Bandipur is a little hilltop town of only 16,000 inhabitants in 4,000 households, which likes to be nicknamed “the warm heart of Nepal". Undoubtedly, the traffic-free Bandipur Bazaar framed by traditional Newar mansions and temples and crowded with cafes and restaurants under bougainvillea creepers is one of the coziest places in the country. Bandipur has by far the best preserved Newar architecture outside the Kathmandu Valley. What’s so special about it is that it’s the only historical Newar town situated on a ridge in the hillcountry, like an eagle’s nest.
Foreign traveler who want to experience family atmosphere and interact with locals and enjoy authentic local food or even join cooking classes are recommended to come to Bandipur for one of the largest choices of homestays in Nepal. A variety of comfortable boutique hotels is available, too.
Bandipur’s natural setting is likewise delightful, its beauties include mountain views, sunrise and sunst points, easy half- or one-day hikes, Nepal’s largest dripstone cave, agricultural terraces and goat farms, furthermore a silk farm.
An only 8 km long proper road, now paved, leads up to Bandipur from Dumre, which is at the Prithvi Highway in the Marsyangdi Valley. Therefore, Bandipur is now easy to reach from Kathmandu and Pokhara as well as from other popular tourist destinations such as Chitwan or Gorkha.
Not surprisingly, for Nepalis living in the busy metropolitan regions of Kathmandu or Pokhara, Bandipur has become a favourite destination for short trips. So it’s also a good place to meet domestic travelers. Foreign trekkers like to relax here after their mountain excursions, whereas heritage tourists use to visit Bandipur on the way from Kathmandu to Pokhara or back. Along this route, we highly recommend at least one overnight stay in Bandipur, because early morning and late afternoon hours are the best times to enjoy the beauty of the hillstation and its views.
For those envisaging a visit of Bandipur, Apex Nepal Treks & Tours is ambitious and prowd to present the most detailed online-description of Bandipur and its history and attractions. Of course, those readers who already decided to visit Bandipur, can complete their plannings or bookings by please contacting us directly.
Foreign traveler who want to experience family atmosphere and interact with locals and enjoy authentic local food or even join cooking classes are recommended to come to Bandipur for one of the largest choices of homestays in Nepal. A variety of comfortable boutique hotels is available, too.
Bandipur’s natural setting is likewise delightful, its beauties include mountain views, sunrise and sunst points, easy half- or one-day hikes, Nepal’s largest dripstone cave, agricultural terraces and goat farms, furthermore a silk farm.
An only 8 km long proper road, now paved, leads up to Bandipur from Dumre, which is at the Prithvi Highway in the Marsyangdi Valley. Therefore, Bandipur is now easy to reach from Kathmandu and Pokhara as well as from other popular tourist destinations such as Chitwan or Gorkha.
Not surprisingly, for Nepalis living in the busy metropolitan regions of Kathmandu or Pokhara, Bandipur has become a favourite destination for short trips. So it’s also a good place to meet domestic travelers. Foreign trekkers like to relax here after their mountain excursions, whereas heritage tourists use to visit Bandipur on the way from Kathmandu to Pokhara or back. Along this route, we highly recommend at least one overnight stay in Bandipur, because early morning and late afternoon hours are the best times to enjoy the beauty of the hillstation and its views.
For those envisaging a visit of Bandipur, Apex Nepal Treks & Tours is ambitious and prowd to present the most detailed online-description of Bandipur and its history and attractions. Of course, those readers who already decided to visit Bandipur, can complete their plannings or bookings by please contacting us directly.
Location in Central Nepal
Bhaktapur in central Nepal, more precisely in Tanahu District of Gandaki Province, is situated 90 km west of Kathmandu, as the crow flies, roughly 140 km by road, and 75 km southeast of Pokhara by road, or 50 km, as the crow flies. By car, it’s roughly a five hours drive from Kathmandu and a three hours drive from Pokhara. Road distances to Gorkha in the northeast and Chitwan National Park in the south of Bandipur are 50 km and 90 km respectively. An access road to Bandipur starts in 8 km distance in Dumre Bazaar Tanahu, which is the nearest town at the Prithvi Highway from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
The elevation of Bandipur is roughly 1000 m, 600 m higher than Dumre. The Bazaar is situated on a roughly 200 m long ridge, belonging to the Mahabharat chain of Nepal’s hillcountry. |
27° 56′16″ North (27.938), 84° 24′ 25″ East (84.407)
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History of Bandipur
Bandipur, situated in an area mainly inhabited by Gurung people, is a hometown of the Magar ethnicity and under the rule of the Gorkhas became mainly inhabited by Newars. Confusing? Some historical background can explain that interesting mix of cultures.
Originally, Bandipur was a simple Magar village. But after Nepal had been united in the 18th century under Gorkha rule traveling and trading became safe and Bandipur was at the crosspoint of the major trde route. The location attracted Newar merchants from the Kathmandu valley who developed Bandipur in an emporium.
