Visit Bandipur

Bandipur Village

Bandipur, a hilltop settlement is located at an elevation of 1030m on a mountain saddle, 143 km to the west of Kathmandu and 80 km to the east of Pokhara. Bandipur is one of pleasant and charming hill towns known for its beautiful view of the central Nepal Himalayas and the Marsyangdi valley. Beautifully preserved village crowning a lofty ridge, its main street lined with traditional row houses, its preserved old time cultural atmosphere are other major attractions of Bandipur.

You can spend couple of nights in Bandipur easily as it offers so many things. You can go for short hiking trip; people are friendly so you can go to villages, meet locals. If you are planning to travel Kathmandu to Pokhara in a same day, still you can visit this beautiful hill station as Bandipur is situated on a ridge part way between Kathmandu and Pokhara. It is the ideal spot for you to take a lunch-break and stretch the body before you continue to Pokhara.

Things to do while you are in Bandipur

Siddha Gufa: Siddha Gufa is a subterranean wonder, with huge stalagmites, unique rock formations, pits dozens of feet deep, and a thriving population of bats. The cave is 50m-high and 437m - deep - the biggest in Nepal. Besides the guided tour of the cave, you can also abseil through a hole in the cave’s roof. Carry a good headlamp and enough drinking water for a trip to the cave.

Tundikhel: This was where traders gathered and did business in the old days. That sight is no longer there, but the spectacular view of the mountains remains. It’s a memorable sight to watch Himalayan giants like Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, Langtang Lirung, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal coated in the evening sunlight.

Thani Mai Temple: This is a small shrine located on a hill at the western end of town. The blessing of the goddess is not the only reward for climbing there; the hilltop offers a sweeping view of the mountains and the valley below.

Bindebasini Temple: A lovely example of Newari architecture, this small and two-story Durga temple adorns the eastern end of the main street.

Silkworm Farm: For a glimpse of the silk-making process, head down the road to the silk farm.

Paragliding: There are a couple of paragliding flights a day from Bandipur, offering the chance to enjoy the sunset from the sky.