Where is Bandipur Village?
Bandipur Village, Nepal is located at an elevation of 1,030 meters above sea level in the Tanahu District of Gandaki Province. It is situated halfway between two major cities of Nepal, Kathmandu and Pokhara. The village lies about 80 kilometers east of Pokhara, a 3-hour drive, and 143 kilometers west of Kathmandu Valley, a 5-hour drive. Bandipur is a large settlement predominantly inhabited by Newari people. It is connected to Dumre, on the Prithvi Highway, by an 8-kilometer access road. This village is a popular destination for relaxation and recreation among tourists visiting Nepal.
How many days should you spend in Bandipur village ?
Bandipur is a lovely hilltop town in Nepal. It is best to explore it in 2 to 3 days. This time lets you walk through its quiet streets, see the traditional Newari buildings, and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas. You can visit Siddha Cave, hike to nearby viewpoints, and enjoy the calm atmosphere with in this timeframe.
Why is Bandipur Village one of the Major Tourist Attractions in Nepal?
Bandipur village has become a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. Here are some of the reasons why Bandipur village is a major tourist attraction in Nepal.
- Bandipur is located on a hilltop at 1,030 meters, offering stunning views of the Himalayas, including the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Langtang mountains. The sunrises and sunsets are especially stunning.
- The village is filled with well-preserved Newari houses from the 18th century. Made of wood and having slate roofs, the beautiful windows add a historic charm to these houses in the village.
- Bandipur is a center of Newari culture. One can enjoy traditional music, dance, and local festivals, and visit ancient temples. It also has traditional handicrafts and artisan work.
- The main bazaar area is totally pedestrian. This creates a very peaceful atmosphere, and one can walk around the village without the disturbance of modern traffic. This preservation of the historic streetscape helps maintain the authentic feel of an 18th-century trading post.
- Bandipur Village has several fun activities to do, such as hiking into the surrounding villages and viewpoints, rock climbing, cave exploration that includes Siddha Cave, paragliding, and mountain biking.
- The village is famous for its warm hospitality. Most of the traditional buildings are now guest houses, where one can have local food and a comfortable stay at well-preserved facilities.
- Beautiful forests, fields, and landscapes surround the village. Birdwatching, nature walks, and photography can be done here.
History of Bandipur Village
Bandipur village history starts as an 18th-century trading center on Tibet and India's ancient salt trade route. It was first home to the Magar community, but later, Newar traders from Bhaktapur settled there. They brought their unique culture, architecture, and business skills, which helped Bandipur grow.
Bandipur Village, in the 19th century, became a commercial town with brick houses, pagoda-style temples, and Newari designs. It started to decline in the 1970s when the Prithvi Highway bypassed the village. In this, people began to leave the locality due to falling economic status. However, in the 2000s, Bandipur village was recognized as a prominent tourist destination. Locals renovated its historical buildings into boutique hotels, maintaining village houses to reflect the Newari charm. Today, it is famous for its quiet, traffic-free streets, rich culture, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.
How to Reach Bandipur Village?
The Bandipur Village is only accessible by road . From Kathmandu to Bandipur or Pokhara to Bandipur, one can take a local or tourist bus or a private vehicle. If you are traveling from Kathmandu, you can book your bus ticket at Kantipath, while in Pokhara, you can get the tickets from Pokhara bus stop. The bus will drop you at Dumre village, from where you can take a taxi or another bus to Bandipur. It takes about 20 minutes from Dumre to reach the Bandipur village. Tourist buses also offer the facility to book tickets online through different websites like sofabusnepal.com or Esewa.
However, because of the continuous road construction, the time consumption might be higher, around 5-6 hours, whereas from Pokhara, it would take around 2-3 hours. One can also hire a private vehicle, which will lead you straight to the village of Bandipur.
Best Time to Visit Bandipur Village
The best time to visit Bandipur village in Nepal is during the spring months of March to May when the village sees its highest tourist inflow. In spring, the weather is warm and pleasant, and the hills bloom with colorful rhododendrons. This season is perfect for exploring Bandipur’s traditional Newari architecture and walking through its pedestrian-only streets. Although mountain views might be a bit hazy at times, the temperatures are comfortable, not too hot or too cold.
Autumn, from October to December, is another great time to visit, with clear mountain views. During the summer monsoon (June to September), heavy rains make the paths slippery, and winter (December to February) is quite cold. Both of these seasons have fewer visitors. Most people visit in spring to enjoy Bandipur’s cultural charm, ancient temples, hiking trails, and the lively atmosphere of peak tourist season.
