Duration
6-7 hours
Bungmati Khokana Day Tour
Trip Grade
Easy
Group Size
1-16 People
Max Altitude
1,445m. / 4,741ft.
Best Season
Feb- May/ Sept- Nov
Activity
Day Tour
Transportation
Private Vehicle
Trip Customization
On request (click here)
Highlights of Bungmati Khokana Day Tour
- Explore two of the Newari villages, medival village, in a single day.
- Pay a visit to the sacred Rato Machhendranath Temple, Bungamati.
- Observe the special hand-pressed mustard oil of Khokana.
- Walk through the narrow streets of the Newari architecture.
- Meet the local artisans and see the day-to-day activities.
- A scenic countryside drive just 30 minutes outside Kathmandu.
- Experience Newari culture, food, and celebrations.
Trip Introduction
The Bungmati Khokana Day Tour is a beautiful and fulfilling cultural tour comprising two beautiful and historic Newari villages that are situated just outside Kathmandu Valley. The tour is ideal for people who wish to experience the life of the traditional Nepalese villages without having to travel long distances out of the city.
Bungmati and Khokana are located not far away, but in Lalitpur, and are surrounded by a sense of calmness and silence, and are not bothered by the bustling urban environment.
There is no need to go far to realise that the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour is more like the Nepalese living history because as you wander through narrow brick-paved streets, old red-brick houses, and typical courtyards, you feel like time has taken you back to traditional Nepal.
Your Bungmati Khokana Day Tour starts with a short scenic drive of Kathmandu on the lower side of the valley. Bungmati, a lovely village with a strong spiritual background and traditional way of life, is the first destination.
The Rato Machhendranath Temple, which is among the most significant religious places in the Newar community, is the centre of the village. This temple is popular for the Rato Machhendranath chariot festival.
As you move around the village, you will find the locals busy with their daily chores like weaving, wood carving, farming, and socialising in the traditional rest houses. This is what makes the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour really unique, as the atmosphere in the Bungmati is so peaceful.
Having visited Bungmati, the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour proceeds to the neighbouring village of Khokana, which is also endowed with culture and tradition. Khokana is particularly known for its ancient technique of making mustard oil, which has not been updated over centuries.
You will also get a chance to see a traditional oil mill where local people have wooden presses to extract oil from mustard seeds. This bare but captivating aspect provides an idea of the self-sustaining way of life of the village. As you stroll in Khokana, you too will find open fields and traditional houses and a peaceful rural setting, which depict true Newari culture.
One of the key attractions of the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour in Khokana is the Rudrayani Temple, which is a pagoda-like temple of the local goddess. The temple is a crucial spiritual and social centre for villagers. Festivals make this place lively; rituals, music, and community building all happen during festivals.
The Bungmati Khokana Day Tour can be tried by any traveller regardless of their age and fitness. The path is not very difficult to walk, and the elevation is the same as that of Kathmandu, resulting in no chances of altitude sickness.
This is a tour that can be enjoyed all year round. Autumn and spring have beautiful weather and clear skies, whereas winter days are sunny and pleasant. The villages are also lush and green during the monsoon season, which gives a beautiful scenery of rice fields and agricultural practices.
Having visited Kathmandu on the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour, you would have a better insight into the traditional village life, culture, and history of Nepal. This one-day, but valuable experience is a great trip to take when someone wants to have a real cultural break after the hectic urban life.
Outline Itinerary of Bungmati Khokana Day Tour
Day 01: Bungamati and Khokana - A Heritage Cultural Tour
Our guests sharing their experiences (Photo/Video Gallery)
Detail itinerary of Bungmati Khokana Day Tour
01
Day 01: Bungamati and Khokana - A Heritage Cultural Tour
Morning Pick up and Start the Journey
The Bungmati Khokana Day Tour is initiated at 8:00 AM, and a comfortable pickup is done at your hotel within Kathmandu.
A professional guide will help you throughout the day, and an experienced driver will be at your transfers.
You can see that the landscape gradually transforms as you get out of the crowded streets of Kathmandu, and the landscape turns into a relaxing countryside scenery.
The Bungamati route is approximately 10 kilometres from Thamel, and it takes 30-40 minutes to reach Bungamati, which is located to the south of the city.
On the route, you will pass through green fields, small villages, and traditional houses, and this will provide a relaxing atmosphere to the cultural journey. The entire Bungmati Khokana Day Tour takes approximately 6 to 7 hours.
Exploring Bungmati
The first place to visit during the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour is Bungamati, which is a Newari village that is very well preserved and is said to be a living museum.
Going to the village, you will see the rows of ancient brick houses with wooden carvings.
The traditional food preservation techniques are still practised with strings of drying chillies and garlic hanging on rooftops, nowadays, in narrow lanes.
Bungamati is primarily inhabited by the Newar community, which is characterised by its artisanship and high cultural values.
On a stroll through the village, you can observe local artisans carving wood, weaving, or pottery making using the same techniques that were used many years ago.
