Perched on a ridge above the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway, Bandipur is a beautifully preserved Newar trading town. Its main bazaar is car-free, lined with traditional brick houses with carved windows, and its viewpoints look out over the Marsyangdi valley to the Himalaya.
Quick answer: Bandipur (about 1,030 m) is about 30 minutes off the highway from Dumre: roughly 4–5 hours from Kathmandu or 2–3 hours from Pokhara. Highlights: the bazaar, Tundikhel, the Thani Mai sunrise hike and Siddha Gufa, one of the largest caves in Nepal.
Bandipur at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 1,030 m |
| Access | From Dumre on the Prithvi Highway |
| Highlights | Car-free bazaar, Siddha Gufa, viewpoints |
| Best time | October–April |
| Time needed | 1–2 nights |
Things to do
- Stroll the car-free bazaar.
- Sunrise from Thani Mai temple.
- Explore Siddha Gufa cave.
- Visit the silk farm and nearby villages.
Trips and guides
Plan your visit
Bandipur is the perfect overnight stop between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.