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 Submitted to

Suraj Ghimire Kings College

BBA VII(Marketing) Bijuli Bajar, Kathmandu

[STATE OF TOURISM IN AND AROUND BUNGMATI AND KHOKANA]

Suraj Ghimire Page 1

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 …



Bungamati

बुङगमती Bunga:, Amarapur (Old)

— Model Village Development Committee —

Coordinates: 27.62°N 85.30°E

Country 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.



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.



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.



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: ATTRACTIONS (NATURAL, 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



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)

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: AMENITIES (INFRASTRUCTURE AND ADDITIONAL/SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICE THAT

EFFICIENTLY AND SUFFICIENTLY ENHANCE THE TOURIST )

Being adjacent to the capital city, Bungmati is not deficient in the resources and infra-

structures 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.



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.



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.



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



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: ATTRACTION

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

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: AMENITIES

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.



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 eco-

tourism 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



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



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.

.



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

2. ANOTHER POND ADJACENT TO THE FIRST ONE



3. ENTRANCE OF BUNGMATI WITH MY FRIEND SUNIL

4. AS WE ENTER BUNGMATI



5 ARTISANS MAKING WOODEN WORK

6. ME INTERVIEWING WITH THE ARTISAN



7. A CLOSE-UP OF AN ARTIST AT WORK

8. THE BHAIRABH



9. AN ARTIST MAKING LOCKETS

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



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

12. THE BUNGMATI FOUNDATION



13. A PORTER CARRYING EARTHEN WARES

14. AS THE PORTER DISAPPEARS IN THE HORIZON



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

16. BASKING UNDER THE SUN



17. AN INTERVIEW WITH THE FOUNDER OF BUNGMATI FOUNDATION

18. PLAYING CARDS ... TIME PASS



19. WEAVING CARPET OF HAY

20. THE MIGHTY MACHHINDRANATH TEMPLE



21. PORTRAIT OF A TOURIST TAKING PHOTO

22. THE HANDICRAFTS



23. THE TRADITIONAL PUPPETS, “THE KATHPUTALI”

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



25. A MODEL OF KRISHNA TEMPLE



26. READY FOR THE NEXT CULTIVATION

27. THE FARMLAND OF BUNGMATI



28. PANORAMIC VIEW OF BUNGMATI FARMLAND

29. A BOARD THAT WELCOMES



30. SHOOTING THAT WAS GOING ON WHEN WE ARRIVED KHOKANA

31. WHEN THE ACTORS EXCHANGE THE DIALOGUE



32. THE RUDRAYANI TEMPLE OF KHOKANA

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



34. LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING WEIRD HAPPENING HERE

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



36. IN THE QUE TO BE BARBEQUED

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



38. THE KHOKANA AS WE SAW IT FROM THE STREET

39. A HOUSE WITH HOLY ENCHATATIONS



40. ON THE WAY, WE WENT INSIDE KARYA BINAYAK

41. GANESHA, THE GOD WITH ELEPHANT HEAD



42. BUNGMATI SEEN FROM THE BHAISEPATI HEIGHT

43.THE LAST GLIMPSE OF KHOKANA



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://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

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://www.manang.com/khokana/index.php


http://www.tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i32802-Visit_Bungamati_and_Khokana.html

http://cbs.gov.np/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/VDC_Municipality.pdf

http://www.moad.gov.np/geed/art8.pdf

Date post:	06-May-2015
Category:	Education
Upload:	suraj-ghimire
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Field Report on Khokana and Bungmati

Education