Bungmati Khokana: 1 Full Day Tour in Kathmandu
Bungmati and Khokana are two charming medieval Newari villages in the southern part of the Kathmandu Valley, about 10 kilometers from Kathmandu, Nepal's capital.
These two villages are known for their cultural heritage, ancient temples, and traditional way of life. A visit to Bungmati and Khokana is a must-do activity for anyone interested in exploring Nepal's cultural diversity.
Bungmati and Khokana are very close to each other and often visit together. They are located on the banks of the Bagmati River, surrounded by lush green fields, giving them a rustic and serene ambiance.
Both villages have distinct charms and attractions that are worth exploring. A full-day trip to visit these villages is a perfect day activity in Kathmandu.
Bungmati is the birthplace of Rato Machhindranath, Patan's patron deity. The village is known for its traditional Newari houses made of brick and wood, which have been preserved over the centuries.
The village has a beautiful temple dedicated to Rato Machhindranath, which thousands of pilgrims visit annually during the deity's month-long chariot festival. The temple is also home to a sacred pond believed to have healing properties.
Apart from the temple, Bungmati has several other attractions, such as the Shree Sulakshyana Mahadev temple, the Bungmati museum, and the Machhindra Bahal monastery.
The museum showcases the traditional Newari lifestyle and culture, and the monastery is home to a beautiful Buddha statue.
Khokana, on the other hand, is known for its traditional mustard oil industry. The village is famous for its cold-pressed mustard oil, which is extracted using conventional methods.
Visitors can see the entire process of oil extraction and can also purchase the oil from the local shops. The village also has a beautiful temple dedicated to Rudrayani, the goddess of the harvest.
Likewise, Khokana has several other attractions, such as the Karya Binayak Temple, the Ganesh Temple, and the Khokana Dabali. On this raised platform, the villagers gather for community events.
The Karya Binayak Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, and is considered one of Nepal's oldest temples.
Overall, a Full-day tour of Bungmati and Khokana is a unique experience that offers a glimpse into Nepal's rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life.
Highlights of Bugmati Khokana Village Day Tour
- Explore two charming medieval Newari villages in the southern part of the Kathmandu Valley.
- Come across cultural heritage, ancient temples, and the traditional way of life of the villagers.
- A culturally enticing day trip near Kathmandu
- The scenery involves lush green fields, giving them a rustic and serene ambiance.
- Visit the Rato Machindranath temple, where thousands of pilgrims gather every year during the month-long chariot festival of the deity.
- Explore places like Shree Sulakshyana Mahadev Temple and the Machhindra Bahal in Bungmati.
- See how cold-pressed mustard oil is extracted using traditional methods in Khokana.
- Visit the ancient Rudrayani temple, Karya Binayak Temple, the Ganesh Temple, and the Khokana Dabali.
Things to do during the Bungmati Khokana Tour
A Bungmati Khokana tour offers a plethora of things to do and see. Here are some of the top things to do during a visit to these two medieval villages in Nepal:
Explore the traditional Newari houses.
Bungmati is known for its traditional Newari houses, which are made of brick and wood. Stroll through the narrow alleys and marvel at these ancient structures' intricate carvings and architecture.
Visit the Rato Machindranath Temple
The temple is dedicated to Rato Machhindranath, the patron deity of Patan. It is one of the most visited attractions in Bungmati. The temple is home to a sacred pond believed to have healing properties.
Learn about the traditional mustard oil industry.
Khokana is famous for its cold-pressed mustard oil, extracted using traditional methods. Tour the mustard oil factories and learn about the process of oil extraction.
Visit the Rudrayani Temple
This temple is dedicated to Rudrayani, the goddess of the harvest. It is one of the most significant temples in Khokana. The Rudrayani temple is home to a beautiful statue of the goddess and is surrounded by lush greenery.
Take a stroll through the fields.
Bungmati and Khokana are surrounded by lush green fields offering a serene and peaceful ambiance. Stroll through the fields and soak in the beauty of the countryside.
Visit the Bungmati Museum
The Bungmati Museum showcases the traditional Newari lifestyle and culture. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits, including pottery, woodwork, and metalwork.
Explore the Machhindra Bahal monastery.
The Machhindra Bahal monastery is home to a beautiful statue of the Buddha. The monastery is a tranquil and peaceful place to visit and offers a glimpse into the Buddhist way of life.
Visit the Karya Binayak Temple
The Karya Binayak temple is one of the oldest temples in Nepal. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed god. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a serene and peaceful ambiance.
Try the local cuisine.
Bungmati and Khokana offer a range of delicious local cuisine. Try the traditional Newari dishes such as momos, Chatamari, and bara, which will tantalize your taste buds.
