Duration -
3-5 hours
Grade -
Easy walk, recommended for all age.
Special -
Village/temple visit, traditional way of Newari life.
INTRODUCTION
Kirtipur is a magnificent exception to the usual Newari settlements.
Perched on twin hillocks and clinging to the saddle about 5 kms from
Kathmandu. Kirtipur has two satellite hamlets to the south, Panga and
Nagaon.
The history of the village dates back to the 12th century when it was
an
outpost of the Patan but later on became a separate kingdom. The
kingdom
was so strong then it was defeated the Most powerful king of the
Nepalese
history three times when he tried to unify it with the Nepal. Remains
of
the fortified walls and part of the original 12 gates can still be
seen.
Even though most of the people in the village are the Newar the
differences
in the culture and the daily ways of life can be seen during the tour
as
most of the people are farmers and have unique culture and tradition.
Beside the village visit there are also some interesting temples such
as
Bag Bhairav, Chlanchu Vihar etc. Further form Kirtipur the temple of
Goddess Dakshinakali is situated which is an important pilgrimage for
Nepalese people. A visit to Kirtipur can be combined with the visit to
Chovar and Panga as well.
We will have our lunch at Hattiban Resort on top of hill, located at a
very
nice place, which provides birds' eye view of Kathmandu valley and
beyond.
Located at an altitude of 2100m from sea level (Kathmandu is 1320m)
this
place can also be used a overnight stop as the resort has nice rooms
and
services. The prices are available on request.
After lunch we proceed to Khokana and Bungamati. Khokana and Bungamati
are
the ancient Newari village (of the 16th century) alike Kirtipur but a
visit
to Khokana and Bungamati is a bit different to the visit to Kirtipur.
The
people in Khokana are involved in the traditional oil making which is
the
main attraction of the village and the people in Bungamati are involved
more in traditional wood carving which one can see in the historic
places
in and around Kathmandu valley. This is the perfect "day hiking" trip
in
Kathmandu.
Access:
Car from Kathmandu to Kirtipur and Patan Ring Road /Bungamati to
Kathmandu.
Day Hiking Around KTM 