Accommodation in Bandipur Village
Bandipur offers a range of accommodation options, combining traditional Newari architecture with modern comforts . You can choose from boutique hotels, heritage guesthouses, and family-run homestays, many in beautifully restored 200-year-old buildings. The Old Inn is a popular choice, offering a mix of tradition and modern amenities. Mid-range hotels like Hotel Bandipur Organic Home and Gaun Ghar offer mountain views and a mix of local and international cuisine, while luxury resorts provide premium services. Most hotels in bandipur focus on sustainability, supporting local communities and preserving the village's heritage. Guests can enjoy warm hospitality, stunning views, and a peaceful atmosphere, with advanced booking recommended during peak seasons.
Top 10 most attractive things to explore in Bandipur Village
Sunrise hike to Gurungche and Thani Mai temple
The sunrise hike to Thani Mai Temple is a beautiful 25-minute walk from the northeast of the main bazaar in Bandipur village, making it a must try bandipur hiking experience . At the top, you'll find a small shrine, the Thani Mai Temple, and a chautari (a traditional rest platform). It was established in 1997 and holds deep religious significance, especially for the local Magar community. It therefore attracts many pilgrims from Bandipur, Chitwan, Kathmandu, Gorkha, and surrounding areas. Every Tuesday, people go there to offer prayers. Special importance is given to December and January when week-long poojas are observed in this temple.
From Thani Mai Temple, visitors can view a panoramic view of Bandipur Valley and the breathtaking Himalayas. The hike leading to Gurungche Hill is usually famous for views of spectacular sunrises, with the below valley filled with thick fogs in the early morning, giving people a magical, above-the-clouds experience. This place offers a 360 degree all-rounded view of the peaceful landscape of the lush valley and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas making it among the popular things to do in Bandipur village.
Explore Siddha Cave and Patallidwar
The Siddha Cave bandipur is the largest in Nepal and possibly the biggest in Asia, lying north of Bandipur Bazaar. From the north part of Bandipur Bazaar, it takes about an hour to walk downhill to the cave near the Prithvi Highway. The entrance of the cave is 18 feet wide and 50 feet tall, while the height of the limestone cave itself is about 50 meters high and 430 meters deep. Inside the cave is a large, dark, cathedral-like interior with sub-trails, gorges, holes, and remarkable water formations in the shape of stalactites and stalagmites. This cave is said to be about 3,500 years old, but it was only discovered by some hikers in 1988. It takes two hours to explore the cave, and as yet, the entire cave is believed not to have been explored.
Another interesting cave in the Bandipur village is the Patalidwar, which is a religious site for the locals and is also known as a "gateway to heaven". It is about 1.5 hours away from the Bandipur village which can be reached, via Dhungebari. Visiting both of these caves requires a torch or candle for extra light to view properly.
Bandipur Bazaar
Bandipur Bazaar is located south of the Prithvi Highway, between Kathmandu and Pokhara. It is a lively marketplace in the heart of Bandipur village. It's rich heritage and beautiful architecture make it the main attraction of the Bandipur village. The bazaar is filled with old houses and temples, artistically crafted by the Newars of Bhaktapur. Visitors can wander through the narrow alleys lined with stalls selling traditional handicrafts, Nepali textiles, and fresh local produce. These friendly vendors will narrate stories and the history of their products in addition to selling them, offering you ample opportunity to interact with the locals. You will also be able to try different kinds of street food that give the distinctive flavor of the place.
Bindabasini Temple
Bindabasini Temple is located at the center of Bandipur Bazaar is among one if the major bandipur attractions. This pagoda-style temple was built 100 years ago. At the northeast end of the bazaar, this ornate, two-tiered temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Its ancient walls are covered in carvings. The Bisket Jatra (Newari festival) is celebrated at the temple every New Year. This temple is located near the Padma Library. You can also visit the Ganesh Temple, which is just opposite Bindebasini Temple.
Padma Library
The Padma Library is located at the center of Bandipur village and is one of the oldest libraries in Nepal, with more than 100 years of history. It was established in 1994 AD( 2001 BS), by the courageous people of Bandipur village during the reign of Padma Sumsher. The library building is a great example of traditional Newari architecture, with beautifully carved wooden windows and doors. Inside, the library you can find a wide range of manuscripts, historical documents, and books in Nepali, English, and other languages. These materials provide valuable insights into the region’s history, culture, and society.
Khadga Devi Temple
Khadga Devi temple is the most sacred shrine in Bandipur. The two-story temple is famous for the Khadga, the sacred sword, which is still kept today. It is said that the Khadga was left behind by Mukunda Sen who received the sword as a 'gift of divinity' from Lord Shiva. The sword is kept wrapped in cloth. It is only a 10-15 minute walk away from the main village. The views from the temple are spectacular, though not as panoramic as those from the Thani Mai temple. The temple opens once a year in October during the Dashain festival. During this time, local people as well as those from neighboring districts come to worship the goddess.
