Photo: sarangib / Pixabay - Region
- Gandaki Province, Tanahun
- Best time to visit
- Autumn and spring for mountain views; any season for the bazaar
- Getting there
- About 143 km west of Kathmandu and 80 km east of Pokhara. Turn off the Prithvi Highway at Dumre and drive up the hill.
Bandipur feels like a village that time politely stepped around. Perched at about 1,030 metres on a saddle of the Mahabharat range, its traffic-free main street is lined with old Newar houses, carved windows and little cafes.
A bit of history
Newar traders from Bhaktapur settled here after 1768. Bandipur became a busy, malaria-free stop on the trade route between India and Tibet. When the Prithvi Highway was built along the valley below, trade moved away and the town went quiet. That quiet is exactly what makes it special today.
What to do
- Wander the old bazaar in the early morning before day visitors arrive.
- Walk up to Tundikhel, the open ground on the ridge, for sunset views.
- Visit the old library, renovated in 2000.
- Spend an evening on a balcony with dal bhat and the lights of the valley below.
Our tip
Bandipur is the perfect break on the drive between Kathmandu and Pokhara. One night is good. Two is better.
Advisories for travellers
788 climbers on 31 peaks this autumn; Manaslu the busiest
Beni to Jomsom road: track cleared at Kunauta, full reopening expected soon
Reopening times depend on weather and work progress. We will update this when vehicles are confirmed moving.
Source: Rising Nepal, Ekantipur ·
Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi border points remain closed
No official reopening date has been announced.
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Langtang, Gosainkunda and Helambu routes closed or restricted after the Rasuwa flood
Section-by-section reopening has not been officially confirmed. Conditions may vary along the trail.
Source: Asia News Network ·