After breakfast, we walk towards the monastery. From here, the trail starts from the lower stupa, passing through traditional villages with ochre-coloured farmhouses surrounded by orange trees. The area comprises numerous flora, colourful rhododendron forests, and magnolia trees. As you continue, you will come across people working in the field, children playing around and domestic animals running while searching for food. You will get to explore the actual life of the Nepalese village.

Once we reach Khopasi, we will drive towards Panauti located at the auspicious confluence of Roshi Khola and Punyamata Khola rivers. It hosts the sacred Indreswor temple and Mahadev temple. Panauti is believed to stand on a single huge rock, which is the reason that no earthquake to date has been able to inflict any damage on the town.

Upon arrival at Panauti, you will be welcomed by the host with garland and vermilion with a great smile followed by a briefing. Then you will be taken to host family home for the authentic local experience. After a typical Nepali lunch with the host family, get ready for a wonderful tour of the town. Witness the finest arts and culture with a brief tour of the old part of the town which preserves and depicts Panauti’s history and wellness. You will visit the community museum and walk along the narrow cobbled alleyways. Enjoy beautifully carved windows, struts, and doors. The traditional Newari lifestyle will leave you mesmerized.

One of the more stunning temples (a classic example of Newari craftsmanship) is the three-tiered Indreshowr Mahadev Temple, which stands in the centre of a huge brick-paved courtyard. Its decoratively carved wooden windows, doors, struts, and beams are evidence of the skills of the valley’s Newari artisans. The same can be seen in the other temples situated in the courtyard, that are, Unmata Bhairav, Krishna, and Ahilya Temples. Across the Punyamati River, there are even more temples. Two of them, Brahmayani and Krishna Narayan, are specifically significant. Every 12 years, a Fair (Mela) happens in the temple and the devotees from almost every part of the country come here. They take a bath in the river, which flows in between the temples.

Additionally, Panauti has added charm of being bounded by many lush paddy fields. Besides its 40 temples, Panauti is also well-known for its 28 festivals. Affluent in Newari culture, numerous of the town’s festivals are similar to those of Kathmandu whereas some are exceptional with a completely local character.

In the evening, you can try out some Nepali recipes during a cooking class at your host’s kitchen.