Rediscover a town with a glorious heritage
Nestled atop a hill 3,500 ft above sea level is the old laidback Newar town of Bandipur. It was originally a part of the Magar Kingdom of Tanahun but was inhabited by Newars and emerged as a major stop on the trade route between India and the then independent Tibet. After the completion of the Prithvi Highway in the 1970s, the once important trade hub lost its former glory and nearly became a ghost town with most of its people relocating elsewhere. The centuries old temples and houses in the town resemble a living museum and stand as testament to its once glorious and important history.
Situated south of the Prithivi highway, mid-way between Pokhara and Kathmandu, it is strategically located about 143km west of Kathmandu and 74km south east of Pokhara. Bandipur is just 7 km south from Dumre Bazaar and its proximity to the major cities, makes, makes it an ideal retreat from where one can absorb the ancient heritage, surrounded by pristine natural surroundings with great views of the mountains. An ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Bandipur has much to offer travelers who are willing to lose themselves to discover the old way of life.
Why Bandipur Beckons
Mountain Views
The hilltop town overlooks the most incredible expanse of the Marsayngdi River and offers unequalled breathtaking views of the Himalayas (Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh and Langtang Himal).
Caves
The hills of Bandipur are also known for their caves which carry religious significance to the locals. A two-hour hike through forest leads to the Pataali Dwar, or the Gateway to Hell, with a Shiva Shrine at its deepest recess. Another cave, discovered only A few years ago, is the Siddha Gufa which is said to be the largest discovered cave in the country.
The historical fort at Gadhi
Northeast of Bandipur, on a hilltop, stands a fort said to have been established by Mukunda sen. The trenches of the fort are still visible and the view of the Himalayas from this high point is totally worth an hour hike to get there. Also visible is the eastward bend of the Marsyangdi River far below.
Mukundeswari
Mukundeswari is an important tribal ‘power place’, atop a high summit at the end of a two-hour walk from Bandipur. The shrine here is adorned with numerous bells and tridents. Knives and swords placed here are believed to have been kept hare by victorious warriors’ ages ago.
Other attractions include the Bindyabashini temple and the library in the village centre, the Tindhara or three taps on the southeastern outskirts, Raniban forest area and Ramkot village which can be reached by pleasant hike. Sunrise and sunset from Thani Mai Hill is sure to leave you spellbound.
Getting there
Drive from Pokhara or Kathmandu to arrive at Dumre Bazaar. From there it’s about a half hour bus ride to Bandipur Bazaar. From Dumre, one can find local rides shuttling between Dumre and Bandipur.
Bandipur Basics
> Climate: Pretty much similar to Kathmandu’s weather, only slightly hotter.
> Himalayan Peaks: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh and Fishtail.
> Accommodation facilities: Lodges, resorts and homestay.
> Accessibility: By bus, private or hired vehicles.
> Communication: Telephone and internet.
> Predominant language/culture: Newar, Magar, Gurung and Brahmin.
> Tourist attraction centres: Mukundeswari, Gadhi , Pataali, Dwar and Tindhara.
Source: The Himalayan Times,Travel & Lifestyle, April-4-2013
Nestled atop a hill 3,500 ft above sea level is the old laidback Newar town of Bandipur. It was originally a part of the Magar Kingdom of Tanahun but was inhabited by Newars and emerged as a major stop on the trade route between India and the then independent Tibet. After the completion of the Prithvi Highway in the 1970s, the once important trade hub lost its former glory and nearly became a ghost town with most of its people relocating elsewhere. The centuries old temples and houses in the town resemble a living museum and stand as testament to its once glorious and important history.
Situated south of the Prithivi highway, mid-way between Pokhara and Kathmandu, it is strategically located about 143km west of Kathmandu and 74km south east of Pokhara. Bandipur is just 7 km south from Dumre Bazaar and its proximity to the major cities, makes, makes it an ideal retreat from where one can absorb the ancient heritage, surrounded by pristine natural surroundings with great views of the mountains. An ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Bandipur has much to offer travelers who are willing to lose themselves to discover the old way of life.
Why Bandipur Beckons
Mountain Views
The hilltop town overlooks the most incredible expanse of the Marsayngdi River and offers unequalled breathtaking views of the Himalayas (Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh and Langtang Himal).
Caves
The hills of Bandipur are also known for their caves which carry religious significance to the locals. A two-hour hike through forest leads to the Pataali Dwar, or the Gateway to Hell, with a Shiva Shrine at its deepest recess. Another cave, discovered only A few years ago, is the Siddha Gufa which is said to be the largest discovered cave in the country.
The historical fort at Gadhi
Northeast of Bandipur, on a hilltop, stands a fort said to have been established by Mukunda sen. The trenches of the fort are still visible and the view of the Himalayas from this high point is totally worth an hour hike to get there. Also visible is the eastward bend of the Marsyangdi River far below.
Mukundeswari
Mukundeswari is an important tribal ‘power place’, atop a high summit at the end of a two-hour walk from Bandipur. The shrine here is adorned with numerous bells and tridents. Knives and swords placed here are believed to have been kept hare by victorious warriors’ ages ago.
Other attractions include the Bindyabashini temple and the library in the village centre, the Tindhara or three taps on the southeastern outskirts, Raniban forest area and Ramkot village which can be reached by pleasant hike. Sunrise and sunset from Thani Mai Hill is sure to leave you spellbound.
Getting there
Drive from Pokhara or Kathmandu to arrive at Dumre Bazaar. From there it’s about a half hour bus ride to Bandipur Bazaar. From Dumre, one can find local rides shuttling between Dumre and Bandipur.
Bandipur Basics
> Climate: Pretty much similar to Kathmandu’s weather, only slightly hotter.
> Himalayan Peaks: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh and Fishtail.
> Accommodation facilities: Lodges, resorts and homestay.
> Accessibility: By bus, private or hired vehicles.
> Communication: Telephone and internet.
> Predominant language/culture: Newar, Magar, Gurung and Brahmin.
> Tourist attraction centres: Mukundeswari, Gadhi , Pataali, Dwar and Tindhara.
Source: The Himalayan Times,Travel & Lifestyle, April-4-2013
