Overview
Of the many cultural gems scattered throughout the Kathmandu Valley, the towns of Khokana and Bungamati stand out as uniquely authentic Newari settlements that have preserved their heritage remarkably well. Nestled in the southern part of the valley, these twin villages offer visitors a genuine glimpse into the rich traditions, crafts, and lifestyles of the Newar people—the indigenous inhabitants of Kathmandu. Unlike the more frequented tourist spots, Khokana and Bungamati provide a more tranquil and intimate cultural experience that transports visitors back to centuries-old ways of life.
The tour, offered by Asiana Treks and Tours, explores these traditional farming and artisan communities known for their distinctive crafts and agricultural practices. Khokana is famous for its mustard oil mills and the vibrant display of red chillies and garlic strung outside houses, signaling a deep connection to agrarian traditions. Bungamati, on the other hand, is renowned for its exceptional wood and stone carving artisans, who continue to practice ancient skills with dedication and finesse. The narrow cobbled streets, ancient temples, and friendly local atmosphere make this cultural journey a highlight for anyone wanting to experience the essence of Newari culture beyond Kathmandu’s urban bustle.
Key Highlights:
Traditional Newari villages with well-preserved culture
Mustard oil production and agricultural lifestyle in Khokana
World-renowned wood and stone carving craftsmanship in Bungamati
Authentic local lifestyle and ancient temples
Intimate and less-touristy cultural immersion
Introduction to Khokana and Bungamati
Khokana and Bungamati are two historic Newari towns located southeast of Kathmandu, both flourishing since at least the 16th century. These settlements are tucked away from the capital’s busy streets, offering a peaceful retreat steeped in cultural heritage. Khokana is particularly known for its traditional mustard oil mills, where oil is still extracted using old methods that have been passed down through generations. The village is also adorned with vibrant decorations of red chillies and garlic hanging outside homes, a practice that adds color and significance to the streetscape and reflects the agricultural roots of the community.
Bungamati, a bit larger than Khokana, is renowned for its ongoing legacy of wood and stone carving. As you stroll through Bungamati’s streets, you witness artisans skillfully working on intricate designs that often depict religious and cultural motifs. The town has a strong spiritual presence, home to historic temples such as the Changu Narayan temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal. The people of Bungamati not only maintain their traditional crafts but also actively engage in cultural festivals and rituals that keep their heritage alive.
Together, these two villages provide a rich tapestry of Newari life—blending agriculture, craftsmanship, religion, and community traditions—offering a unique cultural experience for travelers.
Historical Significance
The historical roots of Khokana and Bungamati stretch back several centuries, with evidence suggesting their establishment in the 16th century during the Malla dynasty period. Both towns have been critical centers for preserving Newari culture, which is integral to the Kathmandu Valley’s identity. Khokana’s significance historically lies in its role as an agricultural and oil-producing village. The mustard oil mills, some of which are still operational, serve as living history, showing how traditional methods have been retained even as modern technology evolved.
Bungamati holds deep spiritual and cultural significance as well. The town’s famous Changu Narayan temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and dating back over a thousand years. This temple and others in the town attract pilgrims and cultural enthusiasts alike. Bungamati’s legacy as a center of craftsmanship, particularly wood and stone carving, reflects centuries of artistic refinement. This art form was not just decorative but often tied to religious practices and royal patronage, playing a vital role in temple construction and restoration throughout Nepal.
Historical highlights:
Established in the 16th century under the Malla dynasty
Khokana as a historic center for mustard oil production
Bungamati home to the ancient Changu Narayan temple (UNESCO World Heritage site)
Longstanding tradition of Newari wood and stone craftsmanship
Integral role in preserving Newari cultural identity in the Kathmandu Valley
Cultural Highlights
Visitors to Khokana and Bungamati are immediately immersed in the vibrant customs and festivals that characterize Newari culture. Both towns celebrate traditional festivals with great enthusiasm, including the famous Bisket Jatra and other religious events that feature ancient rituals, masked dances, and community feasts. These celebrations are not merely tourist spectacles but authentic communal expressions of faith and heritage.
The daily life of locals also reflects rich cultural traditions. In Khokana, the mustard oil mills operate with a rhythmic, communal energy, symbolizing the agricultural base of the village. The sight of red chillies and garlic hanging on doorways is not just decorative—it’s a cultural symbol of protection and prosperity. Bungamati’s artisan workshops are cultural hubs where traditional carving techniques are taught and practiced, often passed from parent to child. The intricate designs reflect religious stories, mythology, and local legends, making the craft deeply meaningful.