But in the 1970‘s the highway from Kathmandu to Pokhara was constructed, which bypassed Bndipur completely. Inhabitants left the city in large numbers. However, this exodus prevented the traditional mansions of Bandipur from being replaced by concrete buildings like in so many other Newar towns. After only a few decades the picturesque townscape attracted visitors and Bandipur was developed into a neat tourist destination.
Most of the inhabitants are Newar, but numerous other communities live in Nepal, each with their own traditions and festivals, which contributes to the cultural richness of the cozy town.
Originally, Bandipur was a simple Magar village. But after Nepal had been united in the 18th century under Gorkha rule traveling and trading became safe and Bandipur was at the crosspoint of the major trde route. The location attracted Newar merchants from the Kathmandu valley who developed Bandipur in an emporium.
But in the 1970‘s the highway from Kathmandu to Pokhara was constructed, which bypassed Bndipur completely. Inhabitants left the city in large numbers. However, this exodus prevented the traditional mansions of Bandipur from being replaced by concrete buildings like in so many other Newar towns. After only a few decades the picturesque townscape attracted visitors and Bandipur was developed into a neat tourist destination.
Most of the inhabitants are Newar, but numerous other communities live in Nepal, each with their own traditions and festivals, which contributes to the cultural richness of the cozy town.
click here for more about Bandipur's history
The Magar are one of the largest ethnic groups in Nepal, with a millennium-old recorded history. In the Middle Ages, they formed Confederation of twelve kingdoms known as Bahra Magarat. The main settlement area was in hillcountry and lowland regions to the west of the Kali Gandhaki river. However, the settlement area also bordered the Masyangdi River further east, where Bandipur became a kind of small Magar enclave in the Gurung area around Pokhara.
The famous king Prithvi Narayan Shah from the Gorkha ethnicity settling to the northeast of Bandipur not only conquered the Kathmandu Valley in the 1760s but also united most of the territories that are today Nepal and even futher regions to the east and south and west that today belong to India. The unification of Nepal also meant increased security for merchants along traditional trade routes and made long-distance trade even more profitable. The region of Bandipur was located just at the crosspoint of the major east-west axis of the newly established territorial entity now called Nepal, namely from Kathmandu to Jumla, and one of the oldest and most important north-south trade routes connceting Tibet and India’s Gangetic Plains by crossing the Himalayas along Mustang and the Kali Gandaki Valley.
Newari merchants mainly from Bhaktapur took advantage of the central location and settled down in this area. They preferred the hills of Bandipur over the Marsayangdi Valley, as the higher elevation was free of malaria. With them the Newar artisans and merchants brought their archticeture and customs that have shaped the cityskape of Bandipur ever since. In the course of the 19th century, the markets and fairs of the important emporium became a meeting point of traveling merchants from as far as Tibet and India, British traders also being among them. The latter were particularly attracted by the garment making in the area of Bandipur.
Bandipur had its heyday in the era of the Ranas, who ruled from the mid 19th to the mid 20th century. It was in this period that as a special measure of prestige Bandipur was granted special permission to run its own library, the Padma library still being a landmark of the main street.
After the colonial period of India and the closing of Nepal’s borders to Tibet Bandipur remained to be a prosperous commercial center, now mainly as a regional business transit of the neighbouring districts, particularly those from the Himalayan regions further north such as Kaski, Lamjung, and Gorkha. The Bhanu Higher Secondary School was stablished in the 1950s, till the 1980s the only institution offering higher education far and wide.
However, the fortunes of Bandipur changed dramatically for the worse in the 1970s, when the Prithvi Highway (H04), Nepal’s main east-west road, was constructed. It had a devatating effect on the business activities in Bandipur, because it ran along the Marsyangdi Valley and thereby bypassed the emporium which is on the hills 600 m above the valley. The road constructions began in 1967 with Chinese help and were completed 1974. The Newars of Bandipur did not readily sidestep but fought for a different route in the planning process. When the efforts turned out to be fruitless, the protests turned violent and the people of Bandipur even stormed the local garrison. Several people were killed and the soldiers had to flee. The incident took place in a period of first demonstrations for democracy in Nepal.
As a result of its poor accessibility and decreasing population, Bandipur suffered an additional blow ny losing its status as headquarters of Tanahun District, which were moved to Damauli. This also resulted in riots in Bandipur, administrational buildings were occupied and the civil servants had to flee. The king was flown in by helicopter to calm the situation.
Due to the significance of the new main road - allowing lorries and busses to move much faster - the decline of traditional commerce in Bandipur could not be reversed. Most Newar inhabitants left the hill town to settle down in the nearby Marsayangdi valley at the new road or to migratedeven further in the Terai lowlands. There was also a pull factor contributing to it, as malaria had been eracidated from the otherwise easier arable lowland regions since the 1950s. Many Magar and Gurung people from Bandipur and surroundings now preferred to serve as Gorkha soldiers abroad.
