Bandipur

A well-preserved Newar trading town on a ridgetop, with car-free flagstone streets and views from Dhaulagiri to Manaslu, ideal for a stop between Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Bandipur lies in Tanahun District, Gandaki Province, Nepal, on a ridge about 1,000 m above sea level between Kathmandu and Pokhara, roughly 140 km from Kathmandu and 75 km from Pokhara. Once an important Newar trading town on the trade route between India and Tibet, it declined when the highway was built along the valley below, which in turn preserved its 18th–19th-century brick-and-timber streets intact. Today the main street is closed to cars and its old houses have become guesthouses and cafés; the tranquil atmosphere and Himalayan views are its greatest charm. Exploring centers on the old bazaar: head to Tundikhel at the north end for mountain views, climb to Thani Mai Temple in the southwest for sunrise, descend to Siddha Cave, or hike west to the Magar village of Ramkot; in town there are also temples such as Bindebasini and Khadga Devi. The best season is Oct–Nov, when skies are clear and the peaks crisp; rhododendrons bloom in Mar–Apr; Dec–Feb brings cold mornings but plenty of sunny days; the Jun–Sep monsoon brings frequent rain, with the peaks often hidden in cloud. Getting there: take a tourist bus from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Dumre at the foot of the hill (about 4–5 hours), then a local jeep or taxi up the hill (about 20 minutes). Stay 1–2 nights; it makes an excellent stopover between Kathmandu and Pokhara. ATMs in town are limited, so bring enough rupees in cash.

Top sights

• Bandipur Bazaar – The stone-paved main street, closed to motor vehicles, is lined with three-storey brick houses built by 18th-century Newar merchants, now p…
• Tundikhel Viewpoint – An open lawn at the northern end of the old town, where on clear days you can see Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhare, Manaslu and Langta…
• Siddha Gufa – One of Nepal's largest caves, with forests of stalactites inside. It is about a 1.5-hour walk downhill from the old town.
• Thani Mai Temple – A small shrine on Gurung Hill above Bandipur, the best spot for sunrise over the snowy peaks and panoramic views of the old town.
• Bindebasini Temple – A two-tiered, pagoda-style temple in the centre of the old street, dedicated to the goddess Durga, with fine woodcarvings and the town's sp…
• Khadga Devi Temple – A temple housing a sacred sword said to have been passed down by King Mukunda Sen of Palpa, which is brought out only once a year during th…
• Ramkot Village – A Magar mountain village west of Bandipur, with round mud houses and terraced fields. It is a popular half-day hiking destination.
• Bandipur Silk Farm – A rare silk farm in Nepal. During the silkworm season, you can visit the mulberry gardens, silkworm rearing rooms and the process of boilin…

Where to eat

• Samay Baji Newari Restaurant – Bandipur's best-reviewed Newari eatery, famous for its samay baji platter, spicy buffalo, and bean cakes, and recommend…
• The Old Inn – A boutique inn restaurant in a converted Newar house, with a terrace facing the Himalayas. Nepali and Newar set meals a…

Itineraries

• Classic Nepal: Ancient Cities, Snow Mountains & Jungle – From Kathmandu Valley, Bandipur, and Pokhara to Chitwan, connecting ancient cities, snow-capped mountains, and jungles.