The Newari settlement of Bandipur is one of central Nepal’s hidden gems. It offers traditional Himalayan views, enchanting country walks, adjacent adventure activities, and top-notch accommodations in a typical village environment. It’s also an excellent place to stop and experience a calm area of rural Nepal while traveling between Pokhara and Kathmandu. The 18th-century buildings are preserved, and the surrounding is calm because motorized vehicles are prohibited there.
How to reach
It’s 147 KM from Kathmandu and 76.4 KM from Pokhara. If you are traveling from Pokhara, you can get a local bus from Dumre Bazaar, and if you are traveling from KTM, you can get buses from Gongabu or Purano Bus Park. As far as I know, traveling in a private vehicle is the simplest way to get there.
Where to stay
You can book or reserve a hotel room from different online sites or through your contacts. Most of the hotels have been converted from traditional Newari houses. However, in some hotels, you’ll find rooftop terraces and gardens. The nicest or best-furnished lodging options can be pricey, but you can also a good amount of affordable hotels as well.
What to do in Bandipur
- Trekking around Bandipur
Bandipur is also the best place to visit before or after a Manaslu or Annapurna Circuit Trek. Bandipur is surrounded by high hills, so you can trek up to the top of the hill to see the view of Bandipur village.
- Hike to Ramkot
Ramkot is located 5 KM from Bandipur. Hiking to Ramkot usually takes 2 to 2.5 hours of walking on mountain ridges, and the lovely green scenery can be seen along the way.
- Explore the dark Siddha Cave
Siddha Cave, or Siddha Gufa, is the largest cave (at 437 m deep and 50 m high) in Nepal and the second-largest cave in South Asia.
- Visiting Thani Mai Temple during Sunrise or Sunset
Steep steps and a good trail will take you 30 minutes up to the temple. It is located at the top of the hill, allowing open 360-degree views of the beautiful landscape of Bandipur Bazaar and sunsets and sunrises.
