Panauti Old Town, Banepa

Panauti Old Town is free to enter, making it one of Nepal's most accessible heritage destinations. Some individual temples within the town may request a small voluntary donation.

Panauti is considered one of Nepal's best-preserved medieval towns, sitting at the sacred confluence of the Punyamati and Roshi rivers. It is renowned for its stunning Newari pagoda temples, including the three-tiered Indreshwar Mahadev Temple, which is among the oldest in Nepal.

The best time to visit is during the dry seasons of October to December and February to April, when weather is clear and pleasant for exploring the outdoor temple courtyards. Visiting during the Makar Mela festival, held every 12 years at the river confluence, is a once-in-a-generation cultural experience.

Most visitors find two to three hours sufficient to walk the main heritage zone, explore the temple courtyards, and stroll along the river confluence. If you enjoy slow travel, photography, or want to explore surrounding lanes and craft workshops, half a day is ideal.

Panauti is approximately 32 kilometres southeast of Kathmandu, near the town of Banepa. You can take a local bus or microbus from Kathmandu's City Bus Park toward Banepa and then a short connecting ride to Panauti, or hire a private taxi or car for a more comfortable journey of roughly one hour.

As Panauti is an active religious site, visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees when entering temple courtyards. Remove your shoes before stepping inside any temple, and be respectful of worshippers during prayer times.

The old town's heritage core is largely flat and walkable, but the streets are narrow, uneven, and made of traditional brick, which can be challenging for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility. It is advisable to wear sturdy, comfortable footwear regardless of your mobility level.

Photography is generally permitted throughout the open public areas and temple squares of Panauti. However, you should always ask permission before photographing inside temple interiors or taking close-up images of worshippers out of respect for local religious practices.

Panauti pairs naturally with nearby Banepa town and the Chandeshwari Temple, a significant goddess shrine about two kilometres away. The drive also passes close to Dhulikhel, a hilltop town with panoramic Himalayan views, making a combined day trip from Kathmandu very rewarding.

The town has small local teahouses and eateries where you can try traditional Newari snacks and meals. A few craft shops sell locally made pottery and woodwork, reflecting the town's living artisan traditions.