Khukuri Making Tour in Nepal

1 Day
Easy

Max. Altitude

1350m

Best Season

All season

Activity

Sightseeing

Start / End Point

Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Overview of Khukuri Making Tour in Nepal

Khukuri for Nepali means much more than just simple knives. It is the national weapon that represents the bravery, honor, and tradition that have been woven into the fabric of Nepali legend and history. Do you also wish to be a part of such a brave legend? Then, delay no more and join our Khukuri making tour in Nepal today.

Our Khukuri making tour in Nepal is a one-day workshop in Patan, where you will learn the skill to create this legendary, unique weapon with your own hands. You will receive hands-on experience from our expert bladesmith, who still forges this weapon through the traditional hand method that has been handed down through generations.

Khukuri is a one-of-a-kind weapon that has uniquely made curved blades known to offer the user versatility and combat skill with remarkable balance and strength.

Thus, it has become the representation of resilience and endurance skills needed for survival. Talking about its history, the Khukuri was the weapon of choice of the Gorkhas, the legendary, famed warriors known around the world for their honor, strength, and honesty.

They used the Khukuri in both the battlefield and their everyday life. That’s why we also call this tour the Gorkha knife-making workshop as well.

Nowadays, Khukuris are generally used in various religious ceremonies and rituals, as well as practical tools for hunting and crafting in Nepal. It has also gained recognition outside of Nepal and has become a prized possession among collectors.

Its design has now been changed over the years, but its essence has remained the same. They are often chosen by those who wish to have a durable and high-quality tool that can withstand any challenges.

Our Khukuri making tour in Nepal begins with your transfer from your hotel to Patan, the city known for not only its arts but also its artisans, particularly the bladesmiths.

Here, we will take you to one of our skilled hosts’ workshops, where you will learn the intricate techniques of Khukuri making. From selecting the steel and hammering the metal with the amber sparks flying in the air, to tempering the formed blade and grinding and buffing it, you will learn every skill and even get your hands dirty forging the blade yourself.

You will also be able to choose the material for the handle, shape it, resize it, and assemble the Khukuri with your hands. What’s more, you will take home the Khukuri you have forged as a beloved memento of our Khukuri making tour in Nepal.

But wait, we have even more in store for you as our Khukuri making tour in Nepal is not over yet. We will also take you to Patan Durbar Square to admire its exquisite, age-old Newari art.

You will explore the Krishna Temple, Kumbheshwar Temple, the Buddhist Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple), Patan Museum, Manaboudha Temple, and Rudra Varna Temple.

Next, we will guide you to Khokana, where you will observe the traditional method of making mustard oil and explore the Shree Rudrayani Temple and Karya Binayak Temple.

For the entire duration of our Khukuri making tour in Nepal, we offer you private transport with a licensed English-speaking guide who will explain everything to you in English. Our tour service will conclude after we drop you back at your hotel.

Highlights of Khukuri Making Tour in Nepal

Learn the practical skills of forging, hammering, grinding, buffing, and polishing the Khukuri
Know about the age-old traditions and skills of bladesmithing from the masters themselves
Discover the history and culture of Khukuri in Nepal
Bring home the Khukuri you made as your memento of a tour
A Suitable tour for the history, art, and adventure lovers
The local warmth of the people of Patan and Khokana
Explore numerous exquisite temples, palaces, and museums of Patan Durbar Square
Enjoy the peace and silence in Khokana
Private transport with a guide and driver throughout the tour
Suitable for all skill levels of people

Khukuri Making Tour in Nepal Itinerary

day 01 Khukuri making process

Early morning pickup from the hotel and drive to Patan

Get ready to begin your incredible Khukuri making tour in Nepal. Bright and early, our guide will be at the doorstep of your hotel to take you to Patan, a place of true master artisans and bladesmiths who have been making these unique knives by hand for generations.

We advise you to wear long-sleeved clothing and don’t forget your sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sparks while grinding the metal.

Introduction and Participate in the Khukuri making process

We will drop you off at the workshop of the local host, who will greet you with a warm smile and also give you a little introduction about himself. He is the bladesmith with a wealth of knowledge and skills that have been handed down through the generations.

He will share the story of the Khukuri Blade and will highlight its uniqueness, pride, and its long, legendary history in Nepal. He will also talk about the Gorkhas, who have always selected the Khukuri as their weapon of choice, and you will soon find out why.

But first, he will show you his metal creations and their designs, and he will also ask you to choose one that appeals to you the most.

Hammering, grinding, buffing, and polishing the Khukuri

You will now get to know and participate actively in Khukuri making process. At first, our master bladesmith will choose a high-quality steel, then he will heat it in a forge to make it soft enough to work with it.

He will then hammer the hot steel with a simple technique that he will teach you. Then, you will also get to try your hand at hammering the metal piece so it can be shaped into the Khukuri’s signature curved shape.

