[Photo from tourismkathmandu.com]

Midway on the Prithivi Highway between the capital Kathmandu and the resort town of Pokhara lies Bandipur, a picturesque Newar town that still retains much of its centuries-old appeal.

Bandipur bazaar is situated on a ridge above the highway town of Dumre, and presents sightseers with a heady mix of history, architecture, incredible views, awesome caves and unspoiled landscapes. Located at an altitude of 1,030 m, Bandipur has been described as a natural view tower, providing a spectacular panorama of the entire Annapurna Range plus the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Langtang to the Marsyangdi valley which is below 500 m. Apart from the stunning views of the Himalaya and the Marsyangdi Valley, a visit to the town is an opportunity to get a close look at Newar cultural life that reflects the refined civilization of the Kathmandu Valley.Bandipur is also a great place for adventure sports like paragliding, caving, rock climbing, rafting and hiking.

History

Bandipur was once a prosperous trading centre, as its charming building with their neoclassical facades and shuttered windows, will attest. Originally a simple Magar village, Newars from Bhaktapur settled here in the early nineteenth century, taking advantage of its malaria-free location to develop it into an important stop on the India-Tibet trade route.

Climate

Temperatures in the summer (March-July) hover between maximum of 32-33 degree Celsius and a minimum of 12-13 degree Celsius. In the winter (October-February), the temperature fluctuates between 18-21 and 2-3 degree Celsius. The clear sky over Bandipour at the time of the year provides magnificent views of the mountains. Heavy downpours mark the rainy season from June to August.

Location

Situated in the Mahabharat Range in Tanahu district, it lies 143 km to the west of Kathmandu, 73km to the south of Pokhara , 70 km to the Chitwan and 8 km from Dumre Bazaar on the Prithivi Highway.