After a delicious breakfast in this gorgeous setting overlooking the mountains you can take the morning to explore Tamang Buddhist culture compared with Tibetan Buddhism. Taking a short stroll down the hillside you can visit the little stupa at Namo Buddha. This stupa commemorates Siddhartha Gautam’s selfless act of offering his body to a hungry tigress, which is said to have contributed to his ability to achieve enlightenment and, ultimately, Buddha-hood. Learn about the significance of the place and its place in local Tamang culture, before climbing a short distance up to the newly built Tibetan Buddhist monastery perched on the hilltop above the Stupa.

From here we continue on through fields and orchards to the quiet village of Balthali, having a picnic lunch along the way. Here we again have amazing views to the mountains and can enjoy the charm of village life – even though it’s a steep hike back down into the village after you have dropped your pack in the hotel, it’s worth the effort.

Walking time: Approx. 5 hours

Accommodation: Balthali Resort - http://www.balthali.com/
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking to Namobuddha © Clare Mathiasen

Today we have a nice walk ahead of us and the potential for some excellent mountain views. We begin walking up the ridge-line to the aptly named Tamang village, Danda Gaon (Ridge Village). From here we climb steeply, contouring the hill through the forest until the view opens up again. Next, we descend through a terraced valley full of orange groves, then hike over a ridge and eventually make our way into the valley on the other side where we come to our local lunch spot.

After lunch, we face our biggest climb of the day. It starts out steeply, but after the first half-hour, it becomes more gradual, along the ridge to a small village. Here we can sip a cup of tea near the stupa before our last short climb for a beautiful view of the mountains. Our final descent takes us through the forest and fertile rice paddies where you will almost always see some sort of activity; planting, harvesting, or ploughing. We reach our charming hotel in the center of the old town in time for afternoon tea.

In the late afternoon there’s time to explore Panauti. In the 13th century this was the capital of the autonomous kingdom of Banepa. It’s still the most important historic village in the area and has retained its authenticity, built in the signature Newar style of pink brick and carved wood. Panauti’s old town is wedged between two small rivers with a cluster of important temples at the confluence. This is regarded as an ancient power place, with an invisible third stream also connecting here. Cremations are held at this confluence and a festival is held here once a year in January. Every 12 years holds major significance, as the third stream is said to be seen at this time.

Walking time: Approx. 6 hours

Accommodation: Matan Chhen - https://www.matanchhen.com/
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Orchards near Panauti © Mads Mathiasen

After a final morning walk around lovely Panauti we head out towards Asapuri it will take around 4 hours to reach there. We first walk for a little while on a paved road to Kharibot. From Kharibot we continue for a couple of hours on a dirt jeep track before walking through forests on a walking track for the last 1.5 hrs to the little village and temple at Asapuri. From here is another 10 min up to the amazing Farm Stay at Herb Nepal.

For those short on time, head back into Kathmandu directly this afternoon after a delicious organic lunch. But for those with time, an overnight at Farm Stay at Herb Nepal is highly recommended:

The state-of-the-art-rammed earth lodges have been built by a local team using traditional and indigenous skills and masonry techniques combined with modern methods. They have been sustainably built are earthquake resilient. There are two lodges available, which we have lovingly called Titapate (Artemesia) and Babhaari (mint). Both have a large bedroom (double bed) on the first floor, with a viewing platform and a sitting area on the ground floor that can be transformed into a single bed. A bathroom on the ground floor (toilet/shower room) and a private seating area outside each lodge that provides space to relax in the evening while the children sleep indoors.

Walking time: Approx. 5 hours

Accommodation: Optional: Herb Nepal Farm Stay - https://farmstaysnepal.com/
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch