Culture Trip / Kathmandu Valley / Nepal

Newa Valley Countyside

5±1 hrs

Easy

USD 80

An immersive excursion showcasing traditional Newari craftsmanship, ancient temples, and the serene rural lifestyle, particularly highlighted by Khokana’s organic mustard oil production and Bungamati’s charming streets.

Overview

5±1 hrs Total Duration

Kathmandu Trip Start Point

Kathmandu Trip Finish Point

Easy Difficulty Level

Bungamati and Khokana, two picturesque Newari villages nestled in the southern outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley, boast a rich and unique historical legacy. With origins tracing back centuries, these settlements have retained their cultural authenticity and traditional way of life. Bungamati, believed to be the birthplace of the revered Machindranath, the patron deity of Patan, enchants visitors with ancient temples like the Rato Machindranath Temple. This sacred site, with its exquisite woodwork and historic significance, stands as a testament to the spiritual heritage of the village. Khokana, on the other hand, is renowned for its mustard oil mills and traditional farming practices that transport visitors to a bygone era. Amid narrow cobbled streets, the temple of Shekhar Guthi dedicated to Shikali Mai, the goddess of Khokana, adds a spiritual dimension to the village’s historical charm. Strut through the lush countryside and pristine Newari towns of Bungamati and Khokana on this short excursion. Culture, temples, farms and animals, single trails, woods, lakes and rivers, suspension bridges, ancient towns, amazing food… you have it all!

Highlights

	Walk through the single trails cutting through farms, suspension bridge, and observe traditional way of life.
	Explore the old Newari towns of Bungamati, famous for their architecture, culture and history. The narrow alleyways through neighborhoods and lifestyle of local people are quite remarkable.
	Visit the unique and ancient Shikali temple on the rolling hills overloooking farms in Khokana and Rudrayani temple in Bungamati.
	OPTION TO ADD ON: Traditional feast with a variety of food served by locals, organized by Lacchi

Group Size	Price per person
4-7 pax	USD 80
8 pax & above	USD 65

	n/a
	Pick up and drop off

Valid until Dec 31st, 2024

Scroll to price details

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Itinerary

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40mins (Approx)	Pick up from residence/hotel and drive to Bungamati
10:30pm	Explore Bungamati old town
12:00pm	Walk towards Khokana via Karyabinayak
1.5hr	Explore Khokana and traditional mustard oil mills
30mins	Walk through Khokana’s paddy fields
30mins	Explore Sikali Temple and Sano Khokana
30mins (Approx)	Drop off at residence/hotel

This is a tentative schedule and subject to change depending on your preference, road traffic, departure time and so forth. Duration to first site depends on pickup location.

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Prices

Group Size	Price per person
4-7 pax	USD 80
8 pax & above	USD 65

Valid until Dec 31st, 2024

Includes

	Transportation Pick up and drop off between city to start point (see Itinerary for details)
	Crew An experienced tour guide and an assistant guide with medical kitAn experienced tour guide and an assistant guide with medical kit A local heritage guide in Bungamati
	Food Chocolate cookies from Lemon Tree Bakery Potato chips and sour candies Hydration (water and electrolytes)
	Misc Taxes

Excludes

Food and beverage
Tips for the crew
Any item not mentioned in Price Includes

Important Details

Distance, duration and pace Our foot tours are generally between 4kms (2.5mi) to 7km (4.3mi), depending on the area. The total walking time, including breaks, will be 4 to 5 hours. The tours maintain a leisurely pace, catering to people of all fitness levels. The leading tour guide will set the pace. We need to ensure we move as a group and that nobody is left behind or worse, lost.

Transportation We provide reserved private vehicles to drive you around for pick-ups and drop-offs as per the itinerary. Opt-out options are available for one or both journeys if you prefer arranging your own transfer or live nearby, with corresponding price reductions.

Pickup locations and schedule For convenience, we have several pick up locations (see Itinerary). Pickup schedule will be finalized and updated on the website on Friday night, around 7pm. (This is because we cannot make the schedule until sign ups are sealed.)

Breaks Short breaks (5-10 minutes) will be provided every hour, along with a tea break at a restaurant halfway through the tour. Additionally, there will be a longer break (1-1.5 hours) at a restaurant for lunch/dinner and drinks before heading back home.

Loo While you will find Western-style toilets in hotels and proper restaurants, squat toilets are common in public places and near heritage sites. Rest assured, we will guide you to restaurants with clean facilities during breaks. Remember to bring your own toiletries.

Finish point Our tours end at a cafe or restaurant, so you can unwind, have lunch/dinner, buy a drink or two and use the loo. Based on what everybody prefers this leisure time can be between 1-1.5 hours.

Food There’s one stop for lunch/dinner at the end and a smaller tea break half way through the tour. You’re welcome to purchase additional food from shops along the way. We provide light munchies like cookies, crisps, sour candies and water.

Water We provide light munchies like cookies, crisps, sour candies and water. Besides, there’s one stop for lunch/dinner at the end and a smaller tea break. You’re welcome to purchase additional food from shops along the way.

Tour Guide One licensed lead tour guide with in-depth knowledge of the local culture and additional assistant guides (depending on the group size) will accompany you on the trip.

Expenses Additional expenses may include lunch, drinks, and shopping. Please bring change if you plan to make purchases from shops along the way.

Dress code for entering heritage sites Dressing in a respectful manner is important while entering heritage sites. Kindly avoid half pants/skirts or any kind of revealing clothes. When encircling temples, monasteries and stupas, always remember to walk in a clockwise direction.

Photography and Drones It’s advisable to ask the guide or look for a sign before taking photos inside museums and heritage sites, as there are strict photography policies in several places.

Tipping Tipping is optional. If you like the guides’ services, you are welcome to set aside a few hundred rupees as tips. This can be centrally collected and handed over before you get on the vehicle on the way back.

No Handouts of any kind Giving money or handouts of any kind to beggars and children is strictly prohibited, as it only promotes begging culture.

Leave no Trace Please don’t litter, and also dispose any trash properly (you can hand them to your guide). We’ll leave the beautiful trails and sites as we found them.

Checklist

Please don’t forget your passports.

What to pack

•	Original passport (for permits)
•	Comfortable walking shoes
•	Full sleeved clothes for entering heritage sites
•	Small backpack
•	Water bottle
•	Sun hat or cap
•	Sunscreen
•	Sunglasses
•	Toiletries
•	Rain gear
•	A warm layer (for mornings and evenings)
•	Trail snacks and energy bars (optional)
•	Extra cash (for food, drinks, shopping, etc)

Newa Valley Countyside