Once satisfied with the shape, the blade will then be reheated and quickly submerged in water or oil to quickly harden it. You will be actively involved in this process, so prepare to get your hands dirty.

But wait, the Khukuri making process is not finished yet. Our local artisans are great perfectionists, so they will keep tempering the blade, which means they will reheat and cool the blade until it is perfectly balanced and tough.

Now that the hammering and grinding are complete, the final step remains: buffing and polishing the blade. You will clean the blade, remove its impurities, and polish its surface with abrasives until it has a satin finish.

Our host will then sharpen the blade, and then will request you to choose the material for the handle of the Khukuri. It can be wood, bone, or horn, or any material you like.

Then, he will teach you to shape the material to fit the tang of the blade. You will then insert the blade into the handle and put on the leather sheath to carry the Khukuri.

Congratulations! You have just created a masterpiece all on your own, and you will be able to take it home as a souvenir from your Khukuri making tour in Nepal.

Explore Patan Durbar Square and drive to Khokana, 30 to 45 minutes.

After completing our Gorkha knife-making workshop, we will guide you on a tour of the breathtaking Patan Durbar Square, known for the authentic, unspoiled Newari architecture.

Here, we will admire the exquisite Krishna Mandir, the impressive five-story Kumbheshwar Temple, and the Buddhist Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple).

We will also take a short tour of the Patan Museum located within the palace complex, the Mahabouddha Temple, and the historic Rudra Varna Mahavihar.

Next, we will take you to the beautiful Khokana Newar settlement near Patan. En route, we will pass by Bungamati, which houses the Rato Machhindranath Temple.

We will reach Khokana in around 30 to 45 minutes. The calm, peaceful atmosphere here will suddenly wrap you as we visit the traditional Mustard Oil Mills, the three-story Shree Rudrayani Temple, Karya Binayak Temple, the first house in Nepal with electricity, and the village pond called as De Pukha.

Drop back at the hotel.

Our Khukuri making tour in Nepal is coming to an end now, and we will drive you back to your hotel. Please let us know if you would like to have a similar short, unique experience in Kathmandu Valley.

Maximum Altitude

1,350 m.

Meals

Breakfast

Accomodations

Hotel

What's Included

Pickup and Drop from Hotel
One highly experienced English-speaking guide & helpful driver, their food, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance
2-ltrs of bottled water
Hands-on crafting trick and knowledge by the “Blacksmith.”
Monuments and entry fees
Certificate of Tour Completion.

What's Excluded

Flights, VISA, and Airport Pickup/Drop
Travel Insurance
Food or Drinks of any kind.
Tips for Blacksmith/Driver/Tourguide
Purchase of Khukuri ( Can be purchased yourself at the site)
Services not mentioned above.

Khukuri Making Tour in Nepal - Essential Information

Why you should join the Khukuri Making Tour in Nepal?

If you wish to see a different Nepal beyond just its known trekking destinations, temples, and monasteries, and want a direct engagement with its people, then our Gorkha knife making workshop is for you. It offers you:

A long history of bravery

Enemies came to know first about Khukuri in Nepali hands during the 1814 war of their unsuccessful attempt to take over the country. Gorkhas turned this piece of steel into the most brutal weapon the Britishers have ever seen, cutting the enemy in half in one strike.

You will learn the history of such a fearsome weapon, and you will learn skills from such a fearsome master. Through our Gorkha knife making workshop, you will learn how to create such a dangerous yet peaceful weapon with your own hands.

Practical life experience

This is not just a passive sightseeing tour where you will just sit in the back and watch the views. In fact, our Khukuri making tour in Nepal is an active tour where your participation is a must.

You will dirty your hands, heat and reheat the metal, shape it, polish it, and make its handle. You won’t rely on machines; you will use your hands and the skills shared by our local expert.

Bring Home the self-made Khukuri as your SOUVENIR

Khukuri is synonymous with Nepal, and your self-made Khukuri will be a symbol of your skill and effort that reflects the culture of its land and people.

Although it may not be made of gold and may not be as valuable as any collector’s item, it will be truly valuable for you.

Your support for Local Art

Nowadays, Khukuri has taken a different design and form, but true, authentic Khukuri enriched with tradition is still made by those dirty, hard laborious hands of local artisans.

When you decide to engage in our Khukuri making tour in Nepal, you will be directly benefiting these true masters and promoting their work internationally.

Real-life Experience with the locals

In this tour, you will meet and interact with the local bladesmiths who will not hesitate to share all their expertise and knowledge with you. You will hear their stories, their experiences, and their struggles, and you will also share their daytime snacks.

If this is what you want from your Nepal tour, a direct and true interaction with Nepali people, then our Khukuri making tour in Nepal is what you are searching for.

