Nepal · Day 4 of the journey

Bandipur

A car-free bazaar of brick houses and carved windows on a ridge halfway between Kathmandu and Pokhara. At dawn the Himalaya rises above the clouds.

Altitude about 1,030 m (3,380 ft)
Feel Quiet, walkable, car-free main street
On the trip Day 4

See the 10-day journey What we do here

Why go

The old trade town time slowed down for

Bandipur grew rich as a stop on the trade route between India and Tibet, and its Newar merchants built the tall brick houses that still line the bazaar. When the highway passed it by, the town kept its old shape.

Today it is a place to slow down: tea on a balcony, a walk to a hilltop temple, and a horizon of snow peaks when the sky is clear.

What you’ll see

A day and a night on the ridge

The old bazaar

Brick houses, carved windows and small cafés along a street with no traffic.

Newar architecture

Three-story merchant homes with balconies, some now restored as guesthouses.

Views of the Himalaya

On clear mornings the snow peaks line the northern horizon.

On our trip

Your day in Bandipur

Day4

Morning: leave Kathmandu on the road west.
Afternoon: arrive, check in and explore the old town.
Evening: dinner with mountain views.

Day5

Early morning hike to a hilltop temple before the drive to the Annapurna trailhead.

KathmanduDays 1–3BandipurDay 4 · you are hereAnnapurna trekDays 5–7 Kathmandu ValleyDays 8–10

Good to know

Before you go

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes for stone streets and steps. Mornings and evenings are cool, so keep a warm layer handy.

Getting there

The drive from Kathmandu takes most of the morning on winding mountain roads. If you get carsick, sit near the front and bring your remedy.

Where you stay

A local guesthouse or small hotel in the village, chosen for its views.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available but can be slow. Enjoy the break.

Questions

Frequently asked

Is Bandipur hard to walk around?

No. The bazaar is flat and pedestrian. The optional hilltop walk is short but uphill.

Why stop in Bandipur instead of driving straight to the mountains?

It breaks up a long drive and gives you a night in a living village that most tours skip.

Will I see the Himalaya?

On clear mornings, yes. February and March usually bring good visibility, but clouds are never guaranteed.

Spirit of the Himalayas · 2027

Walk this part of Nepal with a small group

Bandipur is part of our 10-day journey: Kathmandu, Bandipur, a gentle Annapurna trek and the Kathmandu Valley, with yoga, temple visits and a local guide. Short on time? The 6-day trip stays in the Kathmandu Valley.

DeparturesFeb 15 · Mar 1, 2027
Group size6 to 12 travelers
From$1,795 per traveler
To reserve$300 deposit

See dates and book Plan your trip

Early-bird pricing ends December 1.

Bandipur

The old trade town time slowed down for