Bungamati

Bungamati is a pleasant traditional Newari village that dates to the 16th century. It overlooks the Bagmati River. The streets are too thin for vehicle traffic. Not many visitors come here.

Rato Machhendranath Temple
Bungamati is the birthplace of Rato Machhendranath. He is regarded as the patron guardian of the valley. There is a shikhara-style temple in the middle of the village square. He spends six months a year in this temple and the other six months in the Rato Machhendranath Temple in Patan.

The courtyard around the temple has a large prayer wheel and many chortens (Tibetan Buddhist stupas).

When the deity of Rato Machhendranath moves to and from Patan and Bungamati is on of the biggest festivals of the year.

Karya Binayak Temple
This temple, located between Bungamati and Khakna, is dedicated to Ganesh. Ganesh is a natural stone. There are some great views from the temple of the Bagmati Valley and of Bungamati.

Travel
Buses to Bungamati depart from Jawlakhel in Patan (1½ hr, Rs 9).

By bicycle from Patan, you go south pass Ring Road and then go through Jawlakhel. After cross the Niche River at the fork you go left. From there it is pleasant gradual ride up to Bungamati. The right road at the fork goes to Chobar Gorge. From there you can cross the Bagmati River and ride back to Kathmandu.

About an hour after passing Ring Road you come to a viewpoint that has a single, big tree next to it. You then take the road down to Bungamati. You take the right road at the fork and pass a large pond on the left. The road then climbs up to the village square.

To get to the Karya Binayak Temple, when you are coming to Bungamati from Ring Road, when you get to the first pond, you take it around the lake and take the right road at the fork. From there it is a five minute walk past some rice fields.

Copyright ©2001 John Howley and Spiritual Guides