Most of the formerly splendid mansions fell into decay. However, due to the lack of modernizations, the traditional architecture was preserved, though in bad condition. But the old town at a scenic spot soon attracted travelers from abroad. The old houses were restored by their owners and transformed into lodges and restaurants accordingly. The combination of cultural richness and natural beauties turned Bandipur in a perfect destination for weekend trips from Kathmandu as well as a location for relaxation fun activities for foreigners. The Bandipur Social Development Committee coordinated efforts to create new facilities also for tourists. One important decision was to remove all motorized traffic from the main street. Such a pedestrian area is rare in the towns of Nepal. At first the local shopkeepers were not happy with the decision to keep vehicles out of the bazaar, as it means that all supplies have to be carried several hundred meters or sack barrows have to be used. However, as the lack of noise and dust contributed much to the delight and comfort of visitors, the shops have finally benefited, too. So all in all the result of the transformations is that Bandipur recovered from the times of crises.
Apart from becoming a travel destination, Bandipur has also become the second home of children from surrounding villages, many pupils stay in boarding houses in Bandipur to avoid long walks. Notre Dame Higher Secondary School was established in 1985, it earned the reputation of being one of the best schools in Nepal.
The 8 km long mud road from Dumre up to Bandipur, almost impassable after heavy rainfalls, was paved in 1998, so that Bandipur is much easier to reach now. A cabinet meeting in 1999 decided to upgrade – among others – Bandipur to the status of municipality and it is administered as such since 2014.
The famous king Prithvi Narayan Shah from the Gorkha ethnicity settling to the northeast of Bandipur not only conquered the Kathmandu Valley in the 1760s but also united most of the territories that are today Nepal and even futher regions to the east and south and west that today belong to India. The unification of Nepal also meant increased security for merchants along traditional trade routes and made long-distance trade even more profitable. The region of Bandipur was located just at the crosspoint of the major east-west axis of the newly established territorial entity now called Nepal, namely from Kathmandu to Jumla, and one of the oldest and most important north-south trade routes connceting Tibet and India’s Gangetic Plains by crossing the Himalayas along Mustang and the Kali Gandaki Valley.
Newari merchants mainly from Bhaktapur took advantage of the central location and settled down in this area. They preferred the hills of Bandipur over the Marsayangdi Valley, as the higher elevation was free of malaria. With them the Newar artisans and merchants brought their archticeture and customs that have shaped the cityskape of Bandipur ever since. In the course of the 19th century, the markets and fairs of the important emporium became a meeting point of traveling merchants from as far as Tibet and India, British traders also being among them. The latter were particularly attracted by the garment making in the area of Bandipur.
Bandipur had its heyday in the era of the Ranas, who ruled from the mid 19th to the mid 20th century. It was in this period that as a special measure of prestige Bandipur was granted special permission to run its own library, the Padma library still being a landmark of the main street.
After the colonial period of India and the closing of Nepal’s borders to Tibet Bandipur remained to be a prosperous commercial center, now mainly as a regional business transit of the neighbouring districts, particularly those from the Himalayan regions further north such as Kaski, Lamjung, and Gorkha. The Bhanu Higher Secondary School was stablished in the 1950s, till the 1980s the only institution offering higher education far and wide.
However, the fortunes of Bandipur changed dramatically for the worse in the 1970s, when the Prithvi Highway (H04), Nepal’s main east-west road, was constructed. It had a devatating effect on the business activities in Bandipur, because it ran along the Marsyangdi Valley and thereby bypassed the emporium which is on the hills 600 m above the valley. The road constructions began in 1967 with Chinese help and were completed 1974. The Newars of Bandipur did not readily sidestep but fought for a different route in the planning process. When the efforts turned out to be fruitless, the protests turned violent and the people of Bandipur even stormed the local garrison. Several people were killed and the soldiers had to flee. The incident took place in a period of first demonstrations for democracy in Nepal.
As a result of its poor accessibility and decreasing population, Bandipur suffered an additional blow ny losing its status as headquarters of Tanahun District, which were moved to Damauli. This also resulted in riots in Bandipur, administrational buildings were occupied and the civil servants had to flee. The king was flown in by helicopter to calm the situation.
Due to the significance of the new main road - allowing lorries and busses to move much faster - the decline of traditional commerce in Bandipur could not be reversed. Most Newar inhabitants left the hill town to settle down in the nearby Marsayangdi valley at the new road or to migratedeven further in the Terai lowlands. There was also a pull factor contributing to it, as malaria had been eracidated from the otherwise easier arable lowland regions since the 1950s. Many Magar and Gurung people from Bandipur and surroundings now preferred to serve as Gorkha soldiers abroad.
