Bungmati Khokana Day Tour

Weather and Best Season of the Tour.

The Bungmati Khokana Day Tour can be done all year, although spring and autumn are termed as the most suitable seasons because of the comfortable weather and clear weather. The Kathmandu Valley has mild temperatures, warm days, and new surroundings in spring, between February and May.

In this season, the villages are covered with flowers, and the mustard fields, in many cases, turn a bright yellow, and they make beautiful scenery. The warm weather ensures that walking in Bungamati and Khokana could be a pleasant experience since people can be easily found working in their fields, and agriculture becomes more active in spring.

The other best season during which the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour would be ideal is in autumn, between September and November. The air is clean and crisp after the monsoon rains, and the skies are normally clear. In Nepal, autumn is also a festival period, so you should probably find some local celebrations and cultural events on the way.

It is also good in summer and winter with some preparation. Summer (June to August) is the monsoon season, which is accompanied by rain, which mainly occurs in the afternoons. The advantage of travelling at this season is fertile green scenery and busy agricultural landscapes.

December to January is sunny and dry, but mornings and evenings are cold. The Bungmati Khokana Day Tour is less crowded because few tourists visit the area during winter. Every season is different and ideal with the right kind of clothing. It is something you will always remember.

Altitude Sickness

The issue of altitude sickness will not pose a problem on the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour because both Bungmati and Khokana are low-altitude villages in the Kathmandu Valley.

Both Bangamati and Khokana lie at altitudes of around 1,300 to 1,445 above sea level, which is similar to that of Kathmandu city itself. These elevations are much lower than the altitude at which altitude sickness would usually be experienced. So, no special acclimatisation or health preparations are needed.

It does not have any sharp ascents, walking up a hill, or any physical difficulties that can strain the body. Temple areas in the villages are the highest places, only slightly raised and fully accessible. This tour is generally comfortable for people of all ages, such as children and elderly travellers.

All in all, it is possible to pay much attention to culture, history, and village life, and be sure that you will never experience altitude sickness in Bungamati and Khokana.

Visa and Permits

The Bungmati Khokana Day Tour is not complex and does not require much paperwork and licenses. There is no need for special trekking permits or local area permits since Bungamati and Khokana are not restricted or protected areas, since they are within the Kathmandu Valley.

There is no extra paperwork required to allow visitors to go and visit the villages, temples, and the surroundings. Nonetheless, foreigners who visit Nepal need a Nepal tourist visa to enter and remain in the nation.

Most countries are given visas on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and major land border crossings in Nepal. Depending on what you intend to do, you can take a 15-day, 30-day, or 90-day visa, and the passport should be valid for a period of six months.

Transportation

The Bungmati Khokana Day Tour transportation is done in a basic, comfortable, and trustworthy manner to allow you to enjoy the ride without stress. The tour package will have a personal vehicle which has a professional driver throughout the day.

This can be a car, a jeep, or a van, depending on the number of people travelling, but it is always clean and in good condition.

Bungmati Khokana Day Tour package includes transportation for the day trip in its entirety with no additional charges, so that the travel experience would be one that is smooth and comfortable.

Your Extra Expenses on the Trip

The Bungmati Khokana Day Tour covers substantial services, and a traveller has to expect some personal costs that they will incur during the day. The primary additional expense will be lunch because the package does not include meals.

This tour requires lunch as the only meal because it ends in the afternoon. This will leave you with freedom of choice in where to eat and what to eat, and your guide will suggest a good local restaurant where you can taste traditional Newari or Nepali food.

An average lunch will cost between NPR 500 and 1000, depending on what you are ordering. The cash is important in Nepali rupees since small village restaurants and shops will not accept cards.

The cases of other minor costs in the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour are the bottled water, tea, coffee, or snacks, which are reasonable. You can also purchase souvenirs like wood carvings at Bungamati or local mustard oil at Khokana. Prices are negotiable, and there is no harm in bargaining.

