Get set for an incredible day, as we get in our private vehicle either we can also arrange a tour in style on two wheels, we’ll be on the vintage Vespas, ensuring you really feel part of the city at your full day exploring. The twin villages of Bungamati and Khokana date from 16th century and are typical ancient Newar Villages. They are located south of Kathmandu down a rutty road dotted with chaityas, very appropriate for the ancient procession route that this road in fact is. Bungamati is famous as the winter home of the Red Machhendra god of Patan who resides every winter in a powerful, Shikhara-style temple. Its spacious courtyard is often used for spreading grain to dry in the sun at harvest time. Khokana lies next to Bungamati and in between the two villages is the temple of Karya Binayak . Like Bungamati, Khokana is a compact village, with a wide main street running through it. In the middle of the street is the temple of Sikali Mai , Khokana’s guardian mother goddess. Khokana has long been famous as an oil-pressing centre where mustard seeds are pressed using traditional methods and if you are lucky you will see traditional weaving done by elderly ladies in the sun on the street and courtyards.

You will be driving to Kirtipur, a very old village situated in a small hill, where we will stop for our lunch at Lahana the best Newari food serving in town – at the heart of the Kritipur. After lunch, we will continue our journey. The village boasts many ancient monuments including the famed temple of tiger faced Bhairva. In the past, there were 12 gates of the town and parts of the old city wall still remain. It was the first place raided by Prithvi Narayan Shah when conquering the Kathmandu Valley and their resistance was so fierce (and retribution so dire) that a tower was erected in the Kathmandu Durbar Square in honour of their valour.

The town is still very traditional with most of the residents being either weavers or farmers, so it is a great place to see traditional crafts practised in traditional surroundings. After all this exploring your car will pick you up and head you back to the Kathmandu.

Accommodation: None
Meals included: Lunch

Tea time © Alex Treadway