Field Report on Khokana and Bungmati

EVALUATE THE STATE OF TOURISM IN AND
AROUND BUNGMATI AND KHOKANA
[An assignment provided as a partial requirement for the course of Hospitality Management
Seventh semester, Kings College ]

Submitted by
Suraj Ghimire

Submitted to
Kings College

BBA VII(Marketing)

Bijuli Bajar, Kathmandu

[STATE OF TOURISM IN AND AROUND BUNGMATI AND KHOKANA]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
To everyone who helped in preparing this report . My friends Sunil
Limbu, Shekhar Basnet and Umesh BC. Also to the Locals of
Bungmati and Khokana, the Bungmati Foundation and especially Mr.
Naresh Shakya who provided lots of information to us. Also my due
thanks goes to Rajeev sir who made us realize that true knowledge is
not to be found in the pages of book but in the terrace of mustard
fields.
A HOMAGE TO BUNGMATI AND KHOKANA …

Suraj Ghimire

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Bungamati
बुङगमती

Bunga:, Amarapur (Old)

— Model Village Development Committee —

Coordinates:
Country

27.62°N 85.30°E

Nepal

Zone

Bagmati Zone

District

Lalitpur District

Population (2011)

5,966

INTRODUCTION OF THE PLACE: BUNGMATI
Bungamati is a village development committee in Lalitpur District in the Bagmati Zone of
central Nepal. Bungamati or Bunga: (called by local people in Newa: (Nepal Bhasa) language )
or Amarapur (an old name) is a classic Newa: village dating from the 16th century.
There are suspicions that Bungamati existed as early as the 7th century under the name
„Bugayumi‟. However, its official founding date falls somewhere in the 16th century.
It is perched on a spur of land overlooking the Bagmati river.Bungamati is the birth place of
Rato Macchindranath,regarded as the patron of the valley and the large Rato Macchindranath,
shikhar-style temple in the center of the village square is his home for six months of the year(he
spends the rest of his time in patan).The process of moving him around patan and backward and
forward to Bungamati Central to one of the most important annual festivals in the valley.The
chowk around the temple is one of the most beautiful in the valley.
It used to be an autonomous province in Kathmandu Valley. Regardless of the rapid changes in
lifestyle of the urban population and the globalized way of living, the Bungamati locals have
remained untouched by modern waves and are living the life that they know best--simply rural-from the past several centuries.

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LOCATION
Bungmati is a medieval village lies about 6km South of Patan and 10 kilometres south from the
heart of Kathmandu the capital city of Nepal. One has to go straight road from Jawalakhel
(Tibetan Refugee Camp) crossing the ring road. About 6km. From Khokana, Bungmati is 15
minutes walk.There is regular micro bus service from Patan. We can reach Bungamati by bus,
bicycle or by trekking and we can be sure that visiting this small village will be an experience on
its own.
Because it is not easily reached by road or by air, not many people choose to visit Bungamati in
Nepal. However, that does not mean that it is not worth visiting. Quite on the contrary:
Bungamati‟s lack of easy access to the rest of Nepal has spared it from a lot of the development
and cultural degradation that has occurred in some larger cities. As the village is only about 10
kilometers south from downtown Kathmandu so it is not far away at all!

DEMOGRAPHY AND LIFESTYLE
The latest survey of 2011 shows that 5,966 people live in Bungmati in 1,304 households. Among
which 2,981 are male and 2,985 are female. Most of the people are Newars and in these villages
one can see typical Newari houses.In the Bungmati VDC, there are 9 wards. Among them ward
1-6 are dominated by the Newars and rest three are dominated partly by Tamang and chhetri.
The place is a kind of suburb area of the valley are popular for chilly and mustard oil. The best
time to visit Bungmati and Khokana is in October and November because at that time the whole
village looks colorful. They hand red chilly garland from the top floor to the ground floor in the
whole village. Most of the farmers in these villages are either involved in spinning or oil pressing
business. The mustard oil of Khokana is still popular in Kathmandu valley. The village has
hundreds of master wood carver and sculpture producers. Some years ago more than 75 % of the
population were engaged in wood work but now the percentage has dropped to almost 30%.
What makes Bungamati special is the fact that it is a traditional Newari village – a place where
not much has changed over the last couple of centuries. As we walk the streets, we will find
hundreds of masterful wood carvers and sculptors offering us excellently hand-crafted items at
bargain prices. Most of them work from home and they may even offer other articles for sale on
the side. Generally speaking, the Newars who live here live rural lives, following in the steps of
their fathers and forefathers which lived long before them. The Bungamati Newari enjoy an
incredibly rich culture which extends over the fields of language, writing, art, architecture and
even trans-Himalayan commerce. The people who live here have been practicing their skill or
trade, which has been passed down for generations, for most of their lives and they always greet
us with a smile. The women are also productive, utilizing their spare time to engage in weaving,
knitting and hand-sewing. However, the village is probably best known for it‟s wood carvers
whose expertise in their field really stands out.

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The village is full of traditional Newar houses where garlic can be seen hanging on the trunks of
the roofs. The locals are Newars and the aged Newars there have their own lifestyle. They have a
different world of their own and they have plenty to do within their locality. The old aged
women are seen to be busy playing with hay and most of them don‟t speak any other language
than Newar. The majority of the population is engaged in agriculture and there are quite a
number of carpenters who are rather into artistic carving than modern architecture.Though a
small congested area, Bungmati is a real wooden craft gallery. It is a must visit place in the
Kathmandu valley.

HISTORY
The 16th century Malla king who ruled Kathmandu from Patan, concerned that his subjects
might move too far from the city to serve its defense, established two settlements Bungmati and
Khokana near the Karya Binayak shrine, amid fertile fields. During a major drought, the king
sought the blessings of the rain god, Machhendranath, at a temple in India, inviting the deity to
come and settle in the Valley. He built a shrine at Bungmati where, sometime in the last decade
of the 16th century; it became the custom to keep the image of the Rato Machhendra during
winter, moving it back to Patan by palanquin in summer.

RELIGIOUS SHRINES
Bungmati is a home, one of the most important Gods of the Kathmandu Valley known as
Machhindranath (Matsyendranath), the God of rain and compassion, worshipped equally by
Hindus and Buddhists and accredited by locals with the introduction of paddy-rice plantations in
the valley. There is a Machhindranath Temple in Bungmati, where the God Machhindranath is
kept for 3 - 4 months in a year as well as one temple in Patan.
The central ritual focus of Bungamati is the Temple of Macchindranath. To the villagers,
Macchindranath 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. Bungadeya has many important
mythological, historical and contemporary ritual associations with water.Bungadeya being a
primordial rain god, who was later identified with the benevolent Aryavalokiteshvara.
Macchindranath is also known by the name of “Karunamaya” meaning an embodiment of love
and kindness like a mother figure. While Bungamati Newa: people refer to Macchindranath as
Bungadeya, Newah from other parts of the valley use the name Karunamaya to refer to
Machendranath. Machendranath‟s identity as Padmapani, Lokeshvara, and Aryavalokiteshvara is
widely known.
The village is in fact noted for this strongly stated, shikhara-style Rato Machhendranath temple.
The adjacent Lokeshwar shrine contains an image of Bhairav's massive head in full, demoniac
fury located at Machhindra Bahal.

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Karyabinayak, one of four popular Ganesh temples in the valley, lies on the north of the town at
walking distance. -here one can see the heart of a functioning Newa: town. In Bungamati the
Karya Binayak temple is also one of the most important temples in Nepal, is dedicated to
Ganesh,the view is spectacular from the Karya Binayak, surrounding by trees and large bamboos
and can look at the Bagmati valley to the foothills.

STUDY OF THE CONDITION 4 AS OF TOURISM AT BUNGMATI
1: A TTRACTIONS (N ATURAL, MAN -MADE, CULTURAL, FESTIVALS / EVENTS )