Most of the formerly splendid mansions fell into decay. However, due to the lack of modernizations, the traditional architecture was preserved, though in bad condition. But the old town at a scenic spot soon attracted travelers from abroad. The old houses were restored by their owners and transformed into lodges and restaurants accordingly. The combination of cultural richness and natural beauties turned Bandipur in a perfect destination for weekend trips from Kathmandu as well as a location for relaxation fun activities for foreigners. The Bandipur Social Development Committee coordinated efforts to create new facilities also for tourists. One important decision was to remove all motorized traffic from the main street. Such a pedestrian area is rare in the towns of Nepal. At first the local shopkeepers were not happy with the decision to keep vehicles out of the bazaar, as it means that all supplies have to be carried several hundred meters or sack barrows have to be used. However, as the lack of noise and dust contributed much to the delight and comfort of visitors, the shops have finally benefited, too. So all in all the result of the transformations is that Bandipur recovered from the times of crises.
Apart from becoming a travel destination, Bandipur has also become the second home of children from surrounding villages, many pupils stay in boarding houses in Bandipur to avoid long walks. Notre Dame Higher Secondary School was established in 1985, it earned the reputation of being one of the best schools in Nepal.
The 8 km long mud road from Dumre up to Bandipur, almost impassable after heavy rainfalls, was paved in 1998, so that Bandipur is much easier to reach now. A cabinet meeting in 1999 decided to upgrade – among others – Bandipur to the status of municipality and it is administered as such since 2014.
Attractions of Bandipur
Bandipur’s main attractions are the townscape with the clean bazaar and numerous historical buildings, furthermore the scenic location of this tradition-rich hill station, the diversity of cultures and festivals of local ethnic groups, and last not least a surprisingly wide range of vacation activities on offer in the immediate surroundings.
Bandipur Bazaar (main street)
The bazaar proper is one 200 m long street that runs east-west along the ridgetop. This main street of Bandipur is handsomely paved with stone. The main square is at its eastern end, see below. The street lined on both sides with traditional wooden Newari architecture from the 18th and neoclassical mansions 19th centuries is the main attraction of Bandipur. A distinctive aspect of the Bazaar is a covered veranda extending along almost the entire length on the northern side. Several houses are adorned with the wooden balconies and colourful Bougainvillea creepers. Most of them serve as guesthouses and cafes and restaurants now, some contain traditional as well as souvenir shops. Though Bandipur is a tourist spot, shop owners will not come out to press you and the prices are not too inflated.
As a result of long-running conservation efforts, the bazaar is traffic-free, not only car-free but also motorbike-free. This means, it`s one of Nepal’s few urban places free of horns, too. Parking opportunities and the bus station are at the western end.
An annual sanitation day contributes to keep the town and particularly the main street clean. There is also a program where the youth of the city can volunteer to help clean the surrounding areas, rewarded for example by additional computer time.
As a result of long-running conservation efforts, the bazaar is traffic-free, not only car-free but also motorbike-free. This means, it`s one of Nepal’s few urban places free of horns, too. Parking opportunities and the bus station are at the western end.
An annual sanitation day contributes to keep the town and particularly the main street clean. There is also a program where the youth of the city can volunteer to help clean the surrounding areas, rewarded for example by additional computer time.
Padma Library
Quite unusual for a hillcountry city of this size is a small library. The building is centered at the eastern end of the main street, indicating is central role for public life in Bandipur. It’s a typical example of 18th century Newari-style ornamentations, as woodcarvings embellish windows and beams. Originally, the building served as a rest shelter, a so-called Pati, before it became a library. Today, it serces as a community centre. The charming wooden building was restored adequately in the year 2000.
A small information centre for tourists is located next to the library, it’s is open during most of the daylight hours,
A small information centre for tourists is located next to the library, it’s is open during most of the daylight hours,
for more information about the significance of the library click here...
Padma Library is one of the oldest libraries in Nepal, established in Rana regime around 1900. Traditionally, Hindu temples known as Bauddha Gumbas and Buddhist Vihars were the only places of literary education, for which purpose they collected manuscripts. But secular libraries are not known in Nepal prior to the modern era. On state level, it was in the 18th century that no one less than Prithivi Narayan Shah in his palace started to collect documents and also valuable ancient manuscripts. Nepal’s first secular library for scientific research was the Pustak Chitahi Tahabil in the palace of King Girvanayuddhavikram Saha, who in 1812 ordered a decree to open a library with a Pandit as librarian and two assistants. Since 2008, Nepal celebrates the Library Day in the memory of this event, end of August or begin of September according to the English calendar. However, the first public libraries for common people came to existence in the Rana period, most of them were opened in the 20th century. This ist why the existence of the older Padma Library of the community of Bandipur outside the Kathmandu Valley is extraordinary.
Bindebasini Temple
At the east end the main street widens to a small square, on which the Bindebasini temple is the major landmark of Bandipur Bazaar, facing the said ancient library building.
