Visit Bandipur: Nepal’s Hidden Gem

View from hotel balcony in Bandipur, Nepal

Bandipur is Nepal’s hidden gem nestled at 3,500 ft in the mountains between Pokhara, Kathmandu, and Chitwan. In the 1800’s, Newari traders migrated from Bhaktapur to settle in Bandipur in hopes of a better life, making it a bustling trading post along the Silk Road. In 1972 the construction of the highway between Pokhara and Kathmandu bypassed Bandipur. This left the village untouched by modernization and preserved the Newari architecture, making it a tourist destination today. It is a nice place for a relaxing stay for a few days.

HOW TO GET TO BANDIPUR

Bandipur is located approximately five hours from Kathmandu, and three hours from Pokhara. A tourist bus can be arranged from either Pokhara or Kathmandu for bus approximately $10. Instead of getting off at the final destination, ask the bus driver to let you off at Dumre. From Dumre there is an option of a local bus for 50NPR or taxi for 500NPR for a windy 30-minute drive up the mountain to Bandipur.

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATIONS

There are many accommodations in Bandipur ranging from a humble homestay to traditional Newari hotels. Rooms range from 700 NPR to 1,000 NPR ($7-100 USD). There are many accommodations along the main bazaar or tucked along the mountain top. There is no need to book a room in advance. 

Most of the hotels have a restaurant where all meals are available in an outdoor seating. Some have back patios where you can enjoy the view of the mountainside. There is a nice variety of food including fried rice, chow mien, thupka, but one thing to not miss is trying a Newari set. Meals are extremely affordable ranging from 100 NPR to 500 NPR.

Children playing in the Bandipur bazaar

THINGS TO DO

 Bandipur Bazaar

The main bazaar is a collection of eclectic hotels and restaurants in buildings built over 150 years ago. No vehicles are allowed in the center of town which makes it a peaceful contrast to the crowed fast-paced feel of Pokhara and Kathmandu. The bazaar is made up of classic Newari architecture that can be admired from a café sipping on some tea.

Siddha Gufa Cave

Siddha Gufa Cave is the largest cave in Nepal at almost 500 meters deep. To reach the cave, take a 2-hour hike on a trail through the rainforest down the mountainside from Bandipur. The trail is easy to follow and has a series of handmade stairs and rails along the path. Siddha Cave can also be accessed from the road by Durme with a short hike from the road. For 200 NPR a person, you can get a guided tour of the cave. It is recommended you bring a flashlight or headlamp.

Thani Mai

Thani Mai is a Hindu temple upon the top of the Gurunche Hill on the edge of Bandipur. It is a steep but short hike up handcrafted stairs with several lookout spots along the path up to where you can stop to catch your breath. At the top is a modest temple among trees that makes you pause to take in the view of the surrounding valleys and mountainside. It is a great place to stop and watch the sunset in the evening.

Bandipur is a beautiful stop in Nepal to see a city that retains its centuries-old architecture and charm. It is a perfect place to visit for a few days while traveling between Pokhara, Kathmandu or Chitwan. Against the fast pace of other cities, Bandipur is a relaxing oasis to stop and enjoy the view.