Tipping is not compulsory, but welcome if you are satisfied with the service. Most tourists would tip the driver and the guide as a sign of appreciation, based on individual satisfaction.

No mandatory additional charges, permits, or any concealed costs are applicable in the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour. Having a small sum of money to buy food, drinks, tips, and shopping, you will be able to enjoy the tour without trouble and worries.

Language & Communication

The Bungmati Khokana Day Tour is clear and simple in its language and communication, even to first-time visitors of Nepal. The professional guide has experience in guiding tours in the English language and knows all the cultural, historical, and other local details, and explains them in a simple and friendly manner. Guides in other languages can also be booked in advance, should one request them.

The day tour of Bungmati Khokana takes you to the local community where your guide serves as the interpreter between you and the locals. In Bungamati and Khokana, the majority of the residents are the Newars. Their primary languages are Nepal Bhasa (Newari) and Nepali, with many young people knowing simple English.

The village elders and farmers might not communicate in English, yet they are amiable and welcoming. Your guide will also be happy to translate in case you need to ask questions or even have a few words.

Simple words such as Namaste or Dhanyabad also contribute to the experience, and they are valued by locals in the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour.

Mobile phone connectivity in the two villages is generally good, and therefore, calls and mobile data work, provided you have a local SIM or roaming service.

No free Wi-Fi is available, and standard connectivity is good. Generally, there is no language barrier during the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour since the guide makes the communication process smooth and comfortable in terms of sharing culture.

Don’ts on This Trip

The Bungmati Khokana Day Tour requires you to pay respect to the local culture and traditions. These villages are guided by the Newari practices, and a guest should treat the people with some respect.

Wear something simple during the tour, particularly when visiting the temples or the holy places. Short shorts and sleeveless tops, as well as revealing clothes, should not be worn.

Shoulders and knees should be covered, and a light scarf can be used. When conducting a trip on the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour, it is always wise to obey temple etiquette in order to take off shoes prior to standing on temple platforms. One should never keep any leather article inside temple premises and never point the feet at statues, altars and other religious properties.

During the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour, photography is permitted, although you should not capture images of individuals, monks, and ceremonies without the owner’s consent.

One should avoid public display of affection, excessive behaviour, yelling, or the use of obscene language during the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour since village life is quiet and family-oriented.

Never give children money or candy because this will prompt them to beg. In case you have something to give, consult your guide regarding other more appropriate ways of giving to the community. Smoking or consuming alcohol in and around temples or in general places is not encouraged.

And finally, littering should be avoided. Have all trash with you till you locate a trash bin or go back to the vehicle. With these few tips, your Bungmati Khokana Day Tour will be honoured, fun, and will be favoured by the locals.

Trip Extension

Bungmati Khokana Day Tour can be easily stretched if you have additional time and would wish to get to know more about Kathmandu Valley. A visit to Patan Durbar Square is one of the extensions after the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is situated in Lalitpur, which is just a few miles away, and its fame is anchored in its ancient palace, temples, and museum.

The Chobhar Gorge and the Jal Binayak Temple are also good alternatives along the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour route. This scenic site provides the Bagmati River views and is a religious place; hence, a brief and interesting visit.

As an addition, Dakshinkali Temple can be included in an early morning add-on to the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour by travellers with a spiritual inclination. It is a well-known Hindu temple that is situated to the south of Kathmandu, and it is characterised by traditional rituals.

In case you want to spend a day in nature and do something less adventurous, one of the best extension plans after the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour is a hike to the Champadevi Hill. The climb will provide panoramic views of the valley and the mountain and lasts approximately two to three hours.

The other stress reliever is the Chandragiri Cable Car ride, which offers breathtaking Himalayan scenes without climbing. These extensions will enable you to personalise your travelling experience.

As long as you inform the team, you can make your Bungmati Khokana Day Tour accompaniment with culture, spiritual, or nature-based activities, making your stay more productive.

