Pokhara: Khukuri Knife Making Workshop with Gurkha Forge

Summary

Forge a traditional khukuri knife in Pokhara with Gurkha makers

You’ll start at the Gurkha forge in Pokhara, hammering hot iron alongside skilled locals as you shape your own khukuri knife. Watch sparks fly during expert grinding (from a safe distance), then finish by buffing and polishing your blade before sharing tea and laughs with your hosts. You’ll walk away with your handmade knife — and maybe a few new stories too.

What’s the experience like?

We ducked into the forge just as the clang of metal started up — not loud, but steady, almost like a heartbeat. The air smelled sharp, kind of metallic but also smoky, and there was this warmth that hit you right away (not just from the fire). Our host, Suman, handed me a chunk of raw iron and grinned. “You’ll remember this sound,” he said, before showing us how to hold the hammer properly. I was nervous about messing it up — it’s not every day you try making a khukuri knife in Nepal — but Suman kept things light. He joked my first swing was “gentle like dal bhat,” which made everyone laugh.

The process took patience. My arms got tired faster than I’d admit, and sparks flew when Suman did the blade grinding (we had to step back for that part — safety first). Watching him work was hypnotic; his hands moved so quickly and confidently. There was this moment when he held up the half-shaped blade against the light and nodded at me — I felt oddly proud, even though mine still looked more like a kitchen spatula than a warrior’s knife. The khukuri has all these little details: a nick near the handle for tradition, the curve that makes it special to Nepal’s hill tribes. I didn’t expect to care so much about those small things until I saw them up close.

After buffing and polishing (which is way more satisfying than it sounds), we sat outside for tea and snacks while our knives cooled down. Someone tried to pronounce “khukuri” right — Suman laughed and gave us an impromptu language lesson that mostly ended in giggles. The finished blade wasn’t perfect, but it fit my hand just right. I keep thinking about how many stories are wrapped up in something as simple as a knife here. It’s honestly one of those experiences that sticks with you long after you leave Pokhara.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Khukuri Knife Making Workshop

• Hammer the iron piece
• Observe first grinding
• Buff and polish knife
• Receive finished khukuri knife

Top questions

How long does the khukuri making workshop take?

The duration isn’t specified, but expect several hours including forging, grinding (by host), polishing, and breaks for snacks.

Is it safe for beginners to join this workshop?

Yes, beginners are welcome. Some steps are only done by the host for safety reasons—like grinding the blade.

Can children participate in making the khukuri?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; otherwise suitable for all fitness levels but supervision is required for kids.

Do we get to keep the knife we make?

Yes, you take home your handmade khukuri knife as a souvenir after completing the workshop.

Are snacks or drinks included during the experience?

Snacks are provided during breaks at the workshop.

What parts of khukuri making will I do myself?

You’ll help with hammering iron into shape, first grinding (with guidance), plus buffing and polishing your knife.

Where does this workshop take place?

The workshop takes place at a Gurkha forge in Pokhara, Nepal.

Is prior experience needed to join this activity?

No prior experience is needed—local hosts guide you through each step safely.

What’s included

Your day includes all tools needed to craft your own khukuri knife at a real Gurkha forge in Pokhara; hands-on forging steps guided by local experts; snacks during breaks; plus you’ll take home your finished blade as a unique souvenir from Nepal.