Bindebasini, also transcribed is a regional goddess, another famous temple dedicated to her is the main temple of Pokhara, as she is the guardian deity of that town. Commonly, she is identified with Durga, the mightiest goddess in the Hindu Pantheon. However, Bindebasini is also said to be the female child that replaced the newborn Lord Krishna to protect him from being killed by King Kansa, because a prophecy predicted he would be killed by a newborn male. But the female baby is in fact was in fact divine and therefore managed to escape, too.
Bindebasini, also transcribed is a regional goddess, another famous temple dedicated to her is the main temple of Pokhara, as she is the guardian deity of that town. Commonly, she is identified with Durga, the mightiest goddess in the Hindu Pantheon. However, Bindebasini is also said to be the female child that replaced the newborn Lord Krishna to protect him from being killed by King Kansa, because a prophecy predicted he would be killed by a newborn male. But the female baby is in fact was in fact divine and therefore managed to escape, too.
The Bindebasini Mandir, built in the 18th century, is a double-roofed temple in the Newari pagoda-style known from the Kathmandu Valley. The Bindebasini temple is by far the most ornate building in Bandipur. Eye-catchingly coloured wood carvings decorate the capiters and the beams and several windows and intricate stone carvings line the temple, too, they and can be seen along the historic wooden door in particular. A priest opens the mane gate only in the evening.
Khadga Devi Temple
From the main square between Padma Library and Bindebasin Temple a steep alley with several stone steps leads up to the temple of Goddess Khagdi, built in 1819. The sanctuary is famous for enshrining the sword of Mukunda Sen. This king, also called Makanda, was from the Sino-Tibetan Magar ethnic group. He ruled the petty kingdom of Palpa from 1518 to 1553. Mukunda Sen was a warrior king who managed to unite the Magar groups around what is Pokhara today and who according to the According to the Sanskrit Vamshawali invaded the rich Kathmandu Valley in 1544. The sword is believed to be a victory-bringing gift of Shiva to him. Its blade is revered as a symbol of Shakti, the god’s consort embodying his energy.
The Sacred Sword enshrined in the inner sanctum of the Khagda Devi Mandir is only displayed during the festival known as Khagda Jatra, on the seventh day of the Nepali month of Dasain (roughly October). The sword is bound in cloth, is its blade must be kept hidden from the eyes of the devotees, as locals believe that any human being getting a glimpse of it will die instantly.
The Sacred Sword enshrined in the inner sanctum of the Khagda Devi Mandir is only displayed during the festival known as Khagda Jatra, on the seventh day of the Nepali month of Dasain (roughly October). The sword is bound in cloth, is its blade must be kept hidden from the eyes of the devotees, as locals believe that any human being getting a glimpse of it will die instantly.
Mahalaxmi Mandir
The Mahalaxmi Mandir is a pagoda-style temple with two roofs, which have finely carved struts, representing the Newari style known from the Kathmandu Valley. The temple is situated at the southern slope, below the Bazaar main street. From there, it can be reached via a small path of stone steps that start behind the information centre.
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Tundikhel
The Tundikhel, located 700 m north of the Bandipur main street, is a plain football-field-sized square spectacularly situated on a mountain spur high above the Marsyangdi Valley, 600 m above the river, which is in roughly 2 km distance, as the crow flies. Indeed, the oblong patch of grass is perched on a rock outcrop, with vertical drops to the north and east, whereas a promenade of of fig trees flanks the western side. Five enourmously big specimens just at the start of the Tundikhel are venerated as representing major Hindu deities. A small Shiva temple known as Sri Tundikhel Mahadev Mandir is at the eastern side of the entrance.
In general, Nepal’s Tundikhels are parade grounds also used for drills, events and sports. In particular, the Bandipur Tundikhel was a parade ground for Gurkhas serving with the British Army. Today, schoolboys like to use it as a football pitch and other locals can often be seen doing their workouts and training routines before and after work. During election campaigns politicians tend to hold their rallies here. The Tundikhel of Bandipur even serves as a helipad occasionally. However, in past centuries, when Bhandipur was a major trade hub, the field was used as a fairground for traders arriving from as far as India and Tibet.
During most daytime hours, the Tunikhel is serene and idyllic place. There are often monkeys venturing out from the surrounding jungle. But during the picnic season in October and early November, the Bandipur Tundikhel is a pretty busy place on weekends.
Foreign guests use to arrive at the Tundikhel for sunrise and to enjoy the stunning panorama of Himalaya Peaks behind the such as Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. The snow mountains of Manaslu Range start in less than 60 km distance. Manaslu Peak, the world’s eighth highest mountain, is in 70 km distance to the north. Extraordinarily clear air provided, the Langtang region can be seen further east and Fishtail Mountain and even Dhaulagiri to the west.
Close to the Tundikhel are quite a few small guesthouses and a small resort.
