Recorded history in the district goes back to the 1st century AD at Panauti, which grew as a trading hub on the ancient Salt Trade route between Tibet and India. The Palanchok Bhagawati temple dates to the Licchavi period and is believed to have been built during the reign of King Manadeva (464-505 AD). At the end of the 13th century Panauti was integrated into the unified kingdom of Nepal alongside Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Panauti's Indreshwar Mahadev temple, built over a lingam in 1294, is described as the oldest surviving temple in Nepal. Banepa's Chandeshwori temple is believed to date to the 17th century; with the end of the Salt trade in the 1950s and the Araniko Highway bypassing Panauti in the 1960s, the old trade towns declined economically.
Researched by the ChillNepal team from published sources. Spot something out of date? Tell us from the place's page.
