Just south of Kathmandu, Khokana is a traditional Newar farming village that has kept its character through the centuries. Narrow brick-paved lanes lead between tall, red-brick houses with carved wooden windows, and open squares serve as meeting places for elders, farmers and children. Many families still belong to the Newar farming community and work the fields that surround the village.

Khokana is best known for its mustard oil. Its small, family-run mills still press mustard seeds using traditional wooden presses, and the rich smell of fresh oil is part of the village’s character. In winter, the surrounding fields turn bright yellow with mustard flowers, which makes the countryside especially beautiful for photographers. The village is also home to the Rudrayani Temple, a centre of local worship and the focus of the Shikali festival, when residents gather for rituals and processions.

With quiet lanes, craft traditions and authentic village life, Khokana is an ideal stop for travellers who want to see the Kathmandu Valley beyond its busy monuments.