The biggest attraction of Bungamati is the Rato Machhendranath Temple, which is situated in the middle square.
It is a pagoda-shaped temple, dedicated to Rato Machhendranath, the deity of rain and harvest, which is believed in both Hindus and Buddhists.
Your guide will tell you about the significance of the temple, a well-known chariot celebration every year in honour of the god.
In preparation for the festivals, there may be signs of this during the correct season of April or May.
There is a village life to be observed around the temple area, whereby the elders rest on a traditional rest area, children play, and there are small shops that sell offerings and local snacks.
Exploring Khokana
Bungamati Khokana Day Tour starts at Bungamati and proceeds to Khokana, which is a five-minute drive or a short walk. Another Newari village, which is very famous for the production of traditional mustard oil, is Khokana.
The village is also focused on the Rudrayani Temple, which is a big pagoda-shaped temple of the goddess Rudrayani.
This temple is significant in the village life and in festivals, and your guide will tell you about the local stories and cultural insights.
A visit to Khokana will reveal a simple farm life. It is easy to find farmers with their bamboo baskets of vegetables or in the neighbouring fields. Rice fields, mustard crop, or vegetable farms might be seen depending on the season.
A mustard oil mill is one of the key sightseeing destinations here. You are going to see how they press the mustard seeds with a heavy beam of wood and get an oil that has a heavy smell.
The practice is so distinctive that it was recommended to be listed on the UNESCO cultural list.
The earthquake that struck both villages in 2015 influenced the two villages, and when attending the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour, you will witness restored temples and houses that have been built like old ones.
Such reconstruction works demonstrate the power and strength of the local communities.
Drop off at your Hotel
You will drive off in the afternoon back to Kathmandu, and you will arrive at your hotel at around 3:00 PM.
You will go on the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour and have valuable memories of the traditional village life, the rich Newari culture, and an appreciation of the Nepalese heritage.
Activity: 6-7 hours
Max. Altitude: 1,445m/4,741ft. Bungmari Khokana
Note:
If you have your own private group and want to make your trip private, we can run the custom trip all the day as per your requirements and group size.
Includes and Excludes
What are included with package?
- Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: This service includes transportation to and from your hotel to the tour starting point, ensuring convenience and a smooth transfer. It eliminates the need for additional arrangements or expenses for getting to the location.
- Professional Guide and Driver: A licensed, knowledgeable guide will accompany you to provide insights into the local culture, history, and any points of interest. The driver ensures safe and comfortable transportation, handling the logistics of getting you to your destinations.
- Entrance Fees: These fees cover the cost of accessing various sites or attractions that are part of the tour, such as parks, museums, temples, or other points of interest. They ensure that you can visit these places without needing to pay separately at each location.
What are not included with package?
- Food and Drinks: This means that meals and beverages are not part of the package, and participants will need to cover their own food and drink costs during the tour. You will be responsible for purchasing meals at restaurants or from local vendors along the way, based on your preferences.
Pick Your Suitable Date
US$ 150
Book a Private Trip
Private & Group Discount Price
-
1 -
1 personUS$ 250
-
2 -
2 peopleUS$ 150
-
3 -
5 peopleUS$ 125
-
6 -
10 peopleUS$ 100
-
11 + people
9999
US$ 75
1 Travelers x US $ 2000
Total Cost:
US$ 250
Route Map & Altitude Chart
Kathmandu Hotel
Start/End point
Kathmandu Hotel
Trip Information
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bungmati Khokana Day Tour?
It is a cultural tour of the traditional Newari villages of Bungamati and Khokana, Kathmandu.
How far is it from Kathmandu?
It is in Kathmandu and can be reached 30–40-minute drive covering about 8-10 km to the south.
What are the main highlights?
Main highlights of the tour are Rato Machhendranath Temple, traditional village life, local daily lifetyle and the mustard oil mill of Khokana.
How long does the tour take?
The tour is approximately 6-7 hours, inclusive of travelling and sightseeing.
Is it a physically strenuous tour?
No, it is not. It includes walking easily on nearly flat village trails.
Is it appropriate for children and the elderly?
Yes, the tour is an easy and family-friendly one.
What should I wear?
Wear casual and modest clothes according to the weather, and a pair of hiking shoes.
What should I bring?
You will need water, sunscreen, a camera and a little money to purchase personal needs.
Are meals included?
No, but you can buy lunch in a local restaurant during the tour.
Are entry fees required?
No, they are not. The tour includes any normal site charges.
Do I need permits?
No special permits are necessary.
Is altitude a concern?
No, the altitude is the same as that of Kathmandu.
When is the best time to visit?
The best season to visit is spring and autumn, but the tour is conducted all year round.
Can the tour be customised?
Yes, the visit plan and schedule can be designed according to your interests.
Is there any drone photography?
No, drones are not allowed unofficially.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, it is typically a personalised sightseeing except if you are in big groups.
How can I book the tour?
You can book online or call us directly at any time.
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