Bungmati consists of all sorts of attractions i.e. man made, Natural, Cultural, festivals, events
etc. Among the natural attraction, the village itself situated in the hilltop clad with beautiful
forest can be a major hangout for those seeking to go away from the hassles of City chores. The
eccentric way followed by Nearby Bagmati River can also be a source of attraction albeit it‟s
pathetic condition now. Bungamti also offers hiking trail and can also be a place to ride for
adventure cyclists.
Two ponds are dug in the entry/exit point of the Bungmati which is believed to offer good luck
for a safe journey and welcome back home. It is a common tradition in Nepal tobid farewell to
our near ones with full vessel of water in the main gate. There are altogether six such ponds in
Bungmati. Traditional houses made out of mud and brick with tiled roofs, stone paved streets,
old temples, stupas, ponds and other old architecture provides glimpse of medieval era. Villagers
spinning, caring for children, gossiping, processing crops in the sun are another amazing
attractions of this village. Wood carving is a tradition alive and strong here and it is possible to
see beautiful pieces being produced, including doors and window frames. The villages are
surrounded by green fields and hills which invite tourists for day hikes and walks.
Bungmati is rich in cultural heritage and seasonal events and festivals. Event like Rato
Macchindranath chariot ride starts from here. The rope for pulling the chariot is dipped in the
Pond called “De Pokhu” for about one and half months. The idol of lord Machhindranth is Kept
inside the temple for six months. A fair of “De pokhu” is held every 12 years in Bungmati. The
next Mela is due to be held in 2072 BS.
This place has a great importance among Newar tribes. The Bungmati temple itself is an example
of art and culture and it reflects the artistic proficiency of the village. People in Bungamati feel
proud to save their culture. Typical Newari dress,living style as well old cultural houses are
strong site of attraction for tourists . A museum is also located in the Bungmati maintained by
local people.

2: ACCOMMODATION
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Bungmati has no facility for accommodation except for the 3-4 newly registered homes for the
purpose of Home stay. Some houses are there undergoing the process to register for homestay.
The residents of Bungmati and the VDC office strongly object any move like opening up modern
styled restaurants and lodge in their locality. So on so, outsiders are not even allowed to purchase
land or settle there permanently.

WHERE TO STAY AND EAT
Not being far away from the Main city of Kathmandu, normally, tourists opt to stay their night
back in Kathmandu. These tourists roam around the place whole day and return back at evening.
But for those who are not lucky enough to get the home stay and still want a abode at a walking
distance, Guest house located at Bhaisepati can be a good choice.
3: ACCESSIBILITY ( EASE OF ACCESS REGARDING TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES )
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Maximum 40 minute of drive in bus/ taxi from the centre of Kathmandu. Motor bike can
be better option to cross the busy streets of Kathmandu and narrow lanes of Bungmati.
25-30 minutes from Patan.
1 hour from Bhaktapur.
5 minutes from Bhaisepati.
Private Tourist Car/ Van/ Coaster to or from Kathmandu and Pokhara are also arranged
by the hotels or travel agencies.
An individual can also make an excellent bike ride to here, but it is a really tough ride.

4: A MENITIES ( INFRASTRUCTURE AND A DDITIONAL / SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICE THAT
EFFICIENTLY AND SUFFICIENTLY ENHANCE THE TOURIST )

Being adjacent to the capital city, Bungmati is not deficient in the resources and infrastructures available in Kathmandu. In fact it is claimed that Bungmati and Khokana were
electrified even before the Kathmandu city. There might be some truth in it because Nepal‟s
first hydro electric power station of Pharping is nearby the place. Talking of today, like
Kathmandu, Bungmati lacks access to safe drinking water. There are no big hospitals or
health posts in the locality itself but Patan hospital and hospitals like B&B are not far away.
Tourists can‟t expect healthy and hygienic atmosphere but what is available can‟t be deemed
unsatisfactory because of its authenticity and chastity.

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Khokana
खोकना

— Village development committee —

Coordinates:

27.64°N 85.29°E Coordinates: 27.64°N 85.29°E

Country

Nepal

Zone

Bagmati Zone

District

Lalitpur District

Population (2011)

4,927

Khokana is a village development committee in Lalitpur District in the Bagmati Zone of central
Nepal. The census of 2011 shows that Khokana has a population of 4,927 people living in 1,027
individual households. It is a brick-paved village famous for the manufacture of mustard oil.
Khokana has its own history and has retained its tradition and culture. It is a living museum and
recalls medieval times.
In the tentative list of the World heritage site of UNESCO, Khokana is described as, "Khokana is
a unique village which can be taken as a model of a medieval settlement pattern with a system of
drainage and chowks. It houses chaityas and a Mother Goddess temple. The mustard-oil seed
industry has become the living heritage of the village."

LOCATION: KHOKANA
Khokana in Nepal is situated just north of Bungamati at a 20-30 minutes walking distance. It is
located 8km south of Kathmandu on the outskirts of Patan. A taxi from Thamel could cost as
much as 500NR. A local bus operates from the Ring Road, south of the Ekantakuna area of
Patan, which is a much cheaper option. It is 10 minutes walk away of Bungmati.

