Hiking Trip to Namobuddha and Panauti (5-6 hrs) 5-6 hours

Overview

Namoboudha is a holy site for the Buddhist and lies in the Kavre district at an altitude of 1800m, about 38 kms east of Kathmandu. The stupa and shrines build up in this lovely little hill significantly enough mark a very ancient holy site where a legendary prince named Mahasattva offered him to starving Tigress with its several underfed cubs. This legendary episode is depicted in a very nice stone slab and place right next to a holy stupa.

Namoboudha hiking through charming villages affords some excellent mountain views and is a delightful way to see the picturesque countryside. A scenic countryside along Nepal/Tibet highway takes you to Dhulikhel Bazzar (30kms/1hr drive from Kathmandu). From here you will walk about forty-five minutes up to Devistan, a small temple, an excellent spot to view the Himalaya. After a short descent, a gradual climb of about ninety minutes brings you to Phulbari, where panoramic mountain views are excellent. Then it is a ten minute walk to the legendary Namoboudha Stupa. A popular legend relates that the Lord Buddha in his previous incarnation had offered his own flesh to save a starving tigress and her cubs from the imminent death.

After exploring the area a walk of about 2 1/2 hours takes you down to the charming medieval Newari village of Panauti, a treasure house of ancient Newari architecture. From Panauti your vehicle will transfer you back to Kathmandu (1hr drive). (Total walking hour approx. 5-6 hrs, tour duration approx. 6-7 hrs).

The main attractions of this hike are the panoramic mountain views and many Buddhist stupas on the hilltop. Namoboudha is also famous for rice, mustard and millet; so you can also experience the beautiful hillside terraced farms throughout the walk. One can see the number of temples, variations in landscapes and diversity of people living in harmony.