Patan and Khokana, one popular tourist destination, and the other is lost in the shadow

Our Gorkha knife making workshop is not limited to just blade-making but also includes knowing the places other than Kathmandu City. You will know Patan Durbar Square, which is, of course, what almost all tourists see on their visit. But you will also explore Khokana, a small Newari town, a few km away from Patan, wrapped in amazing tranquility and peace.

Steeped in history, this town is yet another enchanting place to see the age-old tradition of Nepal, such as mustard oil making.

Who should engage in our Gorkha Knife Making Workshop?

If you have a knack for getting your hands dirty and wish to connect yourself with the living tradition of Nepal, then you should definitely not delay joining our Khukuri making tour in Nepal.

If you like to directly engage with people, learn the traditional craftsmanship from the expert artisans, and enjoy hands-on work, then you should also join our tour.

It is also suitable for those who like to look beyond Kathmandu and regular trips, who prefer short duration but an enriched experience, and like to explore within an intimate group of travelers with the same interests.

Please don’t worry if you don’t have any experience in metalworking or craftsmanship. Our tour will accommodate all skill levels, from beginner to experienced.

However, if you like comfort and convenience, then it is likely that our Khukuri making tour in Nepal won’t suit your taste.

What do we offer you on our Khukuri Making Tour in Nepal?

During our Khukuri making tour in Nepal, Life Himalaya Trekking will provide you with private transportation, accompanied by a licensed English-speaking guide and a professional driver.

We will also supply all the necessary tools, materials, and safety equipment needed for the Gorkha knife-making workshop. Additionally, we will cover your entrance fees to Patan Durbar Square and arrange for your pickup and drop-off between the hotel and Patan.

You will enjoy teas, water, and local snacks throughout the workshop. In addition, we will take care of the fees for the local artisans as well.

Khukuri Making Tour in Nepal - FAQs

What is Khukuri?

Khukuri is an adaptable knife that is used as a tool for survival and has many practical uses in everyday life. It has a unique curve that enables accurate cuts. Only its inner curve is sharpened, and it has a zone-hardened blade, which is two to three times longer and wider than the handle.

Is Khukuri suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Khukuri is easy to use, safe, simple to handle, and it has great adaptability, which can be used for multiple tasks. However, you can learn its use from our local artisans.

What materials are used to make Khukuri?

Various materials are used to make different parts of the Khukuri, such as steel or iron for making the blade, wood, bone, or horn for the handle, and leather for the cover.

What is your Khukuri making tour in Nepal?

It is a one-day tour where we will guide you to the workshop of our local expert bladesmith. Here, you will gain the essential basic skill to create your own khukuri.

How long will your Khukuri making tour in Nepal last?

The Gorkha knife-making workshop will be about 4 to 5 hours, and a Patan and Khokana tour will also be around 4 to 5 hours. So overall, our Khukuri making tour in Nepal will be a day-long tour.

Do you also offer transportation to our pick-up and drop-off locations?

Yes, we can pick you up and drop you off either at your hotel or your designated location.

I have no experience in any type of metalwork. Can I still participate in your Khukuri making tour in Nepal?

Yes, there is no need for any skill or knowledge to participate in our Khukuri making tour in Nepal.

What do you not include in the price of your Khukuri making tour in Nepal?

We do not cover your personal expenses, tips for our guide and driver, khukuri handle cover, and the price for making a larger size khukuri.

When should I cancel your Gorkha knife making workshop to get a full refund?

To get the full refund, you should cancel our Khukuri making tour in Nepal 24 hours before the scheduled start date.

What will be the most difficult part of Khukuri making process?

Probably hammering will be the hardest part of Khukuri making process, as you will have to give the chosen metal the shape of the curved blade of the Khukuri.

How can I be safe while making a Khukuri?

Our local artisan and our guide will be completely aware of your safety when you are making the khukuri. Our artisan will demonstrate and handle the hardest sections of making the Khukuri. Our guide will be there to make the conversation understandable, while we will also provide you with all safety tools such as glasses, gloves, a helmet, masks, etc.

What type of shoes should I wear for the Gorkha knife making workshop?

You should wear closed-toe shoes for the Gorkha knife making workshop.

What type of physical effort is needed to make a Khukuri?

A moderate level of physical effort is needed for making a khukuri, particularly for hammering and polishing.

Can I take home the Khukuri I made at the Gorkha knife making workshop?

Of course, you can take the Khukuri that you have with your own hands and effort.

What can I expect during the Khokana visit?

When we guide you to Khokana, expect a true Newari art and tradition that has survived the modern-day nuisances to date. In Khokana, surprisingly, the calm atmosphere will surround you, while you will also see the mustard oil production, the first house with electricity, and various temples and heritage sites.

What is the distance between Khokana and Kathmandu?

Khokana is around 10 km south of Kathmandu and around 5 km from Patan.

Do I have to pay any entrance fee in Khokana and Patan?

In Patan Durbar Square, an entrance fee will be needed, which we will pay, and for the Khokana visit, no entrance fees will be needed. But a small donation at temples may be needed.