Bandipur - From The Newari Village To The Breathtaking Scenery

Bandipur is a hilltop in Tanahun District that lies about 143 km West of Kathmandu on the way to Pokhara. Its altitude is 1030 meters and reflects its cultural heritage through its architecture, like their homes.

Bandipur is a popular tourist place in western Nepal. With its dominating and preserved Newari village, Bandipur is loved by many. As you stroll through the traditional town up to the hilltop, you will see the breathtaking mountains including Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu, and Mt. Langtang.

People and their Culture

Bandipur is an ancient Newari town, so people here are mostly Newars. The Magars lived here first, later, the Newar community started living here. Since then, Brahmins, Chhetris, Gurungs, Damais, Sarkis, Kamis, and Kasais, along with Magars and Newars, have lived here.

Some of the most important festivals celebrated in Bandipur are Dashain and Khadga Jatra, observed around the Khadga Devi Temple grandly. People perform cultural dances like Sorathi and Chutka.

Famous places in Bandipur

Bandipur is home to the largest cave in Nepal, called Siddha Cave. This famous cave with bats hanging down inside it. This adventurous cave is filled with stalactite and stalagmite stones, and you’d have to use a torch light to look around here.

The village also has temples like Khadga Devi Temple, Bindabasini Temple, Thani Mai where many devotees pray. Then, there is the Bandipur Bazaar, which you should look around. Roaming around the bazaar to witness the antique surroundings of the Newari town is a must to do here. There is Teendhara right at the East of the bazaar in case you and your friends want to sit down for a picnic.

If you want to see some beautiful peaks, head to the Northern end of Bandipur to Tundikhel. You can clearly see Manakamana Peak and the Gorkha Palace, whereas other Himalayan ranges might be a little less clear but visible.