Bungamati and Khokana Village
A medieval Newari town, Khokana is smaller and sleepier than Bungamati, but it’s still worth a quick look, despite much damage to heritage buildings in the 2015 earthquake.
The Bungamati and Khokana village provides you a chance to explore the Newari villages their artifacts, architecture & culture. Travellers can enjoy the panoramic views of Kathmandu valley along with the mountains. Bungamati & Khokana Village believed to have been founded in 6th century, bungamati sits on top of a hillock opposite the bagmati river. The bungamati village is located at a distance of 6 km from jawalakhel.
Bungamati, famous for the woodcarvers and the craftsmen, is where you will head first. After spending some time with the locals, you will head to the shrine of Rato Macchendranath, patron god of Patan, alongside other religious monuments.
You will then head to the famous Mustard Oil Producing village of Khokana, which is especially renowned for its way of extracting it. Also, you will be visiting the three-story temple of Shikali Mai, the local deity.
The rustic Newari towns of Bungamati and Khokana. It’s a unique opportunity to learn about the traditions of the rural residents whose families have thrived here since antiquity. These are the Newars, people who are indigenous to the Kathmandu Valley. Even today they live simply, in much the same way as their forefathers.
Besides that, a dedication to Lord Ganesha, the Karyabinayak temple is one of the most important temples in Nepal. From that temple, the view of the surroundings looks very spectacular. The major locality of people is living as woodcarvers around that area.
Khokana Festivals
The Shikali festival is particularly celebrated by people in Khokana village as an alternative to the Dashain festival, which is one of the biggest festivals of Hindus. On this festival people wear masks representing 14 different Hindu gods and goddesses including Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Lord Kali, Lord Brahma, and Lord Bishnu.
Bungamati and Khokana Village Highlights
- Visit the Newari villages of Bungamati and Khokana on a day
- See traditional houses and experience a culture reminiscent
- Visit the Rato Machhendranath and Karya Binayak temples
- See the large, 3-storied temple to the goddess Shikali Mai
- See the master woodcarvers at work
Key places of interest
Rato Machindranath Temple: it is believed that bungamati is birth place of lord Machindranath. there is large shikhar styled temple dedicated to him inside the village. the idol of machindranath is traditionally placed at bungamati for 6 months and at patan’s tabahal for 6 months.
Machindranath is taken from lalitpur to bungamati every year along with a chariot procession. The deity is again returned to patan towards the start of the winter season at the auspicious hour as advised by the astrologers. However the temple got damaged during last earthquake in 2015.
Karya Binayak: the famous Karnavinayak temple located at the Bungamati village of Lalitpur is among the 4 major temples of Lord Ganesh in the valley that has been in existence from ancient time. as per belief this temple was established before the establishment of the Machindranath nearby. devotees assemble in a large number every tuesday and saturday to offer worship.
Rudrayani temple: this three storied temple dedicated to goddess durga is located in chwe lachi square of khokana. it was built during the reign of king amar mall in 16th century
How to get Bungamati and Khokana Village
Buses to Bungamati leave frequently from Patan’s Lagankhel bus station. The buses reach the turn-off to Khokana just 1km north of Bungamati. There are a few buses from Kathmandu’s Ratna Park bus station too. You can also get here easily by motorcycle, turning off the Kathmandu Ring Rd at Nakhu. But we recommended to book a cab from Kathmandu Car Services and explore your own.
