17/10/2025
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: VALLEY RECKONING
Feeling both energised and spiritualised our clients Nepal exploration continues as they head deeper into the rurality of the often overlooked Kathmandu Valley. By far the best way to discover the "treasures of the Kathmandu Valley" is on foot. In this instance our clients will enjoy a bucolic two day "slow hike" from Panauti to Namobuddha via Balthali.
Rural Panauti, with its ornate temples, dates back to the 14th Century and Namobuddha is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal.
PANAUTI is a real treasure trove of Newari art and architecture Panauti has one of the only two known pre-Malla structures, the Indreshwar Temple, reputed to be the oldest in Nepal, as well as many more ornate and fascinating temples and shrines. Exquisite wood-carved roof structures just seem to be everywhere. There's also a small cremation ghat where the Pungmati and Roshi rivers merge. As you wander around this charming town, you'll discover brick-paved streets, intricately carved resthouses, stupas, and stone water taps. Traditional goldsmiths and silversmiths may also be seen at work. But Panauti is also a farming town and is surrounded by terraced fields and orchards, giving a great insight into agricultural practices where mechanisation has had little impact.
According to legend, Buddha sacrificed his body at Namobuddha to let a starving tigress feed her cubs here, and Namobuddha (Hail to the Buddha) has since been a sacred site for pilgrims for centuries. A giant prayer wheel can be seen by the main stupa, and the colourful prayer flags that abound here all add to the serenity. There are pretty good views of the Himalayas too. A visit to the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery is a must. Home to around 250 monks, this beautifully decorated Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in the Karma Kagyu tradition is a haven of peace and tranquilly. You don't need to be spiritual to appreciate just how special Namobuddha is. But pretty much all people who come here "feel" something.
After this our clients have just one night left in Nepal, so what will they do for their final reckoning?