NP · Gandaki Province · 27.93°N 84.42°E

bandipur

A car-free Newar bazaar, ridge sunsets and Himalayan views between Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Best time
October–December brings the clearest mountain mornings, with cold nights. February–April is warmer, and June–September brings rain and cloud that hide the Himalaya.
How long
2 nights
Getting there
Fly direct from KL to Kathmandu (about 4.5 hours), then it's about 5–6 hours by road via Dumre, depending on traffic and roadworks; Pokhara is about 2 hours away. Nepal is 2 hours 15 minutes behind KL.
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NP · Gandaki Provincebandipur27.93°N 84.42°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,A car-free Newar bazaar, ridge sunsets and Himalayan views between Kathmandu and Pokhara.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingBandipurNP, Gandaki Province
KLbandipur
≈ 3,310 km from KL, as the crow flies
Bandipur

Photo: Sandip Pokhrel · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Bandipur is an old Newar trading town on a ridge above the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway. Its main bazaar is car-free, lined with tall brick houses and wooden shutters, and on clear mornings the Annapurnas and Manaslu fill the skyline.

Makan

  1. Newari khaja setA snack platter of beaten rice, spiced beans, pickles and other small sides.Map ↗
  2. Dal bhatRice, lentils and vegetables at a family-run kitchen.Map ↗
  3. Sel rotiSweet fried rice rings with a cup of tea.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Old bazaarThe car-free main street of three-storey Newar houses with carved windows and deep verandas, café tables set out in front.Map ↗
  2. TundikhelAn old parade ground on the ridge, now the place for mountain views and an evening stroll.Map ↗
  3. Thani MaiA steep half-hour climb to a hilltop shrine, the classic sunrise spot.Map ↗
  4. Siddha CaveOne of Nepal's largest caves, a steep walk below town, explored with a local guide and a torch.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Cars stop at the edge of the bazaar, so there's a short walk with bags.
  • Halal is hard to find, and Newar dishes often use buffalo or pork, so vegetable dal bhat is the easy choice.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.