Tourism & Heritage

Tourism & Heritage

Panauti is one of Nepal’s oldest and best-preserved Newar towns, rich in temples, traditional architecture and living cultural traditions. This heritage is not only a source of pride — it is one of Panauti’s greatest economic opportunities.

A destination with deep roots

The town is known for the historic Indreshwar Mahadev temple, its traditional squares and courtyards, and the sacred confluence of its rivers. Panauti sits on Nepal’s tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and lies on the route to the important Buddhist pilgrimage site of Namobuddha, making it a natural stop for visitors exploring the region.

Our role

• Promoting Panauti as a heritage and cultural tourism destination.
• Supporting local tourism enterprises — homestays, guides, hospitality and traditional crafts.
• Encouraging the preservation of heritage alongside responsible, sustainable tourism.
• Working with the municipality and local partners to improve facilities and the visitor experience.

The Chamber believes that well-managed tourism, built on Panauti’s heritage, can create jobs and income for local families while protecting the town’s unique character for future generations.