Photography & Drone Rules

Another interesting aspect of the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour is the part of photography because both the villages have beautiful scenic views of traditional buildings, village life, and landscapes. You can take pictures of temples, streets, houses, fields, and everyday activities.

Never take photos without seeking permission from the local people, particularly the elderly, women, children, or monks. A show of courtesy or a request that you make via your guide will normally be welcome. In case he/she refuses, respect his/her decision.

In the course of the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour, it is advisable not to take pictures of religious ceremonies/rituals without explicit permission. There can also be restrictions on photography in the temples, and the flash must not be used. Always wonder before you take pictures, ask your guide.

The use of a drone is prohibited on the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour. Nepal has drone laws that are strong, particularly in Kathmandu Valley and heritage sites. The illegal use of drones in the air without authorisation may lead to fines or seizure.

That is why it is better to leave drones aside and occupy oneself with handheld photography. Photos on the ground level are sufficient to get a beautiful picture of the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour without violating the privacy and rules of the locals.

Major Attractions

Bungmati Khokana Day Tour has cultural and historical sites that enrich the culture and living legacy of the people of Newari. The Rato Machhendranath Temple in Bungamati is one of the key attractions. This is an ancient pagoda-like temple located at the centre of the village and is dedicated to Rato Machhendranath, the god of rain and harvest.

The temple has wonderful carved wooden carvings, tiered roofs, and a tranquil courtyard where people of the area assemble daily. The Bungmati Khokana Day Tour will be an invaluable learning experience on the cultural and religious commonality of the valley between the Hindus and Buddhists.

The other big attraction of the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour is the walking in Bungamati village. The fact that the small brick street lanes, the old houses, drying harvest, and stone water spouts make one feel as though in a museum outdoors.

You can also find the craftsmen in the area carving timber or painting traditional paintings, which demonstrates the presence of ancient talents in the modern world.

The Rudrayani Temple in Khokana is the primary tourist site in the village, which is a two-story pagoda in the village square. This temple is the heart of village life and celebrations, and the surrounding is usually crowded with people gossiping or sleeping.

The traditional mustard oil mill in Khokana is considered a special highlight of the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour. Here, it is possible to see the centuries-old technique of pressing mustard seeds with the help of a large wooden beam.

It is a unique cultural experience because of the smell, the process, and the setting. The combination of the temples, village walks, workshops, and oil mills has transformed this tour into a tour of the living traditions of Nepal as opposed to a mere sightseeing tour.

Cultural Festivals within the Trail

The Bungmati Khokana Day Tour is also accompanied by cultural festivals, as the two villages strictly observe the rich traditions of the Newari all year round. The Rato Machhendranath Jatra is one of the most important festivals that are related to Bungamati, and it is normally held during the months of April or May.

This is a huge celebration of a rain-god, Machhendranath, and includes a huge chariot of wood, which is pulled in Patan, where the god is taken back to Bungamati. This period is particularly vibrant with the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour, when music, rituals, and masses of believers throng the village.

Sikali Jatra is the most special festival of Khokana, which is observed in October. As compared to the majority of Nepal, Khokana does not practice Dashain as it normally is. Rather, the Sikali Jatra is a place of worship to Goddess Rudrayani, celebrated by the villagers.

The use of masks, rites, and procession with a chariot is held in open fields and in temple premises. Provided that your Bungmati Khokana Day Tour happens during this festival, you will be present at the rare traditions among the few visitors.

There are other Newari festivals that also affect the village life in the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour, the Yomari Punhi in the winter, when the villagers make special rice dumplings after harvest.

Tihar is the festival that carries the lights, songs, and oil lamps to the homes and makes the atmosphere warm. Small rituals and community events are prevalent even during non-festival days. Such festivals demonstrate that Bungamati and Khokana are not museums, but the cultural villages where traditions are still alive.