# Gorkha and Bandipur Cultural Tour

> The Gorkha and Bandipur cultural tour turns the journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara into a three-day adventure through Nepal's history. Ride the Manakamana cable car to the wish-fulfilling goddess, climb to Gorkha Durbar, where Prithvi Narayan Shah began the unification of Nepal, and spend a night in Bandipur, a car-free Newar hill town with sunrise views of the Himalaya and one of Nepal's largest caves, Siddha Gufa.Graded easy, it suits families, culture lovers and anyone who wants more than a bus ride between the two cities. Private transport, guide, hotels, breakfasts, dinners and entry fees are included.

## Trip facts
- **Destination:** Nepal
- **Duration:** 3 days
- **Difficulty:** Easy
- **Activity:** Cultural tour
- **Max altitude:** About 1,400 m / 4,593 ft
- **Best season:** Oct–Apr
- **Group size:** 1–12 people
- **Accommodation:** Hotels and heritage guesthouses
- **Meals:** Breakfast and dinner
- **Price:** from US$290 per person
- **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/gorkha-bandipur-cultural-tour
- **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=gorkha-bandipur-cultural-tour

## Overview
**Quick answer:** this 3-day tour runs from Kathmandu to Pokhara via Manakamana, Gorkha and Bandipur, and costs from US$290 per person, including private transport, a guide, two nights' accommodation, breakfasts, dinners and entry fees.

Most travellers rush along the Prithvi Highway in a single day. This tour slows down to visit three of the best stops on the way. Read our place guides to [Manakamana](/places/manakamana-temple), [Gorkha Durbar](/places/gorkha-durbar) and [Bandipur](/places/bandipur), and our [Kathmandu to Pokhara guide](/blog/kathmandu-to-pokhara-travel-guide).

### At a glance

FactDetailsDuration3 days, 2 nightsRouteKathmandu – Manakamana – Gorkha – Bandipur – PokharaGradeEasy, with some stair climbsBest timeOctober–AprilCostFrom US$290 per person

## Highlights
- Manakamana cable car and temple
- Gorkha Durbar, birthplace of modern Nepal
- Car-free Newar town of Bandipur
- Sunrise from Thani Mai viewpoint
- Siddha Gufa, one of the largest caves in Nepal

## Day-by-day itinerary
### Day 1: Kathmandu to Manakamana and Gorkha
Drive to Kurintar and ride the cable car to Manakamana Temple, then continue to Gorkha. Evening in Gorkha Bazaar.
_Altitude: 1,135 m · Meals: Dinner · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 2: Gorkha Durbar, drive to Bandipur
Morning climb to Gorkha Durbar and visit the Gorkha Museum, then drive to Bandipur. Afternoon walk around the bazaar.
_Walking: 2–3 hours · Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast, dinner · Overnight: Heritage guesthouse_

### Day 3: Bandipur sunrise and Siddha Gufa, drive to Pokhara
Sunrise from Thani Mai, hike down to Siddha Gufa cave, then drive about 2–3 hours to Pokhara (or back to Kathmandu).
_Walking: 2–3 hours · Altitude: 1,030 m · Meals: Breakfast_

## What is included
- Private vehicle throughout
- Licensed, English-speaking guide
- 1 night in Gorkha and 1 night in Bandipur
- Breakfast and dinner
- Manakamana cable car (return), Gorkha Durbar and Siddha Gufa entry
- All government and local taxes

## Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Accommodation in Pokhara
- Travel insurance
- Tips for your guide and driver

## Useful information
### Fitness

Some stair climbs at Gorkha Durbar and the Siddha Gufa hike; otherwise easy.

### Siddha Gufa

The cave is dark and slippery; wear shoes with good grip and bring a headlamp.

## Packing list
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Headlamp for the cave
- Warm layer for mornings
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Camera

## Frequently asked questions
### How long is the tour?
**3 days**, 2 nights.

### Does it end in Pokhara?
Yes, or we can return you to Kathmandu.

### How much does it cost?
From **US$290 per person**.

### Is it suitable for families?
Yes, it is easy and varied.

### What is Gorkha Durbar?
The hilltop palace of Prithvi Narayan Shah, who began the unification of Nepal.

### When is the best time?
**October–April**.