Bandipur was founded as a trading point by Newar traders from Bhaktapur after the 1768 conquest of the Kathmandu valley, and became an important stop on the India–Tibet trade route.
Source: Bandipur Rural Municipality
Town in Nepal
Bandipur
A Newar trading town the highway left behind
Bandipur is a car-free Newar bazaar on a ridge at about 1,030 m, 8 km above Dumre on the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway. Founded by Bhaktapur traders as a stop on the India–Tibet route, it lost its trade when the Prithvi Highway bypassed it in the 1970s. Today it is the best overnight break between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Photo: Bijay Chaurasia · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsAfter Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered the Kathmandu valley in 1768, Newar traders from Bhaktapur moved west to this malaria-free ridge and built Bandipur into a halt on the India–Tibet trade route. Mule trains carried goods along the ridge, and the bazaar grew rich. In the Rana period it had its own library, and its tall brick houses with carved windows and tiled roofs still line the main street.
The good times ended in the 1970s. The new Prithvi Highway was built in the valley below, trade moved to the road, and the Tanahun district headquarters moved to Damauli. Many families left. The upside is that Bandipur's bazaar was not rebuilt in concrete, and in recent decades residents have restored houses as guesthouses and kept the main street closed to cars.
Come in the late afternoon from the highway at Dumre, walk the bazaar at dusk, eat on the street under the old balconies and wake for sunrise over the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges from the Tundikhel. A short drive below is Siddha Cave, one of the largest caves in Nepal.
Say it like a local · NepaliTundikhel
an open parade ground; Bandipur's is the town's viewpoint
What to do in Bandipur
The car-free bazaar
The main street runs along the ridge between tall Newar houses with carved windows, tiled roofs and ground-floor shops. Cars stop at the edge of town, so tables spill out onto the stone paving in the evening.
Tundikhel and the mountain line
At the end of the bazaar, the old parade ground called the Tundikhel looks north over the Marsyangdi valley to the Annapurna, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal ranges. Come at sunrise from October to March.
Siddha Cave
About 1.5 hours' walk below Bandipur, near Bimalnagar on the highway, is one of Nepal's largest caves, around 437 m deep and 50 m high in places. Local guides with lights are available at the entrance.
Thani Mai hilltop
A 30–40 minute climb from the bazaar leads to the small Thani Mai temple on a hill above town, with views over the ridge and down to the highway valley. Sunrise here is quieter than at the Tundikhel.
Walks to Ramkot and Magar villages
Trails lead from Bandipur along the ridge to Ramkot, a traditional Magar village with round houses, in about 2–3 hours. Go with a local guide and carry water.
Field notes
What most guides miss about Bandipur
Trade fell steeply in the 1970s when the Prithvi Highway was built in the valley below, bypassing the town; the Tanahun district headquarters then moved to Damauli. An 8 km road from Dumre arrived only in 1998.
Source: Bandipur Rural Municipality
Siddha Cave near Bimalnagar is about 437 m deep and up to 50 m high, and is said to be able to hold around 2,500 people.
Source: Siddha Cave
Experiences
Three days worth having in Bandipur
Photo: Bijay Chaurasia · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Bandipur · 2 hours
Bandipur bazaar and its Newar houses
Walk the car-free main street of Bandipur at dusk, reading the story of a trading town in its brick and timber: shopfro…
Free
Photo: DC · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Bandipur · 3–4 hours
Down to Siddha Cave and back
A steep walk of about 1.5 hours down through forest from Bandipur to one of Nepal's largest caves, where local guides l…
Entry and guide with lights ₹200–600
Photo: Bijay Chaurasia · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Bandipur · 1.5 hours
Sunrise from the Tundikhel and Thani Mai
Climb from the bazaar to the Thani Mai temple on the hill above Bandipur for sunrise over the Annapurna, Manaslu and Ga…
Free
Real prices
What things cost in Bandipur
ItemIndicative 2026
Shared jeep or bus, Dumre–Bandipur₹60–125
Tourist bus seat, Kathmandu–Dumre₹500–750
Guesthouse double in the bazaar₹1,500–3,000 a night
Dal bhat or Newari set₹250–450
Siddha Cave entry and guide with lights₹200–600
Local guide for Ramkot walk₹1,500–2,500 a day
Local prices change with season and fuel costs. Check current status before you travel.
Getting there
How to reach Bandipur
Air
Pokhara International Airport is about 80 km away, 2–3 hours by road. Kathmandu airport is 5–6 hours.
Bus
Take any Kathmandu–Pokhara tourist or local bus and get off at Dumre (5 hours from Kathmandu, 2–3 hours from Pokhara). Jeeps and local buses climb the 8 km road to Bandipur in about 30 minutes.
Road
By private car, turn off the Prithvi Highway at Dumre. Cars park at the edge of the bazaar; porters or hotel staff help with luggage.
Where to stay
Sleeping in Bandipur
Saver: family guesthouses along the bazaar offer simple rooms with shared or attached bathrooms from ₹1,500 a double, often in old houses with balconies on the street. Comfort: The Old Inn, a restored Newar townhouse of two wings on the main street, has wooden doorways, low-ceilinged corridors and a roof garden with mountain views on clear days. Signature: there is no luxury hotel in Bandipur; on our signature trips we use The Old Inn's best rooms with a private car and guide.
Trips that stop here
See Bandipur on a trip
Photo: Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Comfort
Nepal · 7 nights · sleeps to 1,400 m
Kathmandu, Bandipur and Pokhara by private car
Private car with driver
From, per person₹58,000Oct – Mar
Photo: Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Signature
Nepal · 7 nights · sleeps to 1,400 m
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Dwarika's, Bandipur and Tiger Mountain
Private car with driver; domestic flight Pokhara–Kathmandu
From, per person₹1,95,000Oct – Mar
Questions
Bandipur, answered
How do I get to Bandipur from Kathmandu?
Take a tourist or local bus towards Pokhara and get off at Dumre, about 5 hours from Kathmandu. From Dumre, jeeps and buses climb the 8 km road to Bandipur in 30 minutes for NPR 100–200. A private car from Kathmandu takes 5–6 hours.
Is Bandipur worth a stop between Kathmandu and Pokhara?
Yes. It breaks a long road day and is one of the best-preserved Newar bazaars outside the valley. One night is enough to see the bazaar, sunrise and Siddha Cave; two nights let you walk to Ramkot.
What is the history of Bandipur?
Newar traders from Bhaktapur settled here after 1768 and made it a halt on the India–Tibet trade route. It declined in the 1970s when the Prithvi Highway bypassed it and the district headquarters moved to Damauli.
Where should I stay in Bandipur?
Family guesthouses in the bazaar suit saver budgets. For comfort, The Old Inn is a restored Newar townhouse on the main street with a roof garden. Book ahead for October–November weekends.
Is there an ATM in Bandipur?
Access is limited. Bring enough NPR or INR ₹100 notes from Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Is Bandipur good for families?
Yes. The car-free bazaar is safe for children, and the Tundikhel is a big open space. The Siddha Cave hike is steep and better for older children.
What is the weather like in Bandipur?
At about 1,030 m, it is mild: 6–20 °C in winter, 18–30 °C before the monsoon. June to September brings heavy rain and cloud.
Can I visit Bandipur from Pokhara as a day trip?
It is possible, about 2–3 hours each way, but we recommend staying the night to see the bazaar in the evening and sunrise.
Is there mobile network in Bandipur?
Yes, Nepal Telecom and Ncell both work, and most guesthouses have wifi.