The world is full of beautiful places, and some beautiful paths cannot be discovered without getting lost. A wonderful combination of beautiful Himalayan views, traditional architecture, local adventure sports, lovely countryside walks and quality accommodations makes Bandipur Village trek worth visiting. You can get a relaxing taste of rural Nepal on a breakthrough drive between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Bandipur is a tiny village located on a hilltop, offering wonderful views of the Himalayas and Marsyangdi river. This village is suitable for both national as well as international trekkers. Bandipur consists of a single flagstoned street lined on both sides with traditional wooden Newari architecture. The lack of vehicles and their tooting horns is a particular joy, especially for those who live in crowded and polluted cities. Bandipur is an ideal town to explore, where you can visit temples, stroll the charming backstreets, and generally enjoy the feeling of the ancient as well as the modern period. It offers a magnificent view of the mountains, including Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang and other beautiful snow-capped neighbouring mountains.
Bandipur is a small village/hilltop settlement and a rural municipality in the Tanahun district. Bandipur has been increasingly coming to the attention of tourists because of its preserved cultural atmosphere. Bandipur is famous for the Newari people and their culture. History shows Bandipur had been conquered in 1768 by Prithvi Narayan Shah, after which it was established as a funnelling point of a trade by Newar traders that came from the Kathmandu valley. The cultural heritage and the architecture have remained unchanged until these days. Bandipur was originally a simple Magar village in the early 19th century. Later, it was developed into a prosperous trading centre and a community with town-like features. Windows and streets are paved with slabs of silverish slate.
Bandipur, including the local hilly areas, was previously inhabited by the Magar and Gurung tribes. The Magars and Gurungs in those days were basically involved in farming. Later on, they started to be recruited as soldiers in the Nepalese, Indian, and British military. Brahmins, Chhetries, Newars, and other marginalized communities (Damai, Kami, Sarki) call Bandipur home today. The people in this town are basically Hindus and Buddhists. Newar people celebrate most of the festivals celebrated in the Kathmandu valley. People celebrate Dashain, Tihar, Buddha Purnima, Lhosar, and many other festivals.
It takes roughly 143 kilometres to travel from Kathmandu to Bandipur. Buses departing for Pokhara can be found at several bus stations in Kathmandu. Kathmandu- Pokhara is a busy one, and the vehicles are available at any time of the day. But it is always better to travel in the morning after your lunch. The tourist buses are spacious and well-equipped, including free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. You could also use private vehicles if you like. A Dumre Bazar, a mid-highway city between Kathmandu-Pokhara links you to Bandipur. From Dumre Bazaar, Bandipur is only about 8 miles away.
The food that you will enjoy in Bandipur will be typical Nepali food, including rice, curry, lentils, and pickle. You can add extra flavour to your trek by trying the local cuisine. With just one look at the Newari khaja set, you will find your mouth watering. The meal comes with a selection of beans, beaten rice, and meat. During your tour, you will experience new flavours such as Samya Baji, Choila (roasted buff meat), Kachina (raw marinated buff meat), and Tho (rice beer), which you shouldn't miss. In addition to this, the food differs according to culture and community. Moreover, there are numerous hotels and guesthouses available for your accommodation. The best choice is to book in advance during peak seasons when hotels are crowded. The local village community also offers home-stay accommodation to visitors.
In the past, traders would come and meet at Tundikhel to trade for goods brought from India and Tibet before heading to Lhasa. Tudikhel is an amazing place with views like the peaks of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Machapuchare(6997), Annapurna, Himchuli, and other nearby mountains. In the months of October and November, Tundhikhel is the ideal location for a picnic.
To explore the really beautiful views from Thani Mai Temple, you have to wake up early for the sunrise. Thani Mai Temple offers you some of the best 360-degree views while sitting on top of Gurungche Hill. It is a 30-minute walk uphill starting near the school and bazaar.
It is considered to be the largest cave in Nepal. It is one of the greatest places to visit. It is the home of hundreds of bats, and you are supposed to keep it less noisy. It takes at least 1.5 hours to get to Siddha Gufa and some parts of the trail are slippery. Hiring a guide from the tourist office in Bandipur would be a great idea to visit Siddha Gufa Cave.
You can visit Bindabasini at night when the priests open the doors. You will find the ancient walls covered in carvings inside this religious site. This temple is dedicated to Durga, meaning " the invincible". Durga is the most popular incarnation of Devi and one of the main forms of the Goddess Shakti.
Paragliding is the best way to view Bandipur from a different perspective. These views are meant to be out of this world, and the flights are open to every level.
Bandipur is full of wonderful ancient cravings and history. The treks are easy and you will pass through rice terraces, mustard fields, and orchids with beautiful views. One of the most beautiful treks is to the small Magar village of Ramkot, with its round traditional houses. It will be a beautiful trek to experience local wildlife.
The Newari town of Bandipur is one of central Nepal's hidden gems, combining traditional Himalayan architecture as well as modern. Since it's an ideal place to visit, away from all the stress and noise, the trek will be obviously worthwhile and wonderful.
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