Dhulikhel-Namobudha-Balthali Trek

Soon after breakfast, we drive to Dhulikhel from Kathmandu. After observing important sites in Dhulikhel and being graced with a glimpse of the Himalayas, Langtang, and Dorja Lapka Ranges, we start our hike to Namobuddha (1982m). It takes about three hours to reach Namobuddha from Dhulikhel. There are 360-degree views of the rural area, natural jungles, Himalayas, and windswept prayer flags; it's such a heavenly place. You may offer butter lamps to Lord Buddha, who offered his body to a starving tigress and her cubs, a legend related to the Namobuddha shrine, which is commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a stupa with the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. We continue a gorgeous cross-country hike from Nomobuddha again.

The trail passes through fields cultivated with mustard and Buckwheat, terraced orchids filled with orange trees bursting with ripe fruit (seasonal), traditional Tamang and Brahmin Villages, and along a forested ridge down to the crystal clear Roshi Khola(River). Throughout the hike, hikers are treated to the views of the snow-capped mountains and the rolling foothills of the Himalayas. A short steep climb will take us up to Balthali Village, where we, if it is November/December, can enjoy juicy oranges picked straight from the tree and warmed by the late afternoon sun. Next, we will hike up to Balthali Village Resort, where a delicious feast of traditional organic food will be laid for hungry hikers. Overnight in Balthali Village Resort.

Balthali village trek is a cultural village trek. We trek from Balthali Village, a cozy settlement at the junction of Roshi and Ladku streams. Balthali Village is surrounded by a thick forest with an abundance of fauna. The terraced fields and the villagers working there traditionally without any modern agricultural equipment will amaze you. Nature lovers and bird watchers can spend days exploring and discovering some exceptional species of wildlife, tradition, and culture untouched by modernity in this off-the-beaten location. Today we will visit a typical Tamang village of Dada Gaun, where a Buddhist Community lives.

It is very traditional and secluded from the modern world. We then walk to Pada Gaun (2100m), where one can have magnificent views of the whole Himalayan range to the north and the beautiful green forest of Mahabharat. Balthali Village offers the sunrise over the speculating mountain range of Manaslu, Langtang, and Everest Plus, the innumerable rice terraces in the west, and huge bodied green forest of Mahabharata range in the South is another mesmerizing attraction to explore. Finally, we hike back to Balthali Village Resort for overnight rest.

Today, we take a relaxed walk to the prosperous Newari village of Panauti. Inserted away in a side valley of the Arniko Highway, about 7km south of Banepa, Panauti sits at the sacred confluence of the Roshi Khola and Punyamati Khola. Panauti is in the shape of a triangle with a serpent (naga) idol standing at each of its three corners. It is believed the serpents protect the village from the flood.  There are some interesting buildings in the middle of the village. Walk west along the northern brick lane and turn right just before you reach the main road.

You’ll soon come to a large square with a music platform, a large white stupa, a Brahmayani Temple, and classic Newari-style architecture. Paunauti houses some ornate temples, some Rana-era mansions, restored with assistance from the French government. Indreshwor Mahadev temple is believed to be one of the oldest pagoda-style original architecture built in 1294 AD and rebuilt in the 15th century. This three-tiered temple dedicated to Hindu god Shiva at the isthmus of Punyamata and Roshi river is proud of this. The lingam enshrined here is said to have been created personally by Shiva.

If you are an admirer of ancient architecture, you would certainly enjoy the woodcarvings on the temple’s windows. Also, visit the south Unamanta Bhairab Temple, with three faces peering out of the upstairs windows. Located within is a statue of Bhairab, accompanied by goddesses. A small, double-roofed Shiva temple stands in one corner of the courtyard, and a second shrine containing a huge black image of Vishnu as Narayan faces the temple from the west. Inside the temple, the compound is also the Panauti Museum, an interesting collection of artifacts from the region and original sections from the Indreshwar Mahadev Temple. Finally, we drive back to Kathmandu.