Bandipur is a comfortable location to split the trip between Kathmandu and Pokhara, as the two cities are just over halfway between them. It is 147 kilometres (91 miles) from Kathmandu, and the only way to get there is by rail, but there are a couple of ways to do so.
The most straightforward and most convenient alternative is to plan a private transfer, and buses are also available. Either way, the travel on the road vulnerable to traffic is long.
Bandipur, Tanahun
In Tanahun District, (Gandaki Zone), Nepal, Bandipur is a hilltop settlement and a municipality. On 18 May 2014, this municipality was created by merging with the existing VDCs in Dharampani and Bandipur. Bandipur was founded as a place of business for Newar traders from Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu Valley after the conquest of Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1768.
Bandipur: Tranquil Hills Beckon
To grow it into an essential stop along the India-Tibet trade route, they took advantage of its malaria-free location. They took with them their cultural heritage and architecture, which has remained mostly unchanged to this day. Thanks to its well-preserved, old-time cultural environment, Bandipur has gradually come to the attention of tourism.
During the time of the Nepal Census' of 2011, there was a total population (Bandipur and Dharampani) of 15,591 people living in 3,750 households. It's one of the best and popular tourist destinations in Nepal. Bandipur is famous for the people of Newari and their cultures.
Reaching Bandipur from Kathmandu
There are two ways by which a visitor to Nepal or an inbound tourist can reach Bandipur from Kathmandu. They are as follows:
- By a Private Car
- By a Bus and then by Private Car
By a Private Car (time taken: 5+ hours)
Many travellers book a private transfer between Kathmandu and Bandipur. They can be arranged independently in Kathmandu, or through your accommodation in Bandipur.
Bandipur's Charm: Timeless Beauty
Taking a private car is the most convenient way to drive between the two points, although it's not inherently more comfortable than other methods. Traffic leaving Kathmandu can be incredibly sluggish, and traffic jams, collisions or landslides along the Prithvi Highway frequently prolong the journey.
But at least in a private vehicle, you're going to be able to stop wherever you like for food, a bathroom break, or enjoy the view. The path is very scenic, following the Trisuli River with deep valleys, terraced countryside, and even a glimpse of the Himalayas when the weather is clear.
By a Bus and Then by a Private Car
All busses travelling between Kathmandu and Pokhara will stop at Dumre on the highway, on request. A tourist bus is by far the fastest and most convenient bus option and typically comes with air conditioning and plenty of rest stops.
They quit near Thamel early in the morning. Local busses leave Kathmandu all day and can take you to Dumre, but they seem to be cramped and not very clean.
Bandipur is a few miles up a steep hill from Dumre. Most Bandipur accommodation will arrange for a private transfer from Dumre to Bandipur with advanced bookings. They can charge an additional fee for this service.
Local busses often make a steep journey to Bandipur, but as you're likely to have baggage and the scheduling of these busses are generally not obvious; this isn't the best choice.