Panauti to Namo Buddha hike

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 1.6mi 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 2461ft as you cover 5.7mi. 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.