets you combine Panauti with Dhulikhel or Namobuddha on the same day.
From Kathmandu by bus
For budget travel, take a frequent bus or microbus to Banepa from Kathmandu, then change at Banepa for a short local bus or shared vehicle down to Panauti. Some direct services run, but changing at Banepa is often quicker and more reliable. For the bigger picture on local transport, see getting around Nepal.
On foot from Dhulikhel and Namobuddha
One of the most rewarding ways to arrive is on foot. A classic day walk leads from Dhulikhel to Namobuddha monastery and then down to Panauti — a scenic ridge-and-valley route through farmland and forest, and one of the best day hikes near Kathmandu. Arriving in the old town after a day's walking is a fine way to end the trek.
At a glance
| From | Mode | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu | Car / taxi | ~1.5–2 hrs | Araniko Highway to Banepa, then south |
| Kathmandu | Bus via Banepa | ~2–3 hrs | Change at Banepa for the final leg |
| Dhulikhel | On foot via Namobuddha | Most of a day | Scenic day hike into the old town |
Getting around once you arrive
Panauti's old town is tiny and entirely walkable — leave any vehicle at the edge and explore the temples, Durbar Square and river ghats on foot. You will not need transport within the historic core.
Plan the rest of your trip
Sort your base with where to stay in Panauti, time it with the best time to visit Panauti, and see the Panauti day trip from Kathmandu and the Panauti travel guide for the full plan.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Panauti from Kathmandu?+
Panauti is reached by road, about 32km southeast of Kathmandu. Follow the Araniko Highway east to Banepa, then turn south for the short final stretch to Panauti. Local buses run via Banepa, and private cars or taxis make the trip in about one-and-a-half to two hours.
How long does it take to reach Panauti?+
Allow roughly one-and-a-half to two hours by car from Kathmandu, depending on traffic out of the valley and through Banepa. Local buses take longer, especially if you change at Banepa for the final leg down to Panauti.
Is there a direct bus to Panauti?+
Some direct buses run from Kathmandu, but it is often easier to take a frequent bus or microbus to Banepa and change there for a short local bus or shared vehicle to Panauti, which is only a few kilometres further south.
Can you walk to Panauti from Dhulikhel?+
Yes. A popular scenic route walks from Dhulikhel to Namobuddha monastery and on down to Panauti, taking most of a day. It is one of the best easy hikes near Kathmandu and a lovely way to arrive in the old town on foot.
