The twin villages of Bungamati and Khokana date from 16th century and typical ancient Newar Villages. This villages are located south of Kathmandu down a rutty road dotted with chaityas, appropriate for an ancient procession route. 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 and  where chicken-farming is strictly forbidden.

Khokana is the twin Newar Village lying next to Bungmati, both dating back to the 16 th century. In between the two settlements is the temple of Karya Binayak . Just like Bungmati, Khokana is a compact village. Running through it is a wide main street, which was built after the 1934 earthquake. 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 center where mustard seeds are pressed using traditional methods.