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In the center of town we can find that the main street is particularly wide – especially for a
village of such diminutive size. The street was widened significantly during the rebuilding
process after an earthquake shook the village in 1934. Another thing that is noticed no matter
where we go in this tiny village is a large three-storied temple. This massive building certainly
dominates the „skyline‟ of the village and can be seen from virtually anywhere in the area. The
temple is dedicated to the local mother goddess,the goddess of nature, Shikali Mai or Rudrayani,
and it is regularly used by the local people. A similar temple to the northeast of the village is
mainly only used during times of epidemic. Clearly, Khokana does have something to offer –
even if it will only keep one busy for a few hours.

LIFESTYLE
4,927 indigenous people inhabit in Khokana. The male and female population is 2,452 and 2475

respectively. There are 1,056 households in Khokana.The farming community of Newars who
live here are mostly dependent on agriculture and much of their daily activities take place outside
of their dwellings.
It is a tiny Newari village with a reputation for two things – mustard oil and the local temple. The
Newari who live here eke out a simple living off the land. Much of their daily activities take
place outside of their dwellings and they really do seem to embrace nature. Thus, as we make our
way down the main street of the village, we can see woman sitting outside spinning, men
crushing seeds, and other daily activities. The village is famous for its unusual mustard oil
harvesting process in which a heavy wooden beam is used to crush the mustard seeds in order to
extract the oil. This oil can be eaten if desired but it can also be used for therapeutic massage.
Even if we are not a fan of the mustard plant, we simply have to enjoy the local mustard oil in
whatever way appeals to us the most.
There are women sitting outside spinning, men crushing seeds, and other daily activities. The
village is famous for its unusual mustard-oil harvesting process in which a heavy wooden beam
is used to crush the mustard seeds in order to extract the oil. It is believed that a share system
was used in the past here. This oil can be consumed if desired, but it can also be used for
therapeutic massage. This was also the first village, indeed the first habitation, to be electrified,
before Kathmandu.

CULTURE
One of the most famous festival "Gai jatra", in which a baby female goat is thrown in to the
pond, where the group of people from nine divisions of the village take part. whoever can take
the female goat out of that pond wins the game. To watch this festival people come from
different places, in this day specially if we get late then we will not find an spot from where we
can watch.
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In the center is a three-storey temple, Shree Rudrayani, with a particularly wide main street,
especially for a village of such small size. Khokana has been nominated to be listed as a Unesco
World Heritage, representing a vernacular village and its mustard-oil seed industrial heritage.
There is another amazing fact about the village.This village is not allowed to raise chickens.there
is the reason behind this,and that reason is the main temple.In this temple sacrificing of chickens
and even their eggs are forbidden, it is said that the goddess will not accept and will make her
angry,so instead of getting blessing one could get cursed.This is the myth about the temple but
people do not dare to test because the people of this village are very religious.
The rich cultural heritage of Khokana can be vividly demonstrated by the following blog written
by a foreigner who attended Khokana festival.
“The small Newari village of Khokana is often upstaged by the bigger and better known, village
of Bugamati . The last three days saw Khokana completely steal the spotlight. The Khokana
festival was a flawless display of traditional Nepali living, with the ideal mix of entertainment
and cultural information.
The drive to Khokana perfectly set the scene. The slow roll out of Kathmandu and into the rural
surround, through rice fields that seemed to struggle up the sides of surrounding mountains and
demonstrate a tradition of lives spent working hard in the soil. On arrival tall red-brick houses
with intricate wood carving dominate the village streets, forming a curling maze, perfect for
stumbling
across
new
cultural
treasures.
Dressed in Newari outfits, both young and old gathered in the streets, to prepare foods, play
instruments and explain cultural exhibits to visitors. Residents and organizers should be proud,
the last day of the festival saw the whole small communities mobilize to provide visitors with an
exceptional experience.
Demonstrations of Khokana’s distinctive mustard oil production were a welcome break from the
cold winter wind. The warming scent of roasting mustard seeds and smoke wafts out of the
workshops and fills town with the delicious atmosphere of a huge kitchen. The village is famous
in Nepal for its traditional method squeezing seeds between a two large beams wood to release
the oil. Newari weaving, paintings and carvings were also on display.
A number of cultural dances captivated tourist and locals. The Thimi dance and Devi dance were
particularly skilled; audiences blocked the whole street while the village stood to watch.
The real star of the Khokana festival was the Newari food. The women, who sat around small
fires and stoves, cheerfully preparing dishes, were eager to share their cooking knowledge.
There was an I selected a Newar Pancake (Who), a sweat steamed snack bursting with golden
syrup and sesame (Yomari) and strong Nepali wine (Yela).
I have attended many cultural festivals in Nepal. The difference at Khokana was the festival felt
vibrant and residents actually seemed excited to be sharing their traditions with visitors. It was a
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unique experience and the community really earned their reputation as a living museum. I hope
organizers will consider turning the event into a yearly celebration.”