Martyrs Memorial Park
Martyrs Memorial Park is located near Tudikhel and is a peaceful place dedicated to the memory of those who fought for Nepal's freedom. It’s a great spot for a relaxed walk and to learn about Nepal’s history. The park has many memorials for the martyrs, including statues, plaques, and other structures. It is well-kept, with green lawns, gardens, and walking paths. Visitors can learn about the martyrs and their fight for independence through different displays. The park is a popular place for both locals and tourists to enjoy the quiet atmosphere and honor the brave people who gave their lives for Nepal.
Tudikhel
Tundikhel is the big, flat field in the north part of Bandipur Bazaar and typically takes around 30 minutes to reach from the main bazaar. It offers a stunning view of the half circle of the Himalayas, the cascading Marshyangdi River, and its basin. It is used as a picnic spot for domestic tourists and campfires for international tourists. Historically, it served as a parade ground for Gurkha soldiers. On clear days, the area offers a breathtaking panorama of Himalayan peaks, including Dhaulagiri (8167m), Machhapuchhare (6997m), Langtang Lirung (7246m), Manaslu (8162m), and Ganesh Himal (7406m). It is also an ideal spot to witness the sunrise or sunset.
Enjoy the Newari architecture
After the migration of Newar people from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur six generations ago, Bandipur became a densely populated Newar settlement. Traditional houses, temples, and other houses stand as proof of its history, showing the rich Newar culture. The major influence of Bandipur is based on the traditions and customs of the Newar. The main bazaar is lined up with typical Newar houses with a double lane, and the ground of the main street has been paved with slate. Beautiful wood carvings are found in several slate-roofed houses along with a number of art, architecture, and culture stuff. The Newar-style buildings are decorated with beautiful wood carvings and detailed latticework, and the most beautiful homes are located around the bazaar.
Try Newari Cuisine
Trying Newari food, one of the oldest and most varied food traditions in South Asia has become a popular thing to do while in Bandipur. With over 500 unique dishes, Newari is rich, flavorful, and more elaborate compared with most Nepali cuisines. Popular dishes to try include yomari (sweet steamed dumplings), bara (lentil pancakes), sukuti (spiced dried meat), and choila (spicy grilled meat). You will also taste the traditional Newari meal called Samay Baji, consisting of choila, beaten rice, potatoes, fried soybeans, patties of lentils, and vegetable curry. One can taste them from local stalls to restaurants such as Bandipur Bahidar Café, The Samaya Baji, Khaja Café, or The Old Inn.
Conclusion
Located in the hills of Nepal, Bandipur is a blend of tradition and tourism. The village stands as an example of how tourists can be welcomed into a community without losing their culture and traditional architecture. From quiet hillside village to popular tourist destination, Bandipur now represents how Nepal opens up its rich culture to the world without losing its identity. Bandipur is close to Pokhara, connected by trekking routes in Nepal, and offers beautiful nature and cultural experiences. Preserving its heritage carefully and involving the local community, Bandipur has turned out to be an excellent example of sustainable tourism, proving that tradition and progress can go together hand in hand.
FAQs
What is Bandipur Village famous for?
Bandipur is famous for its beautiful views of the Himalayas, preserved Newari architecture, rich culture, and peaceful atmosphere. It offers adventure activities, traditional music, and a car-free main market area, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and exploration.
How many days should i spend in Bandipur village to experience it properly?
We recommend you to spend at least 2 to 3 days in Bandipur to enjoy its main attractions, including hiking, visiting temples, experiencing local culture, and relaxing with mountain views.
Where can I stay in bandipur ? Are there good hotels and guesthouses?
Yes, there are plenty of good places to stay in Bandipur. You can choose from boutique hotels, heritage guesthouses, and family-run homestays. Popular options include The Old Inn, Hotel Bandipur Organic Home, and budget-friendly guesthouses.
Is Bandipur suitable for families with children?
Yes, Bandipur is a great place for families with children. The village is peaceful, car-free, and offers fun activities like hiking, exploring caves, and enjoying the natural surroundings, making it safe and enjoyable for all ages.
How is the internet connectivity and mobile network in Bandipur Village?
Internet connectivity in Bandipur can be limited, and mobile networks may be slower compared to cities. However, some hotels and guesthouses offer Wi-Fi, and mobile networks are usually available for calls and basic internet use.
