5 days
Kathmandu Cultural Tour
Join our Kathmandu Cultural Tour and explore the heart of Nepal’s heritage. Discover UNESCO sites, ancient Newari towns, …
Tailor-made
Price on request
A closer look at this journey
Step back in time on this immersive Bungamati & Khokana Village Tour , just a short drive from Kathmandu. These two traditional Newari villages offer an authentic glimpse into Nepal’s rural heritage, untouched by modern development.
In Bungamati , you’ll explore the ancient streets where artisans still carve wood by hand, and visit the revered Rato Machhindranath Temple — an iconic site in Nepalese culture. The village itself is a living museum of medieval architecture and local craftsmanship.
A short journey away, Khokana is famous for its mustard oil production using traditional wooden presses. Walk through peaceful alleys lined with brick houses, encounter friendly locals, and visit the Shree Rudrayani Temple in the village square.
This guided day tour from Kathmandu is perfect for travelers seeking authentic culture, local life, and historical insights in a quiet countryside setting. Ideal for photographers, cultural explorers, and anyone wanting to experience the soul of the Kathmandu Valley beyond the usual tourist path.
Duration1 day
DifficultyEasy
Best seasonYear-round (Best: Sep–May)
Group size1–10 travellers
AccommodationComfortable transport, knowledgeable guide, traditional setting
Start / endKathmandu
Trip styleTour
Trip codeNPL-BK
Minimum age5 years
Comfort levelStandard
Tailor-madeQuoted around your dates and group size.
What makes this journey different
A journey with a point of view
Nihosi Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd works closely with and is one of the main supporters of a local NGO. We support them in a number of ways:
Donation: Nihosi Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd is committed to giving back to the communities we visit. We donate up to 10% of our annual revenue to support Local NGO projects. These projects cover a wide range of initiatives, including the regular maintenance of school buildings to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for children. We also contribute to constructing sanitation facilities, rebuilding earthquake-affected houses and schools, and more.
Sponsorship: Our partnership with the Local NGO extends to a comprehensive children sponsorship program. We believe in the power of education and actively participate in ensuring that underprivileged children have access to quality education. Through this program, we sponsor the education, healthcare, and overall well-being of children in need, creating a brighter future for them.
Partnership (Volunteering Program): We have collaborated with the Local NGO to create a Volunteering Program that allows our travelers to give back directly to the communities they visit. This program mobilizes teams of experts and interested individuals to contribute their skills and time as volunteers. These volunteers actively participate in various projects related to education, healthcare, and community development. It's an enriching experience that fosters a deep connection between travelers and the local communities they serve.
In addition to our commitment to social responsibility, our trips stand out for the following reasons:
We believe that travel should not only be about exploration but also about making a positive impact on the world. Join us on a journey that goes beyond tourism, and together, we can create lasting memories and meaningful change.
- Cultural Immersion: Our trips are designed to provide immersive cultural experiences. You won't just visit destinations; you'll connect with local communities, learn about their traditions, and even have the opportunity to participate in cultural events and rituals. This is travel that truly enriches your understanding of different cultures.
- Sustainable Tourism: We are dedicated to sustainable tourism practices. Our itineraries are crafted with the environment in mind, and we take steps to minimize our ecological footprint. We support the preservation of natural habitats and contribute to the well-being of local ecosystems.
- Expert Guides: Our guides are more than just experts in the destinations you'll explore; they are passionate storytellers who bring history, culture, and nature to life. They're there to enhance your travel experience and provide insights that go beyond guidebooks.
Trip highlights
Visit two of the Kathmandu Valley’s oldest and most culturally preserved Newari villages.
Explore Bungamati—birthplace of Rato Machindranath, the rain god of the valley.
Wander through Khokana’s narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden houses and oil mills.
Discover centuries-old temples, including Machindranath and Shikali Mai temples.
Observe authentic Newari lifestyle, crafts, farming, and daily rituals untouched by modernization.
Enjoy scenic views of terraced fields and rolling hills just outside Kathmandu.
Perfect for cultural photographers and travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Guided by a knowledgeable local expert with insights into history and traditions.
Is this journey right for you?
Step into timeless Newari culture on a day tour to Bungamati and Khokana—two traditional villages near Kathmandu. Discover centuries-old temples, hand-carved wooden homes, and local lifestyle untouched by modern chaos.
1 day
Grade 1
Grade 1 · Easy
A good fit if…
- CULTURAL: Village exploration, temples, and local lifestyle
Trip details
Permits
Not Required
Day by day
Distances and walking times are approximate. Your guide adjusts for weather, altitude and the group’s pace.
Route at a glance
Day-by-day route
Tap a day to open it in the itinerary below. Each stop shows the place, altitude and a map link.
- 01
DAY 01 Bungamati & Khokana
Your guide will meet you directly at your hotel in Kathmandu to begin the day tour of Bungamati and Khokana. Please be ready at the hotel lobby at the specified meeting time provided by our team. From there, you will be driven to the traditional Newari villages just south of the city to experience rural heritage, sacred temples, and authentic lifestyle.
🏡 Accommodation:
Hotel Pickup 🏨
⬆️ Ascent:
Minimal ⬆️
🍽️ Meals:
Not Included 🍴
⬇️ Descent:
Minimal 🚶
⏰ Time:
Flexible ⏰
📅 Schedule:
Day Tour 📅
💼 Guide:
Available 💼
🚐 Transportation:
Private Vehicle 🚐
💳 Permit:
Not Required 💳
⚠️ Note: Please ensure you are ready at your hotel lobby at the specified meeting time for the Bungamati and Khokana Village Tour. Your guide will be there to greet you and begin the cultural journey. For any assistance, feel free to contact our support team.
Included today
Your guide confirms the day-by-day inclusions before departure.
Stay & meals
Accommodation is confirmed with your final itinerary.
Weather, mountain flights and local conditions can change the plan. We build reasonable buffers where possible and your guide will explain any adjustment before it happens.
What’s Included & Excluded
Included
- Private round-trip transportation from Kathmandu to Bungamati and Khokana.
- Experienced and licensed English-speaking cultural guide.
- Entrance fees to local heritage sites and temples.
- Mineral water and light refreshments during the tour.
- All government taxes, service charges, and VAT.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off service.
- First-aid kit carried by guide.
- 10% of all proceeds support local community and cultural preservation initiatives.
Not included
- International flight airfare.
- Nepal Entry Visa fees upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu before or after the tour.
- Personal expenses such as snacks, soft drinks, or souvenirs.
- Travel insurance (not mandatory for this tour but recommended).
- Tips for the guide and driver (optional but appreciated).
- Any other services or activities not mentioned in the “Cost Includes” section.
Booking with confidence
Cancellation & payment terms
Deposit holds your place
No payment on this website
Your deposit secures your place. Full terms, including cancellation windows and refunds, are confirmed with your booking pack — nothing is charged automatically.
Ask our team about flexible dates or a change of plan
Route & altitude
A day-by-day altitude profile based on the published itinerary. Open the Itinerary tab for a real map of each stop, or ask us for the full route map and GPX file.
StartBungamati & Khokana
FinishKathmandu
Days1
Route map
Maps for every stop
Each itinerary day includes a real map of the place you stay or visit. Ask our team for the printed route map and GPX file.
Altitude profile
Metres above sea level
The profile is illustrative and not a navigation aid.
Good to know
Please read these notes before booking. Your final quote and pre-departure pack confirm the details for your dates.
The information in this trip details has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However, it is subject to change and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. There is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary, and on occasion, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations. Our itineraries change as we make improvements or may change due to a variety of factors, including weather, transport difficulties, and political instability. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. Nihosi Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd. would not be liable for any injury, health conditions, emotional or other conditions suffered by the client during the trip.
The time schedules mentioned in the itinerary are provided as a reference and may be subject to change. Your tour guide will inform you of any adjustments necessary due to road conditions during the tour. Customers are kindly requested to send an email for confirmation of any changes.
Additional Considerations:
Additional Considerations:
Additional considerations
- For our privacy policy, please visit here .
- Review our terms and conditions here .
- Read our disclaimer here .
- If you have any questions, please contact us or email us at [email protected] or [email protected].
- Health and Fitness Requirements: This trip may involve physically demanding activities or high altitudes. Participants should have a certain level of fitness and be aware of any age restrictions.
- Travel Insurance: We highly recommend that all participants have comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and evacuation.
- Visa and Passport Requirements: Ensure your passport is valid with a sufficient expiration date and check visa requirements and fees for your destination.
- Travel Documents: Bring copies of passports, visas, and itinerary details, and keep them in a separate, secure location.
- Emergency Contact Information: We provide emergency contact details for our company and local contacts in case you encounter issues during the trip.
- Packing List: Depending on the type of trip, consider appropriate clothing and gear. We can provide recommendations upon request.
- Safety Guidelines: Follow safety guidelines and precautions for specific activities or regions. Our guides will provide instructions to ensure your safety.
- Environmental Responsibility: We promote responsible travel. Please dispose of waste responsibly and respect the natural environment.
- Optional Activities: There may be optional activities or excursions available. Please inquire about and book these activities in advance.
- Cancellation Policy: Our cancellation policy includes specific deadlines and associated fees. Please review this policy before booking.
- Currency: Nepalese rupee (NPR)
- Time Zone: Nepal Standard Time (UTC+05:45) – DST not observed
If anything here affects your plans, talk to us before paying a deposit. We would rather adjust the journey than have you arrive unprepared.
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Have a question about this journey?
Ask about fitness, altitude, hotels, permits, private dates or anything else. A local specialist will reply personally.
Ask your questionDates & prices
Scheduled departures
Choose a date to ask about availability. We confirm every booking personally.
No fixed departures are open yet
Ask our team for a private date and we will build the trip around your plans.
Request a private dateBefore you book
The people and details behind the journey
Your guide
Our local guiding team
Licensed local guides based in Nepal
We work with licensed guides who live in the regions we visit. They know the trail, the lodges and the people who run them — and they know when to slow down.
Essential trip information
Know before you go
Joining pointPick-up from your hotel in Kathmandu
PermitsNot Required
Responsible travel
How we run this journey
- Local guides and locally owned lodges wherever possible.
- Fair crew wages and sensible porter loads.
- We plan at a pace that respects the places we visit.
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