STUDY OF THE CONDITION 4 AS OF TOURISM AT KHOKANA
1: A TTRACTION

There is no central square, as in nearby village Bungamati but there‟s plenty of action in
the main street, including women spinning wool. The main temple is a two tiered
construction dedicated to Shekali Mai – a mother goddess. The temple of Rudrayani is
the major religious site but ponds have also equally religious importance.
Museum: There‟s a small museum maintained by a local person (Mr. Madan Krishna
Maharjan) in, which he‟s put the typical jewellery sets and agriculture farming tools. This
building was built 100 years ago and is the only house, which was not destroyed by the
BS 1990.
2: ACCOMMODATION

In terms of accommodation, Khokana offers more options than bungamti. Many Hometay
facilities have started and Hotels in Khokana are more agreeable than in Bungmati. Just
at the entry point of Khokana many resorts and lodges can be seen. These resorts and
hotel provide all basic services and are cozy as well. But they lack the authentic flavor of
typical Newari home.
3: ACCESSIBILITY
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35-40 minutes from Kathmandu in local bus or a reserved taxi.
15-30 minutes‟ walk from Bungmati.
15-20 minutes ride from Patan.
Private Tourist Car/ Van/ Coaster to or from Kathmandu and Pokhara are also arranged
by the hotels or travel agencies.
An individual can also make an excellent bike ride to here, but it is a really tough ride.

4: A MENITIES

Khokana is well facilitated with all the necessary infra-structure like electricity, water,
telecommunication, health facility etc. By a close analysis we can find that Khokana is
more developed than Bungmati because it is more close to the urban centre. Still, Water
shortage can be faced in dry season. A sub health post and police station is established
there for the safety and wellbeing of the locals as well as the tourists.
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PROSPECTS OF AGRO TOURISM IN KHOKANA, BUNGMATI AND
NEPAL AS A WHOLE
Nepal is known as an agricultural country in the world. The statistic shows that more than 66%
of its population involve in farming. However, the farmers are not able to get expected benefits
due to lack of modern technology and ideas. Farming systems and crop production in Nepal vary
across the agro-ecological regions of plain, hills and mountains. Rice-based cropping systems,
with wheat or maize as a secondary crop, are predominant in the plain and hill regions, whereas
in the high hill mountains maize, millet, barley and buckwheat are cultivated (Pandey and
Nakagawa, 2008). Tea, cardamom, ginger and coffee are the important cash crops of the middle
hills. Likewise, wide ranges of temperate fruits in the high mountains; citrus in the middle hills;
tropical/subtropical fruits are also grown in the terai and middle hill valleys. Vegetable-growing
in kitchen gardens is practiced at all elevations. In addition to this Livestock is an important
component of the Nepalese farming system providing food for humans, manure for plants, and
draft power for farms and cash income for farm families. Cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goat, pigs and
poultry are the livestock species reared across different agricultural zones
Agro-ecotourism, a combination of agro-tourism and ecotourism, plays a critical role in Nepal by
using diversified resources, both natural and man-made, landscapes, biodiversity and cultural
heritages. Agro-tourism can be used to motivate and encourage farming communities to raise
their crops in an eco-friendly manner and to conserve the biodiversity of farms. Nepal has plenty
of natural resources, which has helped to make agro-tourism more popular and fascinating
among tourists. Agro tourism allows visitors to come in close contact with the inhabitants of
small, rural villages and to be involved in traditional ways of agriculture still existing in this age.
In agro-tourism, tourists can find the answers to their questions about different indigenous
agricultural practices, such as how crops are harvested, graded and preserved, how vegetables
can be grown organically, how freshly picked fruits are converted into delicious marmalades,
and so on .
Agro tourism allows close connection with the inhabitants of small rural villages who have been
involved in traditional way of agriculture. Nepalese economy consists of agricultural business,
eco-tourism, industry, hydro-electricity and information technology (IT) services with semi
skilled human resources working abroad (GATS). Among these sectors, agriculture and ecotourism contribute 33% and 8% to the national GDP, respectively (NPC, 2007). However, the
contribution of agricultural sector is decreasing, compared to tourism sector contributing about
16% to the national GDP. These last contributors have the potential for growth. Nepalese
economy is now transitioning from agricultural to an early-stage industrial track. Nevertheless,
there is no one sector that contributes significantly to the economy thus far, except agriculture.
The per capita GDP increase in production per year averages only 3%. In comparison to the
population growth rate (2.25%), the average annual economic growth rate is (2.8%) still low
(MOF, 2009).

