Bandipur and Ramkot Cultural Tour
a blend of culture and nature tour with scenic views from Bandipur Heritage Village
Highlight:
Bandipur is a preserved hilltop Newari town with age-old traditions, offering Himalayan views, cultural diversity, caves, and hiking experiences.
Bandipur is located at an altitude of 1030 metres and 143 kilometres west of Kathmandu, 74 kilometres southeast of Pokhara, and 7 kilometres south of the Dumre Bazar. Bandipur, a hilltop settlement of the Newari community, still lives by its age-old customs and traditions. From Kathmandu, a beautiful drive through Prithvi Highway reaches Dumre Bazaar. Then, we leave the highway and fork left toward Bandipur town, which is still well preserved and invites travellers to experience its rich hilly culture, mountain views, and side-village hiking to Ramkot, a beautiful and authentic Magar Community Village.
The old part of Bandipur is untouched by modern civilisation, with several old houses and temples of great architectural significance. This medieval town hosts festivals year-round. Besides the Newari community, the neighbours include Magar, Gurung, Brahmin, Chhetri, Damai and Sarki, contributing to the cultural diversity of the town and village. There is beautiful scenery of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre Himal (Fishtail Mountain), Lamjung, Himlung, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and the Seti River Valley from this hill village. Bandipur is a lovely place to visit around Kathmandu and Pokhara.
The morning drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway offers views of snow-capped mountains, set against rolling green hills and valleys. The journey passes several towns and villages following the road to Pokhara. The road to Bandipur diverts from Dumre Bazaar, requiring seven kilometres of direct uphill.
Upon arriving in the village, check into a hotel or a community homestay. Lunch, an introductory village tour, including its Tudikhel (an open community ground) providing grand panoramas and views of vast Marsyangdi River Valley.
Early morning hike for stunning sunrise views from Gurungche Hill (Bandipur Viewpoint) to see the grand and beautiful views of the Himalayas, including Langtang, Ganesh Himal Range, Manaslu, Himlung, Lamjung and Annapurna, standing in one place. To the southwest are vast valleys and hills.
After breakfast, a 2-hour walk to Ramkot, along their Great Wall Trail offering views of the Himalayas and the surrounding area. Ramkot is a beautiful Magar community village, set above a hill ride. In Ramkot, you will stay in community homes, and each household will receive two guests. The evening is for the cultural show to welcome you and exhibit a bit of their cultural funfare.
Breakfast and village tour. See off formalities with community members, group photo session, and drive back to Kathmandu or continue towards Pokhara. On the way, if you return to Kathmandu, visit the Manakamana temple, a famous Hindu temple.
The hill ridge town of Bandipur, with a mixed canopy of Sal and pine forests, more than 200 plant species, and lush terraced fields, offers views of the Himalayas from Langtang to the Dhaulagiri range in the west. The views of Ganesh and Manaslu range are the best and cannot be seen from other parts of Nepal. The diverse flora and fauna of Bandipur support 70 bird species and 35 wildlife species.
Siddha cave, 18 feet wide and 50 feet high, is situated north of Bandipur. The Siddha cave is vast and dark, with numerous sub-trails, gorges, and water-carved holes. The cave is not yet fully explored. Another mysterious cave, called Patalidwar (gateway to hell), holds religious significance for locals and awaits tourists to explore the geological marvel.
There are several agricultural farms, goat and cow farms, and silkworm farms to visit and learn from. The side trip to Bandipur takes us to the cultural villages of the Magar and Gurung communities.
A good time to visit Bandipur is nearly all months, except during the monsoon season from mid-July to August. Though the lovely time is from March to June, most days are clear for views, and the hills are alive with wildflowers in full bloom.
September to February is the best time to visit Bandipur, with days and nights remaining clear, offering breathtaking views of the peaks and landscapes.