In general, Nepal’s Tundikhels are parade grounds also used for drills, events and sports. In particular, the Bandipur Tundikhel was a parade ground for Gurkhas serving with the British Army. Today, schoolboys like to use it as a football pitch and other locals can often be seen doing their workouts and training routines before and after work. During election campaigns politicians tend to hold their rallies here. The Tundikhel of Bandipur even serves as a helipad occasionally. However, in past centuries, when Bhandipur was a major trade hub, the field was used as a fairground for traders arriving from as far as India and Tibet.
During most daytime hours, the Tunikhel is serene and idyllic place. There are often monkeys venturing out from the surrounding jungle. But during the picnic season in October and early November, the Bandipur Tundikhel is a pretty busy place on weekends.
Foreign guests use to arrive at the Tundikhel for sunrise and to enjoy the stunning panorama of Himalaya Peaks behind the such as Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. The snow mountains of Manaslu Range start in less than 60 km distance. Manaslu Peak, the world’s eighth highest mountain, is in 70 km distance to the north. Extraordinarily clear air provided, the Langtang region can be seen further east and Fishtail Mountain and even Dhaulagiri to the west.
Close to the Tundikhel are quite a few small guesthouses and a small resort.
Tindhara
The Tindhara, also spelt Tin Dhara, is a water source serving as a public wash area. Three snake-shaped gargoyles pour onto smooth flagstones. The Tindhara is a sacred place, too, with a nearby temple, as the waterspouts or basins serve as a facility for ritual purifications. Thereby, the Tindhara of Bandipur is a perfect example a combination of secular and religious functions.
The Tindhara is located to the east of the bazaar. Taking the right fork behind the library and in front of the Vindebasini temple, the wash area will be reached after a ten minutes walk.
The Tindhara is located to the east of the bazaar. Taking the right fork behind the library and in front of the Vindebasini temple, the wash area will be reached after a ten minutes walk.
Cultural asset: Accommodation
What's special about accommodations in Bandipur is that they convey some impressions of Newari culture. Though the facilities and commodities are modern, amenities and decorations are in the traditional style of cultivation of home decor. This is a striking difference to most hotels in Kathmandu, almost all of which are modern or western in style.
Apart from a wide range of homestays, also some luxury accomoditons are available, mostly boutique hotels. One of the few larger hotels is the Bandipur Mountain Resort. A very traditional guesthouse is the Old Inn. Directly in the center is the Ghaun Garh, a classcal boutique hotel, whereas the Ghaun Garh Hotel is halfway at the road to Dumre. Modern comfort is available in the Bandipur Village Inn.
Apart from a wide range of homestays, also some luxury accomoditons are available, mostly boutique hotels. One of the few larger hotels is the Bandipur Mountain Resort. A very traditional guesthouse is the Old Inn. Directly in the center is the Ghaun Garh, a classcal boutique hotel, whereas the Ghaun Garh Hotel is halfway at the road to Dumre. Modern comfort is available in the Bandipur Village Inn.
Our partner in Bandipur:
Bandipur Guest House is located halfway between the bazaar (main street) and the Thundikhel.
The owners, Mr. Patthar Pradhan and his wife Sarita Pradhan, like to care for the guests themselves. The family-run guesthouse offers home-made food in particular. The owners and staff will be helpful to organize all kinds of activities in and around Bandipur.
For more details and bookings, please visit their homepage www.bandipurguesthouse.com
The owners, Mr. Patthar Pradhan and his wife Sarita Pradhan, like to care for the guests themselves. The family-run guesthouse offers home-made food in particular. The owners and staff will be helpful to organize all kinds of activities in and around Bandipur.
For more details and bookings, please visit their homepage www.bandipurguesthouse.com
Thani Mai Temple and viewpoint
The small and unpretentios but highly venerated Thani Mai Temple is perched atop Gurungche, which is the hill towering the ridge of Bandipur at its western flank, 100 m higher than the Bazaar Main Street.
One main reason to climb up to Thani Mai is the opportunity of spectacular sunrise views However. For seeing Bandipur town lightened by the sun from behind the viewer or photographer, sunset is even more recommendable.
The trail is easy to find, it’s first sections runs just alongside school at the southwest end of the bazaar. The path is well-maintained but occasionally giddy. Climbing the flight of stairs to the top in a relaxed way with several breaks to enjoy the views will take twenty to thirty minutes. Along the way are several benches and shelters for rest.
A second option to reach the top, less steep, is leaving the bazaar to the west along the gravel road running upwards along the northern flank of the hill and then turn left at the Bandipur paragliding launch for a footpath in between two walls along a small ridge. The double wall is nicknamed „Mini Great Wall of Bandipur“.
One main reason to climb up to Thani Mai is the opportunity of spectacular sunrise views However. For seeing Bandipur town lightened by the sun from behind the viewer or photographer, sunset is even more recommendable.
The trail is easy to find, it’s first sections runs just alongside school at the southwest end of the bazaar. The path is well-maintained but occasionally giddy. Climbing the flight of stairs to the top in a relaxed way with several breaks to enjoy the views will take twenty to thirty minutes. Along the way are several benches and shelters for rest.