Nepal has plenty of natural resources, which makes agro- tourism more popular and inviting for
tourists. During the summer season tourists are exhilarated to see the farmers involved in rice
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planting. The techniques they follow for planting and harvesting differ from one region to
another. Moreover, every season is rich with its agricultural products and provides the tourists
with an once-in-a-lifetime experience. But for Nepal, agro tourism has different economic and
socio cultural aims and paradigm. The basis of the program is the revitalization of the
countryside and reversal of urbanization. It brings tourists to the countryside from over populated
cities. Thus, there is an urgent need to explore alternative businesses which show multiplier
effects on economic development while harnessing the agricultural sector.

The tourism sector in Nepal received special focus only after eighth periodic Plan (1992- 1997);
the Ninth Plan (1997-2002) envisaged establishing Nepal as a premier destination for world
tourism, developing tourism as an important part of overall economic development and
expanding its benefits down to the village level as its long term objectives (NPC, 2007). In
addition, the Three-Year Interim Plan (2007-2010) reported that the progress of tourism‟s
development grew rapidly after the 1990 political change. However, the tourism industry, which
had been growing rapidly, began to slow after political conflicts in the country intensified (MOF,
2008).
The prospect of Agro tourism is very high in Khokana. The soil is very fertile and cow dung and
compost manure is in plenty from the local source. They still follow organic way of farming in
many places. Just like wine tourism in France, we can promote the Oil tourism in the mustard
farms of Khokana and Chilly tourism as well . The process and ceremonies of the traditional oil
extraction is unique and can be of great amusement for the observers. Home stay program can
add more fun to this process as the visitors can be more deeply intrigued within the local life.

PRESENT SCENARIO OF TOURISM IN BUNGMATI AND KHOKANA
We visited Bungmati and Khokana on January 12 2013, just before the day of Maghe Sankranti.
At first we reached Bungamati and interviewed with the locals. We also observed the atmosphere
and envirionment of the place. There is a big gate in the entry point of Bungmati adjusted with
two ponds for good luck. We visited the Temple of Machhindranth and Bhairabh and basked in
the sun for a while. We also enquired and asked question to the member of Bungmati foundation.
We could see about 10-15 tourist at the time of our short stay of about 2 hours. According to the
locals, on average 40-50 tourists visited the place in a single day.
The occupation of the people is wood carving and other related works. Modern generation have
not adopted the traditional way of living and are increaseingly showing interest in western
fashion, music, food and even old houses are being demolished to construct concrete buildings.
But the participation of youth in local festivals have not shown any decline. Some people are
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engaged in alternative source of income like making handicraft items and lockets. On our visit,
we met a person who was making lockets of brass with hand and traditional die. He earned about
50 paisa per piece he made. We also interacted with some local artisans who were busy making
woodcrafts of wood like chap, Saal, Sallo etc.
After Bungmati, we visited Khokana. On the way to Khokana we also reached the temple of
Karya Binayak. Khokana is more developed than Bungmati which can be attributed to its
nearness to the urban centre. While on the way, we met with a crew of Television unit who were
making a documentary of the places. The local people were celebrating their annual festival of
the Guthi by making the offering of Sheep and Duck. Khokana was formed in the medieval era
by Malla kings and the early settlement at river basin was later transferred to the high land
because lower land was submerged by the river.

Nepal Tourism Board should give importance to Agro Tourism with the aim of showcasing new
areas and promoting and developing the life style and economy of indigenous people residing in
rural area. Nepal is known as an agricultural country and more than eighteen percent of its
people are involved in farming. The fact is to be considered that they toil hard but are not able to
get expected benefit in lack of modern technology and techniques. Our company believes that
agro tourism allows us to be in close contact with the inhabitants of small rural villages being
involved in traditional way of agriculture in this century. We can find out how food grains are
harvested, sorted and preserved, how vegetables can be grown organically, how freshly picked
fruits are turned into delicious marmalades, how goats are milked, cheeses are made, and so on...

