For a more off beat experience that touches on the cultural heritage of the original Newari inhabitants of Kathmandu valley, the trio city tours of Bungamati, Khokana and Kirtipur are the top on the list. This will be a full day walking tour where your guide will take you through old settlements with red brick houses, explain the significance of the sights that you will see and tingle your taste buds with one of the authentic Newari cuisines.

9:30am: Bungamati – home to Rato Machendranath

Bungamati is the birthplace of Patan’s patron god, the Rato Machendranath. The huge Shikhara styled temple which used to house the idol of the deity unfortunately suffered the full brunt of the 2015 earthquake, but fortunately the sacred idol was restored and the Rato Machendranath festival still takes place every year.  A lot of the houses that came down during the 2015 earthquake were made from mud and brick and this historic village was also hard hit. However there are still charming parts of the town that are still standing and worth the visit. Many people in this town are still following traditional occupations such as wood carving, stone carving, and take part in the Machhendranath Jatra which features a large chariot parading between Bungamati and Patan.

11:30am: Khokana – Popular for ‘Tori ko tel’

In close vicinity to Bungamati is the smaller and more laid back town of Khokana. The main road runs through the village and offers a look back in time where farmers are bailing straw, tailors stitching away, women spinning wool and people winnowing rice. Khokana specialties have stood the test of time such as its ‘tori ko tel’ (mustard oil) and it may be possible to visit one of these small scale production. 

1 pm: Kirtipur – The City of Glory

Commanding a panoramic view of the valley, this well-preserved old town is quieter than the main capital and great for a peaceful session of exploring. Kirtipur is of historical importance as the then Gorkha king Prithvi Narayan Shah began his final conquest of the Kathmandu Valley from Kirtipur in 1767. The town was considered to be the strategic point and once Kirtipur was captured, Prithvi Narayan Shah was successful in capturing the Kathmandu Valley and became the first king of a unified Nepal. The famous Bagh Bhairab temple featuring the swords from the conquest and the Uma Maheshwar Temple are the highlights of the city and provides great views of the area.

5pm: Transfer back to hotel 

INCLUDED IN COST

 Pick up from hotel in Kathmandu before the tour and drop off after the tour

 Vehicle for the full day with a certified city guide

 Entrance Fees for the UNESCO World Heritage site