A second option to reach the top, less steep, is leaving the bazaar to the west along the gravel road running upwards along the northern flank of the hill and then turn left at the Bandipur paragliding launch for a footpath in between two walls along a small ridge. The double wall is nicknamed „Mini Great Wall of Bandipur“.
At the top is the said temple dedicated to the goddesss Thani Mai. The wooden construction, partly made of concrete now, doesn’t have any remarkable architectural features, but it’s a place of worship visited by locals quite frequently. Thani Mai is the sister of Khagda Devi, whose temple at the slope just on the opposite side of Bandipur can be seen from the Gurungche Hill.
Silk Farm
One of Bandipur’s tourist attractions is a Silkworm Farm, which can be visited from Sunday to Friday in the spring and autumn seasons, admission by donation. A visit allows to study the entire process of silk production, starting at the mulberry trees in the orchards of the farm. Then you can see the silkworms at work and the further processing of the garments. The Silk Farm is within less than one hour walking distance from Bandipur Bazaar.
Siddha Cave
Siddha Gufa is the largest known natural cave in Nepal. „Siddha“, known from a religious context, means „perfected one“ and refers to highly revered ascetics and teachers and saints, whereas „Gufa“, also transcribed „Gupha“, simply translates to „Cave“ in Nepali and Hindi, corresponding the Sanskrit noun „Guha“.
The Siddha Cave, discovered only recently in 1987, is open to the public, but it’s not a clasical show cave. Exploring Siddha Gufa is more like an expedition. This is to say there are no passageways prepared for visitors and illumination is completely lacking. Our company guide will provide additional torches, the ticket includes a 45 minute tour with a compulsory cave guide, who will also be offering flashlights for hire. The cave is not on ground level, you have to climb a slope down and up again. The rocks are rather slippery. There is only one entrance, but the main cave has a small hole at the ceiling, not only providing ome sunlight but allowing abseiling. The cave consists of a serious of chambers, altogether almost 500 m long and up to 10 m wide. It has dripstones but not as impressive as in other parts of the world. A sizeable bat population inhabits the Siddha Cave.
From Bandipur, Siddha Gufa is within walking distance, one way takes around an hour and a half. In the area of Bandipur, there are several more caves, though not as large as Siddha Gufa. For example, cave enthusiasts could also walk for two hours from
Siddha Gufa to the so-called Patale Dwar, which mwans “paradise gateway”. The name refers to the belief that entering washes away sins, which might be an additional motivation to explore the otherwise less exiting cave.
The Siddha Cave, discovered only recently in 1987, is open to the public, but it’s not a clasical show cave. Exploring Siddha Gufa is more like an expedition. This is to say there are no passageways prepared for visitors and illumination is completely lacking. Our company guide will provide additional torches, the ticket includes a 45 minute tour with a compulsory cave guide, who will also be offering flashlights for hire. The cave is not on ground level, you have to climb a slope down and up again. The rocks are rather slippery. There is only one entrance, but the main cave has a small hole at the ceiling, not only providing ome sunlight but allowing abseiling. The cave consists of a serious of chambers, altogether almost 500 m long and up to 10 m wide. It has dripstones but not as impressive as in other parts of the world. A sizeable bat population inhabits the Siddha Cave.
From Bandipur, Siddha Gufa is within walking distance, one way takes around an hour and a half. In the area of Bandipur, there are several more caves, though not as large as Siddha Gufa. For example, cave enthusiasts could also walk for two hours from
Siddha Gufa to the so-called Patale Dwar, which mwans “paradise gateway”. The name refers to the belief that entering washes away sins, which might be an additional motivation to explore the otherwise less exiting cave.
Activities in and around Bandipur
Bandipur outside the mountanous region is a perfect place for a more relaxed exploration of Nepal's hillcountry, by foot or by bike. Bandipur is definitely Nepal's number one destination for caving. Cliffs for freeclimbers are close by, too. Paragliding is another activity on offer in Bandipur. Due to the rich cultural traditions, Bandipur is a highly recommendable place for travelers who like to enjoy local food or to join ceremonies and festivals.
Day Hikes
Bandipur is a starting point for some shorter and longer hikes in the hills covered with forests and terraced rice and mustard fields. The trails cross several Magar villages.
For example, the village of Rankot in 5 km or two hours walking distance from Bandipur is a rewarding scenic destination with several ancient houses made of wood and clay. There are also some traditional thatched-roof roundhouses, which have become increasingly rare. The Mountain View Hotel in Rankot has the only restaurant in this area.
The Rankot hike can be extended to a full-day cultural excursion by moving on to Damauli, which takes another two hours from Rankot. On the way, crossing a crest, you can enjoy panoramic views to the Annapurna Range, dry clear air provided. However, the second section between Rankot and Damauli is a paved road.
Walking downhill from Bandipur to the abovementioned Siddha Cave, exploring it and hiking back, will take half a day. One way to the cave takes about one to two hours.