Agro tourism has various different economic and socio cultural aims. The basis of the Agro
tourism should be the revitalization of the countryside and reversal of urban trend. It brings
tourists to the countryside instead of over populating cities. We can meet lovely and hard
working people of rural area, share a meal with them, stay at their houses as family guests, taste
their local drink and see them carry on with life graciously. In addition, to the heartwarming
hospitality, we can also witness some of the most spectacular views of the mountain landscapes
or heritage sites along the way. So, the only way to develop and improve the life style of the
locals along with the conservation of the rich culture and heritage of Bungmati and Khokana is
by adopting agro tourism in a broader spectrum.
.

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PHOTOS IN THE ORDER WE TOOK IT
1. THE POND AT THE ENTRANCE OF KHOKANA

2. ANOTHER POND ADJACENT TO THE FIRST ONE

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3. ENTRANCE OF BUNGMATI WITH MY FRIEND SUNIL

4. AS WE ENTER BUNGMATI

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5 ARTISANS MAKING WOODEN WORK

6. ME INTERVIEWING WITH THE ARTISAN

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7. A CLOSE-UP OF AN ARTIST AT WORK

8. THE BHAIRABH

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9. AN ARTIST MAKING LOCKETS

10. A TRADITIIONAL "AKHI JHYAL", THE WOODEN BLIND

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11. DUCKS SWIMMING IN "DE POKHU", THE HOLY POND

12. THE BUNGMATI FOUNDATION

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13. A PORTER CARRYING EARTHEN WARES

14. AS THE PORTER DISAPPEARS IN THE HORIZON

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15. AN OLD WOMAN CARRYING “DOKO”, A WEAVED BASKET

16. BASKING UNDER THE SUN

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17. AN INTERVIEW WITH THE FOUNDER OF BUNGMATI FOUNDATION

18. PLAYING CARDS ... TIME PASS

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19. WEAVING CARPET OF HAY

20. THE MIGHTY MACHHINDRANATH TEMPLE

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21. PORTRAIT OF A TOURIST TAKING PHOTO

22. THE HANDICRAFTS

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23. THE TRADITIONAL PUPPETS, “THE KATHPUTALI”

24. A LADY MOPING UP THE FRONT-YARD WITH RED CLAY

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25. A MODEL OF KRISHNA TEMPLE

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26. READY FOR THE NEXT CULTIVATION

27. THE FARMLAND OF BUNGMATI

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28. PANORAMIC VIEW OF BUNGMATI FARMLAND

29. A BOARD THAT WELCOMES

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30. SHOOTING THAT WAS GOING ON WHEN WE ARRIVED KHOKANA

31. WHEN THE ACTORS EXCHANGE THE DIALOGUE

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32. THE RUDRAYANI TEMPLE OF KHOKANA

33. LET’S GET SOME VITAMIN D: TWO WHITE KIDS

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34. LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING WEIRD HAPPENING HERE

35. OH IT’S JUST A SHEEP AND DUCK BARBEQUE

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36. IN THE QUE TO BE BARBEQUED

37. WE HAVE LOT TO SHARE WITH YOU, FIRST TAKE OUR PHOTO

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38. THE KHOKANA AS WE SAW IT FROM THE STREET

39. A HOUSE WITH HOLY ENCHATATIONS

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40. ON THE WAY, WE WENT INSIDE KARYA BINAYAK

41. GANESHA, THE GOD WITH ELEPHANT HEAD

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42. BUNGMATI SEEN FROM THE BHAISEPATI HEIGHT

43.THE LAST GLIMPSE OF KHOKANA

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
http://wikitravel.org/en/Bungmati
http://www.sentientsapien.com/2011/06/bingmati.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bungamati
http://www.nepal.com/central/bungamati/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khokana
http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/844/
http://www.trektrips.net/information/226/khokana.html
http://travellinginnepal.com/nepal/tour-in-nepal/khokana-newari-culture-tour.html
http://nepaltravelblogs.com/profiles/blogs/success-at-khokana-festival
http://www.manang.com/khokana/index.php
http://nepaltravelblogs.com/profiles/blogs/success-at-khokana-festival
http://www.tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i32802-Visit_Bungamati_and_Khokana.html
http://cbs.gov.np/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/VDC_Municipality.pdf
www.moad.gov.np/geed/art8.pdf

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Field Report on Khokana and Bungmati

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