These cultural practices ensure that the towns remain living museums of Newari heritage, with traditions continuously renewed rather than frozen in time.
Cultural highlights include:
Vibrant Newari festivals and rituals
Traditional mustard oil pressing in Khokana
Red chillies and garlic as cultural symbols
Wood and stone carving workshops in Bungamati
Religious ceremonies and community gatherings
Architectural and Artistic Heritage
The architecture of Khokana and Bungamati is a fascinating blend of traditional Newari style, characterized by intricately carved wooden windows, brick facades, and tiered temples that reflect centuries of craftsmanship. In Khokana, you’ll see ancient houses built around courtyards, many with beautifully carved wooden doors and windows that tell stories of the family and local legends. The mustard oil mills themselves are architecturally unique, constructed to harness gravity and traditional tools to extract oil efficiently.
Bungamati’s artistic heritage is particularly renowned. The town is a cradle of Nepali wood and stone carving, with artisans creating detailed sculptures for temples, palaces, and private collections. Many carvings depict deities, mythical creatures, and floral patterns. The artistic tradition is so robust that over a hundred residents make their living through these crafts, preserving skills that date back to the Malla era. The temples, such as the Changu Narayan temple, showcase exquisite stonework and woodcarving, blending spirituality and artistry seamlessly.
This heritage extends beyond aesthetics; it represents the identity, spirituality, and history of the Newar people.
Architectural and artistic highlights:
Traditional Newari brick and wood houses with carved windows
Mustard oil mills as examples of functional heritage architecture
Bungamati’s world-famous wood and stone carving workshops
Temples with intricate carvings and religious motifs
Living art forms practiced by local artisans
Local Traditions and Lifestyle
The lifestyle in Khokana and Bungamati remains deeply rooted in age-old traditions, shaped by agriculture, craftsmanship, and religion. Khokana’s community revolves around mustard farming and oil extraction, with many families still operating mills that have been in their possession for generations. The local economy depends on these activities, fostering a strong sense of community and shared heritage. The pace of life here is slow and deliberate, inviting visitors to step away from modern haste.
In Bungamati, the artisan culture dominates daily life. Carvers work in small workshops that line the streets, often passing techniques down through family lines. The town’s festivals and rituals punctuate the year, bringing the community together in celebrations that are both spiritual and social. Daily routines often blend work, worship, and socializing, reflecting a holistic lifestyle tied to cultural values.
Visitors get a chance to experience traditional Newari hospitality, enjoy local cuisine, and witness the interplay of daily work and cultural expression that defines these villages.
Local lifestyle features:
Traditional mustard oil production and farming in Khokana
Artisan workshops for wood and stone carving in Bungamati
Strong community bonds and family traditions
Festivals and religious rituals integral to social life
Hospitality and local cuisine reflecting Newari culture
Unique Aspects of the Tour
The Khokana-Bungamati cultural tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience authentic Newari culture in a way few other tours can provide. Unlike typical city tours, this excursion delves into the rural, artisan, and agricultural heart of the Kathmandu Valley. Guests get to witness traditional production processes like mustard oil pressing and observe craftsmen hand-carving wood and stone in real-time. This hands-on cultural insight is rare and deeply enriching.
The tour also emphasizes sustainable and respectful tourism. Visitors engage with communities that actively preserve their heritage rather than those overly commercialized or modified for tourism. The peaceful village atmosphere allows travelers to slow down, explore narrow lanes, and enjoy the simple beauty of historic architecture and vibrant local life.
Led by Asiana Treks and Tours, the itinerary is thoughtfully designed to balance cultural immersion, historical learning, and leisure, making it suitable for travelers seeking meaningful connections to Nepalese heritage.
Unique tour aspects:
Intimate access to traditional mustard oil mills and artisan workshops
Authentic rural Newari village experience
Emphasis on sustainable and respectful cultural tourism
Opportunity to participate in local festivals if timing aligns
Expert local guides from Asiana Treks and Tours ensuring cultural depth
Why Visit These Twin Settlements?
Khokana and Bungamati are much more than just villages; they are living testaments to the enduring spirit of Newari culture, art, and community. For travelers seeking to go beyond Kathmandu’s popular tourist sites, these twin settlements offer a rare window into centuries-old traditions that remain vibrantly alive. They are perfect destinations for those interested in culture, history, art, and traditional lifestyles.
Visiting these towns supports the preservation of unique crafts and local ways of life, helping communities maintain their heritage amidst the pressures of modernization. The combination of historical architecture, hands-on craft experiences, spiritual landmarks, and warm local hospitality makes this tour both enriching and memorable.
