Photo: Samrat Khadka / UnsplashBandipur
Nepal
A car-free Newar trading town on a ridge halfway between Kathmandu and Pokhara, with old brick houses, quiet evenings and the Himalaya on clear mornings.
- Backpacker / day
- ₹1,800–3,000
- Mid-range / day
- ₹5,600–10,800
- Best time
- October to March
- Ideal length
- 1–2 days
- Gateway
- Dumre on the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway, then 8 km uphill
- Altitude
- About 1,000 m
Bandipur was a busy stop on the trade route between India and Tibet. When the highway was built in the valley below, trade moved on and the town stayed much as it was: a main street of brick houses with carved windows, now closed to cars and lined with cafés and guesthouses.
It's an easy break on the Kathmandu–Pokhara road, 8 km up from Dumre on the highway. One or two nights is enough for a sunrise, a cave and a village walk.
Day by day
2-day itinerary
₹3,600–6,000per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
- 1
Day 1: The bazaar
Walk the main street and side lanes, visit the Khadga Devi and Bindebasini temples, and watch the sunset from the Tundikhel parade ground.
- 2
Day 2: Sunrise and Siddha Cave
Climb to Thani Mai temple for sunrise over the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, then hike down to Siddha Cave and continue to Pokhara or Chitwan.
When to go
- JanGood
- FebGood
- MarGood
- AprGood
- MayGood
- Jun—
- Jul—
- Aug—
- Sep—
- Oct★ Best
- Nov★ Best
- DecGood
- Oct–Nov: BestClear, dry days and the best chance of mountain views at sunrise.
- Dec–Feb: GoodCrisp mornings and cold nights; valley fog sometimes sits below the ridge.
- Mar–May: GoodWarm and pleasant, though haze often hides the Himalaya.
- Jun–Sep: MixedMonsoon: cloud, rain and slippery trails, but very green and quiet.
Getting there
- By road
- Tourist buses between Kathmandu (about 4–5 hours) and Pokhara (2–3 hours) stop at Dumre. A local bus or taxi climbs the last 8 km to Bandipur.
- By air
- There's no airport. The nearest are Pokhara and Bharatpur, for Chitwan.
Budget per person per day
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (guesthouse in the bazaar) | ₹800–1,600 | ₹3,000–6,000 |
| Food | ₹450–800 | ₹1,000–1,800 |
| Local transport (bus or taxi from Dumre) | ₹100–400 | ₹800–1,500 |
| Activities and entry | ₹200–600 | ₹800–1,500 |
| Typical day | ₹1,800–3,000 | ₹5,600–10,800 |
Rooms in the old bazaar fill up on weekends and Nepali holidays, so book ahead around Dashain and Tihar. Siddha Cave charges a small entry fee, and visitors usually hire a local guide with a light at the entrance.
Highlights
The old bazaar
A car-free street of Newar houses with carved wooden windows.
Thani Mai viewpoint
A short, steep climb to a hilltop temple for sunrise over the Himalaya.
Siddha Cave
One of Nepal's largest caves, about an hour's walk below the town.
Ramkot
A Magar village of traditional round houses, a half-day walk along the ridge.
Practical tips
- Cash
- ATMs are few and can run out. Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Getting up from Dumre
- Agree the taxi fare before you set off, or wait for the local bus.
- Quiet evenings
- Most cafés close early, and the town is calm after dark. It's a place to slow down, not party.
Bandipur FAQs
Is Bandipur worth a stop between Kathmandu and Pokhara?
Yes, if you have a night to spare. It breaks up the long bus ride and is quieter than either city, with mountain views on clear mornings.
How do I get to Bandipur?
Take a Kathmandu–Pokhara bus to Dumre, then a local bus or taxi 8 km uphill to Bandipur.
How many days do I need in Bandipur?
One night covers the bazaar and a sunrise. Two nights gives time for Siddha Cave or the walk to Ramkot.
Guide reviewed September 2026. Costs are estimates, not live prices. Check current prices, permits, weather, safety advice and schedules before you travel.