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Day Trip: Bungmati, Khokana, Kirtipur – Newari Food Tasting

About this experience

Ever wonder to learn about about the Newar people, who are one of Nepal’s many distinct ethnic groups and the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley. Come to Bungmati, Khokana and Kirtipur for exquisite architecture, hilltop temples, and sweeping city views. Wandering around its winding streets feels like walking through a traditional Nepali village, offers some of the finest views of sprawling Kathmandu and the hills and mountains beyond. It’s full of cobblestone streets, old brick houses with elaborately carved door and window frames, and multitier pagodas. Many travelers don’t visit these old Newari cities as part of Kathmandu trip, yet it’s worth visiting.

Bungamati is the hometown of the deity Machhindranath, regarded as the patron of the valley and his large shikhara-style temple in the center of the village square.

Kirtipur is one of several ancient kingdoms in the Kathmandu Valley that were once independent, but now make up part of greater Kathmandu.

At a glance

  • Duration: 7 hr
  • Private experience

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Day Trip: Bungmati, Khokana, Kirtipur - Newari Food Tasting
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour7 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesJapanese (live guide), English (live guide)
Tour arrangementPrivate experience

Set aside 7 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What is included

  • Private transportation
  • Guide fee
  • Entrance fees
  • Newari food
  • Hotel pick and Drop off service

Not included

  • Drinks
  • Tips (For Guide and Driver)
  • Personal Expenses

Itinerary and highlights

10:30 am: Your Expert guide picks you up from Hotel Lobby and drive towards Bungmati-Khokana (about 40 minutes’ drive) and begin sightseeing.

Karya Binayak is widely revered as a protector deity of Khokana town and some say Bungamati as well. Like Jal Binayak was supposedly established a protector to holy rain giving Nagas residing in Tau Daha lake.

Rudrayani Temple

The Rudrayani temple is a dominant three storeyed tiered temple located in the Chwe Lachi square in Khokana. It is the temple of Goddess Rudrayani worshipped as the manifestation of Goddess Durga and the mother goddess of the town. The temple's most distinctive architectural feature is its highly projected inclined lattice work in the second storey. The temple was constructed during the reign of Amar Malla during 1570 B.S (1513 AD).

Machhindranath Temple

The central ritual focus of Bungamati is the Temple of Machhindranath. To the villagers, Machhindranath is known by the name “Bungadeya”; the name is derived either after the village founded at the spot where Bhairav howled “bu” (birthplace) or from the word “Bungaa:” meaning “watering place” or “spring” like the explanation of the name of the village and several residents in Bungamati offer the second derivation.

01:30 pm: Drive towards Kirtipur and start sightseeing:

Bagh Bhairab

Bagh Bhairab temple is one of the most popular temples dedicated to the god Bhairab in the form of an angry tiger. This god is regarded as the guardian of Kirtipur and the locals call it Ajudeu, a grandfather god. Bhairab, the most terrifying and awful form of Shiva, is the destroyer on one hand and the guardian on the other.

A Buddhist shrine is situated on the southern hill. It is located in Kirtipur, Nepal. It was made in the medieval period. An inscription of Nepal Samvat 635 (Licchavi Period) is found in this Chaitya. Therefore, it is one of the most important historical stupas of this region.

Uma Maheshwar temple (locally, Kwacho Dega) is one of the important heritage sites of Kirtipur. This pagoda-style three-storied temple is situated at the highest point (1414 m) of Kirtipur. Since this temple is at the top of the hill, one can enjoy picturesque view of the Kathmandu valley and mountains like Langtang, Dorge Lakkpa, Chobhu Bhamure, and Gaurishankar.

A Theravada Buddhist monastery built in traditional Thai architectural style, is situated near the entrance to the city. One of the beautiful places of Nepal lies in Chobhar. We can come to this place and can enjoy there with different kind of views. This place is also known as one of historical place of Nepal.

04:00 pm: Enjoy Newari Lunch
05:00 Pm: Day Trip ends and drive back for Hotel.

Meeting and pickup information

  • We offer pick up and drop off service from Hotels inside Kathmandu city ring road.

Languages and tickets

  • Japanese — Guide
  • English — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Liberty Holidays

Meeting points and locations

Accessibility and practical details

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Traditional Newari feast is one of the must try Nepali food. In fact, the Newar cuisine is famed in the country for its range of different dishes. But it is a bit spicy one.
  • Hotel pick up and drop off service from Hotel outside Kathmandu city ring road in additional cost.
  • Khokana is mainly known for the production of rich mustard oil since ancient time.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 7 hr.
What are the pickup arrangements?
We offer pick up and drop off service from Hotels inside Kathmandu city ring road.
Which guide languages are listed?
Japanese (live guide), English (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 2–9; Adult tickets: age 10+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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