Bandipur Travel Guide
Undiscovered Jewel of Central Nepal
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Bandipur is an ancient Newari mountain town strung out along a ridge 7km above the main Kathmandu to Pokhara road. With stunning views, great architecture, wonderful walks and a lovely place to stay this ancient trading post is an undiscovered jewel overlooked by the majority of travellers.
At Dumre a little road winds up and away curling to a saddle in the hills just 7km above the main road. An ancient Newari trading town Bandipur sat on the trading route between India and Tibet and grew wealthy. Newari merchants bestowed the town with temples and stunningly carved buildings before a new road to India snatched away the town’s raison d’etre and it slowly faded.
Today its little main street remains lined with the old buildings that hint at an illustrious past, and the temples and shrines remain, however the village is quiet and peaceful, the perfect spot for a day or two unwinding.
Attractions in Bandipur
Forward thinking Nepali’s are starting to recognise just what Bandipur has to offer and have commenced the arduous task of renovating some of the old buildings. 'The Old Inn' Bandipur is a good example being tastefully converted into a guesthouse with modern comforts whilst retaining and even reinventing Newari skills to bring a renaissance to the building. The view from here and indeed from several other places in Bandipur is exceptional, overlooking the Marsyangdi Khola river with a panoramic view of the Annapurnas.
The town is interesting to wander around and there are some great walks if you stay overnight, as you should.
Bandipur's hillsides are dotted with caves and which carry a religious significance for the local people. 2 hours away is Pataali Dwar or the ‘Gateway to Hell’, with a Shiva shrine inside. An hour or so hike northeast of Bandipur stands the Gadhi Fort with excellent views, whilst Mukundeswari shrine 2 hours walk away is a 'power place' adorned with bells, tridents, knives and swords.
Activities in Bandipur
Allow at least one overnight stay to really experience what the town has to offer. Treks and rafting trips can be organised from Bandipur (ask at 'The Old Inn', Bandipur) or a simple ramble can be easily arranged.
Relaxing
Enjoy a drink on the terrace of the Old Bandipur Inn and watch a magnificent Himalayan sunset
Getting Around
The walk from Dumre to Bandipur is an enjoyable if stiff 3 hour walk (baggage can be sent ahead), alternatively the 7km can be covered by private transport from Dumre; there is little public transport serving the town.
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