In the middle of the day-long drive between Kathmandu and Pokhara, lies a small hilltop station in the Tanahun district which is a place no one should miss out on exploring. Bandipur is a municipality and previous administrative headquarter of Tanahun district. The old times, Newari culture and tradition, architecture and building and the jaw-dropping view from the top of the hill are the main reasons why Bandipur has been able to attract many domestic and international tourists. This city has hardly changed in the mist of race to modernization and urbanization. It is at an elevation of 1030m and along the bank of Marsyangdi River.
Historically, Bandipur was the main stop point along the India-Tibet trade route and a main funneling point of a trade by Newar traders from Bhaktapur in Kathmandu. Newari traders along with them brought their cultural heritage and architecture which basically has remained unchanged to this day.
At the time of the 2011 Nepal census, it had a population of 15,591 people living in 3750 individual households. Previously, the Magar village, however, now Bandipur is settled by a variety of Nepalese ethnicities like Bahauns, Chhetries, Newars, Damais, Kamai, Magar and Gurungs. Due to versatile beauty and cultural diversity offered by nature, this town bears plenty of potentiality and opportunity for tourism development and is developing in this sector rapidly than other towns and cities.
Excellent view of mountain ranges like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang Himal and of Marsyangdi Valley, Manakamana and Gorkha from the hilltop.
Join in the famous Newari and Magar festivals celebrated in this region.
Local and ethnic dance like Sorathi and Chutka.
Temples like Bindyanashini Temple, Thani Mai, Ganesh Shrine, Mahalaxmi Mandir, Khadga Devi Temple.
A small library; Padma Library.
Tindhara.
Siddha Cave.
Raniban; Queen Forest.
Small hikes to nearby villages like Ramkot, Chantithan, Shuklagandaki, Devghat, Gurunghe Hill.
Farms like Orange and Silk.
Community Homestay; Experience the warm hospitality of the Bandipur people.
Rafting at Marsyangdi River, Madi Khola and Seti River.
Newari culture, tradition, food and their famous woodworking architecture.
Tudikhel.
The Prithvi Highway passes down the foot of the city. The highway is connected by a town called Dumre from buses and jeep to reach Bandipur which can be easily found. The city is 145km from Kathmandu and can take about 4 hours on a local bus. Another important city of Nepal, Pokhara is also located in very close proximity to Damauli, only 75km which takes about 2 hours to reach Pokhara from Damauli.
Tanahun doesn't have an airfield. However, Pokhara Airport is located in close proximity to the city. Regular buses and taxis are available to reach Bandipur from the airport. Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines have been providing their service.
The spring (March to May) is the time of maximum tourist flow in Bandipur. The humidity and the temperature together make the environment warm where the average temperature ranges from 21°C to 32°C. The atmosphere in summer (June to August) is also a popular time to visit Bandipur. Bandipur experiences snowfall during November.
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