Important Information

Region
Hiking in and around Kathmandu Valley
Duration
1 Day
Max Altitude
1750m
Best Season
Spring, Winter and Autumn
Activity Per Day
4-5 hours
Grade
Level 2
Group Size
1 – 12 people
Transportation
Car, Bus, Jeep

Hiking from Namobuddha to Balthali and then to Panauti is a perfect day hike among all the hikes in and around Kathmandu Valley. This day hike takes place in Kavrepalanchok, the neighboring districts of Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. 

The hike from Namobuddha to Balthali that ends at Panauti is one of the best hikes in Nepal, which provides a blend of the hospitality of the Hindu and Buddhist religions in a single day, plus an exploration of the Nepalese village lifestyle. If you have enough time in Nepal, then we also suggest you make this trip in two days by spending one night in a Balthali homestay with a local family. 

Panauti is also one of the must-visit places during your hike from Namobuddha to Khopasi through Balthali village. Panauti is a medieval town that is located at the holy confluence of the Roshi Khola and Pungamati Khola. The bank of the river is dotted with Hindu temples, and the old palace square lies at the center of the city. 

Hiking route from Namobuddha to Panauti through Balthali Village

From Kathmandu, you will drive to Namobuddha, about 42 km of road distance, which takes a maximum duration of one and a half hours. After visiting Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery and its periphery, you will head toward Balthali village. After an hour of hiking through the villages and open fields, you will descend down to the Roshi River, where there is a fixed aluminum bridge. The hiking trail is wide enough until you reach close to the Roshi River. Cross the bridge and climb up through the stoned stairs, passing the orange fields on your right side. Then you will walk by the fields, which are mostly green and filled with potatoes in the spring and, in the summer, paddy and wheat in the fall season. The wide walking road through the giant fields is beautiful, and probably it’s the best spot for your portrait photo. The residents’ areas are located at the edge of the fields in all directions; it seems the houses are guarding the fields. 

From Balthali, it is another 1 hour of hiking to Khopasi, and then you will drive to Panauti for 15 minutes. Namobuddha and Balthali village hike finished at Khopasi; thereafter, the road link with Panauti. Panauti is always worth visiting because of its historical monuments and vibrant Newari cultural arts. The major attractions of Panauti are Panauti Durbar Square, Panauti Museum, Indreshwar Temple, and Triveni Ghat. After the short sightseeing, you will drive back to Kathmandu, which takes about one and a half hours, covering a distance of 32 km. 

If you are looking for a different itinerary than the one here, please Customize Your Trip. 

Your trip at a glance

1 day

  1. Day 1 Namobuddha-Balthali-Khopasi- Panauti Hike
    • 7:30 AM; Pick up from your hotel and drive to Namobuddha, a distance of 42km from Kathmandu. 
    • 9:00 AM; You will reach the Monastery around 9: AM. Visit the Monastery and witness the Himalayan views from the viewpoint stupa. 
    • 10:00 AM; After one hour of time spent at Namobuddha, you will start your hike to Balthali village, descending from the prying flag hill. 
    • 12:00 AM; It will take around 2 hours to walk to Balthali and have an authentic lunch with the host family. 
    • 13:00 PM; You will say goodbye to the host family and resume your hike to Khopasi, which takes one hour, and our driver will pick you up from there and drive to Panauti, which takes 10-15 minutes.  
    • 14:30 PM; Your sightseeing in Panauti starts by walking down the narrow street. You will visit all the major pots and monuments of Panauti town. 
    • 16:00 PM; Return to Kathmandu by driving 32 km from Panauti.

What's included 3 items

  • Private Transportation
  • Guide
  • Necessary permit fee

What's not included 4 items

  • Meals
  • Personal Expense
  • Tips for guide
  • Everything that is not mentioned in include section

Useful Information

CHECKLISTS FOR NAMOBUDDHA TO BALTHALI HIKE

  • Comfortable day hiking clothes (light layers, comfortable t-shirt, hiking pants or leggings, sun hat or cap, comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners, rain jacket or windbreaker)
  • Small daypack or backpack (20-30 liters capacity), water bottle or hydration pack (at least 1-2 liters), snacks and energy food (trail mix, energy bars, fruits)
  • Personal Items (sunscreen, sunglasses, basic first-aid supplies, any personal medications, insect repellent), camera or smartphone for photos, trekking poles (optional, but helpful for knee support on descents) 
  • Cash in Nepali Rupees for entrance fees, snacks, and emergencies (credit cards may not be accepted in remote areas)
  • Mobile phone (if your cell phone is from CINGULAR USA or ATNT (USA) operators, then your cell phone will work in Nepal.)

Frequently asked questions

What to Bring ?

The most important consideration for any tour is staying warm and dry. Lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking under layers are highly recommended. Insulating layers and jackets are necessary. Comfortable shoes, quality socks (quality socks are recommended), and a head covering (insulating caps and brimmed caps designed to block sunlight) are essential. Outer layers should be made of waterproof, wind-blocking material such as Gore-Tex. Sunglasses and sunblock cream, drinking water bottles, and other personal necessities.

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