Nestled just a short drive from Kathmandu, Panauti Community Homestay offers more than just a place to stay. It is an authentic, soul-stirring experience led by empowered women who are transforming their communities one guest at a time.
Nepal’s mountains have long inspired stories of strength, endurance, and transformation. But it’s not just the trekkers reaching summits who embody these qualities. It’s also the resilient women in our communities, quietly reshaping the future of rural Nepal through initiatives like the Panauti Community Homestay.
As a female-led trekking company, 8Mountains is proud to walk the same path of empowerment. Like Panauti, we’re not just guiding people through trails, we’re opening doors to immersive, community-rooted travel that uplifts local women and their families.
What is Panauti Community Homestay?
Panauti Community Homestay is a pioneering example of community-based tourism in Nepal, developed in partnership with Royal Mountain Travel. It brings travelers and local families together in a way that benefits everyone, guests enjoy warm hospitality and meaningful cultural exchange, while host families gain economic opportunities and confidence.
This model is especially powerful because it is women-led. Around 17 women from Panauti run this network of homestays, offering private, clean, and comfortable rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and Wi-Fi access. But more than comfort, they offer connection: a glimpse into the heart of Nepali life.
Why This Matters?
- Empowerment Through Ownership: Homestay income provides women with economic independence and confidence.
- Sustainable Tourism: Staying with families reduces the environmental footprint while keeping revenue within local communities.
- Cultural Exchange: Travelers enjoy a deeper connection with Nepal, not as outsiders but as part of a family, if only for a few nights.
Why Visit Panauti?
✅ Authentic Nepali Village Life
Panauti is a historic Newari town located just 1.5 hours from Kathmandu. It’s the perfect getaway for travelers looking to experience traditional Nepali culture without venturing too far from the capital.
Guests can participate in:
- Morning puja ceremonies at local temples
- Cooking classes with local ingredients and time-honored recipes
- Hikes through rice terraces and lush hillsides
- Cultural activities such as learning to make Nepali tea or observing artisans at work
You’ll wake up to views of rice fields, hear the gentle sounds of local life, and fall asleep in peaceful, family-run homes full of warmth.
✅ Blend of Urban and Rural Charm
Panauti strikes a unique balance. It has the laid-back feel of a rural village with easy access to urban comforts. Visit Triveni Ghat Temple, a sacred temple with centuries-old architecture, or wander the quiet alleyways of the Old Town filled with history and charm.
Experiences in Panauti You Can’t Miss!
🚴 Panauti Bike Tour
Cycle through Panauti’s ancient town center, explore the 15th-century Indreshwor Temple, then ride past orange orchards, visit a silk farm, and enjoy a traditional tea break in Khopasi. This immersive experience combines nature, heritage, and adventure.
🥾 Hike to Namo Buddha
Embark on a scenic hike from Panauti to Namo Buddha, one of Nepal’s most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites. The trail weaves through peaceful forests, terraced farms, and friendly villages, ending at the magnificent Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery: home to serene puja ceremonies and breathtaking Himalayan views.
Empowering Stories from Panauti Homestay
The women of Panauti Homestay are the true heart of the experience. Their stories are as moving as the scenery.
- Mita Karmacharya turned to homestay hosting after the 2015 earthquake and border closures affected her family’s business. Hosting travelers helped her save for her children’s university education.
- Sabita KC, once dependent on her husband’s income, now teaches herself English and supports her daughter’s studies in Australia.
- Mina Koirala, a widow, found financial stability and community after joining the homestay network, enabling her daughter to secure an office job and giving her a renewed sense of purpose.
These women are not just hosts, they are role models, showing how hospitality can be a pathway to independence and transformation.
How to Get to Panauti Homestay?
Getting to Panauti is simple:
- By private vehicle: Approx. 1.5 hours from Kathmandu
- By bus: Regular departures from Old Bus Park near Ratna Park in Kathmandu. Alternatively, take a bus to Banepa and transfer to a local route to Panauti.
Join Us in Supporting Community-Led Hospitality
At 8Mountains, we believe that travel should uplift. That’s why we are actively working to create and promote similar women-led homestay models along trekking routes across Nepal. When you travel with us, you’re not just walking through mountains, you’re supporting real lives, real families, and real stories.
Book Your Panauti Homestay Experience With Us
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a curious explorer, or someone seeking soulful travel, Panauti Community Homestay is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Nepal.
📍 Ready to stay with the homely family of Panauti?
Contact 8Mountains to book your experience or include it as part of your customized trekking and cultural itinerary.
For inquiries or bookings, please reach out to us. Our dedicated team at 8mountains is ready to assist you:
Email: 8mountains.info@trek.com
WhatsApp/Viber: +977 9803611387
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with 8mountains, where your journey is crafted with passion, sustainability, and meticulous care. Book a FREE Exploration Call today to learn everything you need to know about the community tourism in Nepal. Let us guide you through the journey step by step!
