Kathmandu to Bandipur: Route, Time & Stops
Bandipur is a comfortable place to split the trip between Kathmandu and Pokhara, as it sits just over halfway between the two cities. It is 143 kilometres (about 89 miles) from Kathmandu, and the only way to get there is by road. There are a couple of ways to travel, and by car it usually takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
The most straightforward and convenient option is to arrange a private transfer; buses are also available. Either way, the road trip is long and prone to traffic.
Source: Google Maps
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 commercial centre for Newar traders from Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu Valley after the Kathmandu Valley was conquered by 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 tourists.
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 most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. Bandipur is famous for its Newari people and culture.
How to Reach Bandipur from Kathmandu?
There are two ways for a visitor to Nepal or an inbound tourist to 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 buses 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 option and typically includes air conditioning and plenty of rest stops.
They quit near Thamel early in the morning. Local buses leave Kathmandu throughout the day and can take you to Dumre, but they seem cramped and not very clean.
Bandipur is a few miles up a steep hill from Dumre. Most Bandipur accommodations can arrange a private transfer from Dumre to Bandipur with advance booking. They can charge an additional fee for this service.
Local buses often make a steep journey to Bandipur, but since you're likely to have baggage and the schedules aren't always obvious, this isn't the best choice.
