Heritage · Bungamati
Bungamati's square and the rain god's home
A guided walk through Bungamati's lanes to the Rato Machhindranath temple, with the story of the god, the chariot festival and the village's recovery since 2015. We meet craftsmen, look into courtyards and hear how guthis still run village life.
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We enter Bungamati from the car park and walk through narrow lanes of brick houses, many rebuilt since 2015, some still under construction. Families sit outside working: carving wood, sorting grain, knitting. Your guide, who knows the village, introduces neighbours and explains how houses are being rebuilt with a mix of traditional and modern methods.
At the heart of the village is the courtyard of Rato Machhindranath. We sit on the steps and tell the god's story: the drought, Gorakhnath on the serpents, the journey to Kamaru, the twelve-year chariot. If the god is in residence, we may see families making offerings; if not, we explain where he is and when he will return.
From the courtyard we walk to the edge of the village, where it drops away to the Bagmati with views to the southern hills. On the way back we visit a woodcarving workshop and a small shop for tea and fried bara. The walk ends at the car park or continues on foot to Khokana.
Good for
Questions
Is Bungamati worth visiting?
Yes, if you want to see a working Newar village with deep religious links and craft traditions, rather than a monument zone. It is quiet, friendly and close to Patan. It combines well with Khokana and Karya Binayak in a half-day trip. There are few tourist facilities, which is part of its charm.
Is there an entry fee for Bungamati?
At the time of writing, visitors have not paid a general entry fee for Bungamati, though donations to temple restoration are welcome. Rules in the valley change, so check current status before you travel. Please be respectful, as this is a residential village.
Was Bungamati damaged in the 2015 earthquake?
Yes, very badly. The Rato Machhindranath temple collapsed and many homes were destroyed. The temple has been rebuilt and many houses have been reconstructed, but some families are still finishing their homes. Visiting brings income to workshops and shops.
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