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, Bungmati and Khokana, offer unique cultural experiences with their heritage, ancient temples, and traditional way of life. A visit to these villages is a must-do activity for anyone interested in exploring Nepal's rich cultural diversity.
Bungmati and Khokana, located on the banks of the Bagmati River, are a visual treat with their lush green fields, which give 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.
In addition to 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, extracted using conventional methods. Visitors can see the entire process of oil extraction and purchase 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.
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:
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.
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.
Khokana is famous for its cold-pressed mustard oil, which is extracted using traditional methods. Tour the mustard oil factories and learn about the process of oil extraction.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Bungmati Khokana tour is a unique escape from the city noise. You'll be immersed in lush green fields, creating a rustic and serene ambiance. This six-hour tour in Kathmandu is a perfect daily activity, promising a day filled with unique experiences. The Bungmati and Khokana tour starts early in the morning. Our knowledgeable tour guide will pick you up from your hotel, and we'll embark on a 10 km drive south of Kathmandu Valley to Bungmati and Khokana. The drive, passing through typical Newari towns, sets the stage for the cultural exploration ahead.
Upon reaching the tour's starting point, we will slowly walk through medieval Newai villages, observing the locals' daily lifestyle. We can see people engaged in wood carving and making artistic doors and windows. We will visit the birthplace of Rato Machhindranath. The tour continues to the Shree Sulakshyana Mahadev temple, the Bungmati museum, and the Machhindra Bahal monastery.
Khokana is located one kilometer away from Bungmati. Here, we will see the traditional methods of making cold-pressed mustard oil and visit the Rudrayani temple. We will explore other places in Khokana: the Karya Binayak Temple, the Ganesh Temple, and the Khokana Dabali. On this raised platform, the villagers gather for community events.
After the tour, our guide will drop you off at your hotel.