One popular hike is from Dumre at the Kathmandu-Pokhara Prithvi Highway uphill to Bandipur, which takes about three hours. The long trail is steep in parts, this inspired King Mahendra to a poem. There are some rest shelters along the route. The walk arrives at the Tundikhel of Bandipur. There is an alternative route starting from Bimalnagar, which is also at on the Prithvi Highway, but 1 km east of Dumre. This route runs along the Siddha Cave.
On request, guides can be provided by Apex Nepal or our local partners by booking in advance or on short notice.
For example, the village of Rankot in 5 km or two hours walking distance from Bandipur is a rewarding scenic destination with several ancient houses made of wood and clay. There are also some traditional thatched-roof roundhouses, which have become increasingly rare. The Mountain View Hotel in Rankot has the only restaurant in this area.
The Rankot hike can be extended to a full-day cultural excursion by moving on to Damauli, which takes another two hours from Rankot. On the way, crossing a crest, you can enjoy panoramic views to the Annapurna Range, dry clear air provided. However, the second section between Rankot and Damauli is a paved road.
Walking downhill from Bandipur to the abovementioned Siddha Cave, exploring it and hiking back, will take half a day. One way to the cave takes about one to two hours.
One popular hike is from Dumre at the Kathmandu-Pokhara Prithvi Highway uphill to Bandipur, which takes about three hours. The long trail is steep in parts, this inspired King Mahendra to a poem. There are some rest shelters along the route. The walk arrives at the Tundikhel of Bandipur. There is an alternative route starting from Bimalnagar, which is also at on the Prithvi Highway, but 1 km east of Dumre. This route runs along the Siddha Cave.
On request, guides can be provided by Apex Nepal or our local partners by booking in advance or on short notice.
Mountainbiking
For a two-wheeled exploration of the surroundings of Bandipur, the said hiking trail to Rankot is recommendable, too.
Trekking
Though Nepal is most famous for mountain trekking, the hillcountry in between snow mountains and Terai lowlands is a highly recommendable region for those interested in a relaxed trekking holiday.
The best-known trek from Bandipur runs to Chitwan National Park in the lowlands, crossing the area of the Chepang tribe. The tour allows you to get involved in cultural activities. Natural attractions are the variety of ecosystems and an accordingly rich birdlife, several viewpoints, even an ancient fort. There is also a canyoning opportunity en route. The entire trek takes about five days. Accomodation will be a mix of teahouses and homestays.
The best-known trek from Bandipur runs to Chitwan National Park in the lowlands, crossing the area of the Chepang tribe. The tour allows you to get involved in cultural activities. Natural attractions are the variety of ecosystems and an accordingly rich birdlife, several viewpoints, even an ancient fort. There is also a canyoning opportunity en route. The entire trek takes about five days. Accomodation will be a mix of teahouses and homestays.
Climbing
Nearby cliffs offer a rewarding rock climbing opportunity. A 40 m limestone wall is closer to Dumre than to Bandipur. Moreover, a ceiling entrance of the abovementioned Siddha Cave allows an abseiling experience aprt from a climb at the 70 m limestone cliff called Chun Pahara, which is slightly overhanging. For this adventure you will need your own kit.
Paragliding
Paragliding is another activity on offer in Bandipur, tandem as well as solo. The takeoff area is just above the town. Good weather conditions provided, the views to the the Himalaya main crest can be stunning. The most popular start time is just before sunset. We can arrange a glide for you, it will be early enough for you to inquire after arrival in Bandipur. when you arrive.
Cultural asset: Food
Apart from traditional Nepali food such as Dhal Bhat, similar to rice and curry but different in taste, and Momos, steamed buns with various fillings, there are ample dishes on offer in local restaurants, whereas international food chains are completely absent in Bandipur. There is a special streetfood Bandipur is famous for, namely Selroti, a ring of slightly sweetened pastry that will be deep-fried in front of your eyes. Other typical Nepali fried pastries are Jilebi and Samosa, in Bandipur they are homemade. Pany Puri is a ball-shaped pastry with a surprisingly spicy liquid in it, but known from other places in Nepal, too. Lassis in hillcountry regions are usually made from buffalo milk. Pancakes served with muesliy and fruit and yoghurt are served for breakfast for example in the Bandipir chhen.
The Bandipur Street Food Festival takes place at Western New Years, on 30 December and 1 January. Apart from foreworks, cultural dances in Newari costums are part of the celebrations.
The Bandipur Street Food Festival takes place at Western New Years, on 30 December and 1 January. Apart from foreworks, cultural dances in Newari costums are part of the celebrations.
Festivals
Bandipur is a place particularly rich ich in festival traditions. The reason is that each of the various ethnic communities hold their specific celebrations, particularly Magar and Gurung but als the Newari majority group. Tradtional Sorathi and Chutka dances can be seen pretty frequently.
Bandipur information
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