Panauti is one of Nepal’s most beautiful and distinctive Newar towns, and the most remarkable outside the Kathmandu Valley, with a rich cultural heritage that is still visible in its streets, houses, and temples. The Rabindra Puri Foundation has made it a mission to restore Panauti’s heritage sites, whether through the Foundation’s own full or partial investment or by inspiring and training local residents to restore their town using traditional techniques. By 2030, the Foundation aims to return Panauti to its former standing as a celebrated heritage city, through the reconstruction, renovation, and revitalisation the town needs.

This work is rooted in partnership with the community. With local support, the Foundation has already restored seven houses, and with its help, residents have restored further buildings themselves. Traditional houses such as Matan Chhen, Kun Chhen, and Dware Ghar are complete, and newly built traditional structures, including the Museum of Stolen Arts, have become new places for visitors to explore.

The Foundation is also investing in the people of Panauti. Rangeen Children’s Home is already established, and plans are under way to extend its care to older people, women, and people with disabilities. Nepal Vocational Academy Panauti is in operation, and the Foundation is working toward a wider vocational training programme through a Vocational University in Panauti.

Restoring an entire town is no easy task, but it is not impossible. Once achieved, Panauti can serve as a model for the restoration of Nepal’s many other historic towns.