Spring welcomes love, excitement, warmth, and, most importantly, a fresh start to a new journey. This spring, Bandipur might be the perfect destination to soak in the beauty of nature. Bandipur is a town perched on a hill in the Tanahun district. It is renowned for its well-preserved Newari-style buildings and architecture. It is at an elevation of 1030 meters along the bank of the Marsyangdi River. With the Mahabharat range as its backdrop, this town is 143 kilometers to the west of Kathmandu and 80 kilometers to the east of Pokhara.
It is not only an ideal destination for tourists but also a great place to learn about history. As it lies on the ancient Nepal-Tibet trade route, it served as a resting place for merchants. Today, you can observe the former merchants’ homes standing on the sides of flagstone streets, with many of their buildings converted into guesthouses and cafes. The ancient temples are visible at every street junction. The crimson Bougainvillaea flowers cascading over wooden balconies enhance the beauty of the architecture. The complete lack of vehicles and their tooting horns on the streets of Bandipur gives the impression of a town in silence. In the past, this village was home to the Magar community, but now an array of Nepalese ethnicities have settled here. Due to its versatile beauty and cultural diversity, this town is a major attraction and a getaway for city dwellers.
More than anything, Bandipur is an ideal town to explore at your own pace. There are several ways to entertain yourself here, such as visiting temples, meandering through picturesque backstreets, or enjoying a tranquil pace of life that sends us back to an ancient period. The town’s main street is lined with coffee shops and balcony tables where you can relax with a wonderful novel or use the free WiFi. Apart from reminiscing about bygone times or appreciating the beauty of the architecture of this archaic town, there are other options to keep you occupied, such as exploring the town or embarking on thrilling adventures. You can visit Siddha Cave, which is 30 minutes away from Bandipur. It is the largest cave in Nepal and the second-largest cave in South Asia. The cave is around half a kilometer long and can hold up to 2,500 people. It offers the feeling of being in a little world without a single source of light. You can hike for around 30 minutes up to the hilltop viewpoint at Tani Mai Temple for spectacular early-morning panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges.
Bandipur is an amazing place to learn about the daily lifestyle of the people. You can also wander around the town and experience the tranquility. At the end of the day, you can cherish the beauty of the sunsets at Tundikhel Ridge. You can also visit temples like Khadga Devi Temple, Bindyanashini Temple, Ganesh Shrine, and Mahalaxmi Mandir.
Bandipur offers a variety of adventure activities. From cycling to paragliding, there are multiple ways to get an adrenaline rush here. Spring is the best season for long treks when the temperature is mild and the humidity is average. Your pain is relieved by the call of birds, and your hunger is satisfied by the delicious jungle berries. Undertaking adventurous activities like canyoning and rock climbing might help you overcome your fear and give you a much-needed break in your life. Here, you can check a few things off your bucket lists.
From the hilltop, you can also witness the sublime view of mountain ranges like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh, and Langtang Himal, along with Marsyangdi Valley, Manakamana, and Gorkha. There are several boutique hotels, homestays, and lodges built in traditional Newari style. Most of them have a rooftop terrace with a marvelous view.
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