Patan with Khokana & Bungamati Day Tour

Itinerary:

Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Enjoy Patan, the City of Artists

Start your day in Patan Durbar Square. Arrive in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds. The air is often cool and fresh. The golden sun shines on the old brick and wood. The entry fee lets you enter a living museum. Here, history is not just in books. It is all around you. You will see people going about their day among ancient structures.

Patan Museum: This museum is in an old royal palace. It is one of the best museums in Asia. The palace itself is a work of art. Inside, you will see many old pieces. These include statues of gods, fine metalwork, and old paintings. Spend at least an hour here. Learn about the art, meaning, and history of Nepali Hinduism and Buddhism. The displays explain the deep ideas behind each piece. You will see how art and faith mix in Nepal.

Krishna Mandir: This is a beautiful stone temple. It stands tall in the square. It has detailed carvings that show stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. These are two very old and important Hindu tales. Look closely at the stone walls. You will see scenes of battles, gods, and heroes. The temple is a quiet place for thought. Its beauty is striking.

Courtyards (Chowks): Walk through Mul Chowk and Sundari Chowk. These are open spaces within the palace complex. They were once used by kings and queens. Look at the detailed wood carvings. These carvings show gods, animals, and patterns. They are on windows, doors, and roof supports. Admire the royal bath, Tusha Hiti. This old stone bath has many small carvings and water spouts. The sound of water can be very calming.

Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar): This shiny gold temple is a short walk from the square. It is a stunning sight. The temple shines brightly in the sun. It is a Buddhist monastery. Inside, you will see many gold statues and colorful paintings. Remember to take off leather items, like belts or bags, before going into the main courtyard. This shows respect for the holy place. The temple offers a peaceful break from the busy square. You might see monks praying or people offering butter lamps.

Mid-day (12:30 PM - 2:30 PM): Go Back in Time in Bungmati

After a morning of royal sights, go to the countryside. A 20-30 minute drive takes you to Bungmati. The scenery changes from city buildings to green fields. The air feels cleaner. The 2015 earthquake hit the village hard. Many homes and temples were damaged. You will see new buildings next to old ones. This shows the strong spirit of the people.

Village Walk: The main thing to see is the village itself. It is like an open-air museum. Walk the narrow brick streets. These streets wind between old homes. Watch daily life happen around you. You might see women spinning wool. You might see men carving wood. Look at the old Newari houses with their detailed windows. Each window is a piece of art. The smell of wood smoke and cooking food fills the air. It is a quiet, simple way of life.

Karya Binayak Temple: This small but important temple is for Ganesh. He is the elephant-headed god. It is a peaceful spot looking over the Bagmati River valley. From here, you can see fields and distant hills. The temple is simple but holds deep meaning for the locals. It is a good place to pause and take in the view.

Lunch: Find a small, local place to eat in Bungmati. Or eat on the way to Khokana. These eateries offer a real taste of the area. Enjoy a real Newari meal. The food is often fresh and made with local ingredients. It is a chance to try dishes that are not found in bigger cities. The atmosphere is simple and friendly.

Afternoon (2:30 PM - 4:30 PM): See Khokana's Simple Beauty

Khokana is only a 15-20 minute walk from Bungmati. This walk gives nice views of the farms around. You will see fields of mustard plants, especially if you visit in spring. The path is easy and lets you enjoy the quiet countryside.

Mustard Oil Making: Khokana is known for its strong, old-style pressed mustard oil. This oil has a special taste and smell. You can often see this process happening at the local mills (sarsu chepuwa). These are old, large wooden presses. They are powered by animals or motors. The smell of cooking mustard seeds fills the air. It has a unique and strong smell. You can see how the seeds are crushed to make oil. This is a tradition passed down through families for many years.

Shekali Mai Temple: This is the main temple of the village. It is on the edge of town. It is for the mother goddess. The temple is not open to everyone. But the area around it is a center of village life. People gather here. You might see children playing. You might see elders talking. It is a place where the community comes together.

The Main Street: Khokana's wide main street is special among Newari villages. Most old villages have very narrow paths. This wide street makes it a great place for taking pictures. You can see the unique architecture of the homes. You can also see daily life happening in the open. People dry grains or chili peppers in the sun on the street.