By choosing the Khokana-Bungamati cultural tour with Asiana Treks and Tours, visitors gain an authentic, insightful, and deeply rewarding Nepalese cultural experience that few others can match.
Reasons to visit:
Experience living Newari cultural heritage firsthand
Discover traditional crafts and artisanal skills
Explore ancient temples and historic architecture
Enjoy authentic rural village life and hospitality
Support cultural preservation through responsible tourism
Inclusions
Cost Includes
- Pick up and drop off from the place where you are staying.
- Private transportation for pick up and drop off as per the group size.
- An experienced tour guide for the trips.
- All necessary government taxes and lunch and official expenses.
Cost Excludes
- Entrance fees for the Temple, museum, and monuments.
- All personal nature expenses Lunch, beverages, snacks, etc.
- Personal nature expenses and additional shopping.
- Gratuities for guide and driver.
Complimentary
Tour Duration and Timing
The Khokana-Bungamati Cultural Tour is a full-day excursion designed to immerse travelers in the rich heritage of these two historic Newari villages. Typically, the tour lasts around 7 to 8 hours, allowing sufficient time to explore each location at a comfortable pace without rushing. Starting in the morning, usually between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, the itinerary includes visits to key cultural sites, artisan workshops, local markets, and traditional villages, with breaks for refreshments and lunch.
Timing the tour during daylight hours is essential to fully appreciate the intricate wood carvings, ancient temples, and vibrant village life. The full day allows guests to witness both the quiet, contemplative moments and the bustling activities, such as mustard oil pressing in Khokana or woodcarving in Bungamati. Evening returns to Kathmandu provide a convenient end time while avoiding travel in the dark, which can be challenging on rural roads.
Key points on duration and timing:
Full-day tour lasting 7–8 hours
Typical start time between 8:00 and 9:00 AM
Ample time for exploring villages, workshops, and temples
Breaks for refreshments and local lunch included
Return to Kathmandu before evening for safety and convenience
Meeting Point and Transportation
The tour usually begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel or a designated central location in Kathmandu, organized by Asiana Treks and Tours. The exact meeting point will be confirmed when you book, ensuring that guests don’t have to worry about complicated logistics. The drive to Khokana and Bungamati takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour each way, depending on traffic conditions.
Transportation is typically provided in a comfortable, private vehicle such as a van or SUV, accommodating small groups to maximize comfort and flexibility. The roads leading to these villages are mostly paved but can be narrow and winding, so experienced local drivers ensure a safe and smooth journey. Having private transport also allows the group to stop briefly for photo opportunities or spontaneous cultural encounters along the way.
Transportation and meeting point highlights:
Hotel pick-up or central Kathmandu meeting point
Private, comfortable vehicle for the group
Approximately 45–60 minutes travel time each way
Experienced local drivers familiar with routes
Flexibility for stops and photo opportunities
What to Bring and Language and Guide Support
Preparing properly for the Khokana-Bungamati tour enhances the overall experience. It’s recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated throughout the day. A small backpack for personal belongings, a camera for capturing the cultural sights, and some cash for souvenirs or refreshments are also advisable. Depending on the season, a light jacket or rain gear might be necessary.
Language support is a key feature of this tour. Asiana Treks and Tours provides experienced guides fluent in English and knowledgeable about Newari culture, history, and local customs. These guides not only facilitate communication with locals but also offer insightful commentary to enrich your understanding of the places visited. For visitors who speak other languages, prior arrangements can often be made to accommodate additional language support.
What to bring and guide support:
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
Hat, sunscreen, water bottle, and camera
Small backpack and some cash for purchases
Professional English-speaking guide included
Multilingual guide options available on request
Emergency Contacts and Support
Safety and peace of mind are paramount for travelers joining the Khokana-Bungamati Cultural Tour. Asiana Treks and Tours ensures that all tours are conducted with strict adherence to safety protocols and that emergency contacts are clearly communicated before departure. Guides carry first aid kits and maintain close contact with local health facilities in case of any unforeseen medical situations.
Guests are provided with emergency phone numbers, including local hospitals, police, and the tour company’s 24/7 support line. Should any assistance be required during the tour, the guide is the primary point of contact and is trained to handle emergencies efficiently. For international travelers, guidance on local embassy or consulate contacts can also be provided upon request to ensure comprehensive support throughout the trip.
Emergency and support information:
Guides equipped with first aid kits and emergency training
24/7 support line from Asiana Treks and Tours
Contact numbers for local hospitals and police provided
Guide as primary contact during the tour
Assistance with embassy or consulate contacts for international travelers