Bungmati Khokana: 1 Full Day Tour
Bungmati and Khokana are two charming medieval Newari villages located in the southern part of the Kathmandu Valley, about 10 kilometers from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. 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 the cultural diversity of Nepal.
Bungmati and Khokana are very close to each other and are often visited together. They are located on the banks of the Bagmati River and are surrounded by lush green fields, giving them a rustic and serene ambiance. Both the villages have their distinct charm and attractions that are worth exploring.
Bungmati is the birthplace of Rato Machhindranath, the patron deity of Patan. 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 is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year during the month-long chariot festival of the deity. The temple is also home to a sacred pond that is 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 statue of the Buddha.
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 traditional 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, a raised platform where the villagers gather for community events. The Karya Binayak Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, and is considered to be one of the oldest temples in Nepal.
Overall, a visit to Bungmati and Khokana is a unique experience that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life of Nepal.
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 made of brick and wood. Take a stroll through the narrow alleys and marvel at the intricate carvings and architecture of these ancient structures.
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 that is believed to have healing properties.
Learn about the traditional mustard oil industry
Khokana is famous for its cold-pressed mustard oil, which is extracted using traditional methods. Take a tour of 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, which offer a serene and peaceful ambiance. Take a 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 are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
