4 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
40 minutes by bus from Lagankhel Station in Patan
When to go
From September to May
Minimum stay
One day
Khokhana (Nepal)
©
Emeline Mainy
Practical information about Khokhana
Reviews of Khokhana
Khokana is a tiny, medieval style Newari village in the Kathmandu valley. Surrounded by paddy fields, the countryside it overlooks is superb.
My suggestion:
Ask to try the rice beer in one of the many little shops of the area and make sure you also try the local pastries. You could be pleasantly surprised! If you can, try to go in October.
Summary:
Having spent three months in the Children's Home by the village, I implore you to go and visit Khokana quickly during your trip to Nepal: you'll have the impression of travelling back to somewhere in the Middle Ages. Hens, cows (sacred), goats, rice threshers, wood workers, grandmothers sitting in their doorways and babies in traditional clothes will all watch with round eyes and enormous smiles as you walk down the alleys. So why not sit down, drink a cup of tea and try a local cake at one of Khokana's stalls.
Some local colour: from the orphanage you can see a tree overlooking a hill: it's nicknamed the tree of love by the villagers because it's where young lovers meet.
©
Emeline Mainy
©
Emeline Mainy
In a similar way to Bungamati, the village of Khokana is a place where time seems to stand still. A trip back in time
My suggestion:
Before or after touring the village, take the time to admire the amazing view as you head up the path between two rice paddies. Enjoy a bowl of chow mein, delicious fried noodles you can sample in local canteens, housed in buildings that boast typical Newari architecture.
Summary:
It's hard to decide between the villages of Bungamati and Khokana - they're next to each other, the scenery is equally stunning, so best visit them both! Surrounded by rapeseed and rice fields, the little medieval town of Bungamati is known for its wool weaving industry. You'll see women at work in quiet streets that are completely traffic-free.
Between the goats and ducks that share the streets, children play under the watchful eye of welcoming residents. With its architecture, cuisine and crafts, this is Newari country, home to the first inhabitants of Nepal , who are primarily based in Khokana.
Sadly the area didn't escape from the earthquakes that shook the country on 25th April and 12th May, so how it remains today is not all that clear.
©
Nirmal Joshi
157 travellers' photos
