Bandipur – A Nature’s Paradise

Bandipur an ancient Newari mountain town lies in Tanahu District, Gandaki Zone in the Mahabharat range at an altitude of 3400 feet. It is 135 k.m. to the west and 80 k.m. to the south of Pokhara, 62 k.m. to the north of Narayanghat, and 7 k.m. from Prithivi Highway ’s Dumre Bazaar and about 20 minutes drive from the highway.

Untouched by modernization and laced with an abundance of ancient houses, temples of great significance and historical architecture, this medieval-era town boasts festivals all year around, besides a plethora of cultural offerings.

Bandipur is spread over 4562 hectors of land, which has a settlement of around 5000 people and 600 houses. The weather is cool all the year round – the maximum temperature in winter is between 18 – 20 degree centigrade while the minimum temperature plummets to 2 degree centigrade. In the summer season, the temperature goes up to 30 degree centigrade and the minimum temperature dips to 12 degree centigrade. The hill – top settlement is a treat to the eyes during the monsoon.

Although different communities such as Magar, Gurung, Bahun, Kshetry, Damai, Kami and Sarki live in the Bandipur. It is predominantly a Newar town.

Places to see and can be seen form Bandipur and at Bandipur are:
• The great Himalayas
• Khadga Devi Temple
• Bindhybasini Temple
• Mahalaxmi Temple
• Narayani Temple
• Parpni Mahadev
• Patalidwar temple
• Gadi
• Tandrang Tundrung
• Saddha Gufa (cave)
• Mukundeshwori Temple
• Raniban
• Chimkewsori Temple
• Teendahra

The majority of people living in Bandipur are Newars, therefore Newari festivals are celebrated. However, other festivals and cultural programmes of different communities are also celebrated. The main festivals celebrated are:

Bisket Jatra
Janai Purnima
Gai Jatra
Dasain
Tihar

Bandipur has access to road, electricity, telecommunications,health service and local transport service. There are affordable lodges and resorts in Bandipur ranging from a standard facility and a basic one. It is recommended to take 2 nights / 3 days package offered by local tour operators incase you want to take a trip to Bandipur or you can easily drive in with your own vehicle or by local bus.

Bandipur can be developed as village tourism or community based tourism or as a hill station (for the locals during the summer). It can also be promoted as a study place specially for anthropological students.

Last year a three - day Bandipur festival was organized by the joint co-operations of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Bandipur Development Committee (BDC). This is the second festival organised in Bandipur. A FAM Trip for reporters, correspondence, tour operators, travel agencies, tourism news writers were organised by Sustainable Tourism Network (STN) – Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).

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