Bandipur village is located between the Capital of Kathmandu and the Lake-town of Pokhara ridge above the highway above Dumre a picturesque Newar town that still retains its centuries-old appeal. Presents sightseers with a heady mix of history, architecture, incredible views, awesome caves, and unspoiled landscapes. Located at an altitude of 1030 meters.
Bandipur has been described as a natural view tower, providing a spectacular panorama of the entire Annapurna range plus the Peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Langtang to the Marsyangdi valley which is below 500 meters. Apart from the stunning views of the Himalayas and the Marsyangdi valley; a visit to the town is an opportunity to get a close look at Newar culture life that reflects the refined civilization of the Kathmandu valley.
Bandipur was once a prosperous trading center; as its charming buildings with their neoclassical and shuttered windows will attest. Originally a simple Magar village, Newars from Bhaktapur settled here in the early nineteenth century, taking advantage of its malaria–free location to develop it into an important stop on the India –Tibet Trade route.
A place to Visit around Bandipur.
Bandipur Bazzar – the heart of Bandipur is the medieval–looking Bandipur Bazzar that sweeps in a gentle curve along the top of the hill in an east–west axis. The stone-paved main street is lined with compact townhouses with ornate windows and doorways and roofs of tin or slate. All along the street, a covered veranda extends in front of the rows of houses providing shade in the summer sun and monsoon rain.
Thani Mai (Purano Kot).
Thani Mai (Purano Kot) originally a fort, Lies at a distance of about 500m to the west of the main Bandipur bazaar. It takes about twenty minutes of easy and gentle climbing to reach the top of Thani Mai. There is a small temple nearby containing a number of old statues.
Next to it stands the newly build temple of Thanithan Mai. The local people believe that praying to the god Mahadev at this spot during a drought will bring rain. Since this spot lies on a hilltop above the Bandipur Bazaar. It’s providing stunning views of the mountains and the Bandipur village, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Nature walk in Raniban.
This mixed sal forest is located to the east of the main Bandipur Bazaar. It is a tranquil haven for nature enthusiasts with abundant local flora and Fauna, including langurs, orchids, butterflies, etc.
Exploring the Siddha Cave
Bandipur’s hillsides are dotted with caves, often carrying religious significance for the locals. The must-see destination here is the Siddha Cave discovered only in 1987. Rich in stalactites and stalagmites, it is said to be the largest cave in the Himalayan region. Siddha Cave is situated just above the cliff of Bimalnagar from where it is a 30-minute climb.
Hike to Ramkot village.
Ramkot village is about a two-hour easy hike to the west of Bandipur. It passes through Muchuk village from where you can also visit Mukundeswari temple. Ramkot is a typical Magar village with traditional round houses, untouched by modern developments offering an opportunity to experience the authentic lifestyle of rural Nepal. From here, one can go on to Chabdi Barahi, a pilgrimage spot that can be reached after easy 2-hour hiking.
Bandipur Village Tour Short Itinerary,
Day 01: Drive to Bandipur, transfer to hotel or homestay.
Day 02: Exploration Day.
Day 03: Hike to Ramkot Village and back to Bandipur.
Day 04: Drive back to Kathmandu or Pokhara.
