Important Places for visiting at Bandipur

The heart of Bandipur is the medieval-looking Bandipur Bazaar that sweeps in a gentle curve along the top of the hill in an east-west axis. The stone-paved main street is lined with compact town houses with ornate windows and doorways and roofs of tin or slate. All along the street, a covered veranda extends in front of the rows of houses providing shade in summer sun and monsoon rain. Tundikhel, a field to the northern end of Bandipur’s main Bazaar, is an excellent vantage point for viewing the Marsyangdi valley and the magnificent Himalayan Range in a single frame. It includes the spectacular peaks of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuhhre, Langtang, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal, among others. The legendary Gorkha Palace and the famous Manakamana peak are clearly visible from here. Other sites include Bimalnagar and Dumre Bazaar. Purano Kot, originally a fort, lies a distance of about 500 m to the west of the main bazaar. It takes about twenty minutes of easy and gentle climbing to reach the top. There is a small temple nearby containing a number of old statues. Next to it stands a newly built temple of Thanithan Mai. The local people believe that praying to the god Mahadev at this spot during a drought will bring rain. Since this spot lies on a hilltop above the bazaar, it provides stunning views of the mountains and the bazaar especially at sunrise and sunset. Teendhara, a best picnic spot lies to the east of the main bazaar and can be reached in fifteen minutes. The name of this place derives from the original three water spouts which is still the main source of water for the villagers. The shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva lies nearby with rest houses and shady spots scattered around making this a favorite place for picnickers. Raniban, the mixed Sal forest is located to the east of main bazaar. It is a tranquil heaven for the nature enthusiasts with abundant local flora and fauna, including lungurs, orchids, butterflies etc. Bandipur’s hillsides are dotted with caves, often carrying religious significance for the locals. The must-see destination here is the Siddha Cave discovered only in 1987. Rich in stalactites and stalagmites, it is said to be the largest cave in the Himalayan region. Siddha Cave is situated just above the cliff of Bimalnagar, from where it is a 30-minutes climb. Ramkot is a two-hour easy hike to the west of Bandipur. It passes through Muchuk Village from where you can also visit Mukundeswari. Ramkot is a typical Magar village with traditional round houses, untouched by modern development offering an opportunity to experience authentic lifestyles of rural Nepal. From here, one can go on to Chabdi Barahi, a pilgrimage spot, which can be reached after two hours of easy hiking. Bandipur hosts more than 24 species of orchids. The month of June is the best season to enjoy the different varieties of orchid in full bloom. Although you can see orchids in most part of Bandipur, the best route to enjoy this beautiful flower is on the way to the silk farm west of Bandipur Bazaar.

Bandipur, A Naturally Exciting, Beautiful and Surprising corner

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

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 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. Bandipur is also a great place for adventure sports like paragliding, caving, rock climbing, rafting and hiking.

Quality accommodation is available at the hotels and resorts in Bandipur. For budget travelers, home stay is available in several old Newar homes that provide bed and breakfast.

Bandipur is easily accessible by driving from Pokhara or Kathmandu to arrive at Dumre Bazaar by midday, and then it’s about an half hour bus ride to Bandipur Bazaar from Piple, 1 km west of Dumre. From Dumre, one can find the local rides shuttling between Dumre and Bandipur.

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.

A new trekking trail traversing one of the most culturally diverse areas in Nepal

The serenely peaceful and scenic IP Trail has been designed primarily for Homestay-based cultural trekking experiences. Within 7-8 days, the unique tourism activities can include soft trekking, panoramic mountain views, visits to sacred Sailung and environs, monastic visits at Rajbheer, Doramba and Dongme, temple visit at Khandadevi, forest walks, bird watching, traditionally decorated homes, sunrise and sunset views and cultural performances. Traditional economic activities include terraced agriculture, harvesting of forest, medicinal plants and fishing. Mountain biking is also possible on the IP Trail.

Fishing with the Majhis offers an experience not found elsewhere in Nepal. On the white sand banks of the renowned Sun-Koshi River you will learn traditional fishing skills from the Majhi peoples, enjoy a fresh fish BBQ or pig roast, and gain appreciation for Majhi culture throughout the day and during the Majhi music concert. Relax on the sandy riverbank and sunbathe. The Majhi Fishing Experience is located in the riverside Majhi villages of Lubughat and Seleghat in the remote west and southern parts of Ramechhap district. This unique experience can be added to your Sun-Koshi rafting trip or can be a day trip arranged from Kathmandu- Lubughat.

The IP Trail package can be booked through registered Trekking Agencies in Kathmandu. Experienced local porters can be hired at Dhunge Bazaar and Kholakharka. Local telephone communications are operational in every trail village while international connections are available at Doramba, Galpa Bazaar and Lubughat. Health posts providing basic health facilities are located along the trail at Deurali, Daduwa, Doramba, Galpa Bazaar, Pokharidanda and Nepalthok. As the IP Trail is at relatively low altitudes there is little chance of altitude sickness. Police stations located at Doramba, Khandadevi, Hiledevi and Lubughat can also assist in case of emergency. As the trail is new, visitors are advised to hire an experienced trekking guide additionally skilled in cooking. Visitors are also advised to bring a first aid kit, and handy food such as dried fruits, chocolate etc, cotton hats and cotton outfits, sunglasses and sun cream with them.

The IP Trail can be trekked throughout the year. The best seasons are September to December and March to May. A Kathmandu-Deurali-Dhunge regular bus services takes the visitors at Dhunge within 6/7 hours via Mudhe bazaar at Araniko Highway.

Welcome to Indigenous Peoples Trail

To escape the congestion of commercialized trekking routes and get ‘off-the-beaten track’ to experience the real Nepal, take the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Trail in west Ramechhap district, 130 km east of Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. The first of its kind in Nepal, the IP Trail offers unique, living exposure to one of the most culturally diverse areas of Nepal combined with the beautiful natural landscapes. Sailung peak in the north and the golden Sun-Koshi River flowing along the south mark the start and finish point respectively of the IP Trail which offers a unique and natural combination of ethnic cultural diversity coupled with breathtaking Himalayan and mid-hill panoramas.

Lying entirely on the Mahabharat range, the IP Trail offers mainly local Home-stay accommodation experiences offering trekkers a rare opportunity to experience the culture and lifestyles of six different Nepali ethnic groups. This top-down, gentle trek suits all types of trekkers particularly visitors wishing to avoid extreme high altitudes. The week long trail takes visitors from a starting elevation of 3146m at Sailung to 533m at Lubughat by the Sun-Koshi River. The IP Trail package suits both international as well as domestic visitors.

The IP Trail is a memorable blend cultural, Himalayan views and scenic landscapes. The trail boasts spectacular mountain views including the unique Himalayan panoramas from Sailung offering one of the Nepal’s few unimpeded Himalayan panoramas of the entire 400km Himalayan range comprising of the Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang, Jugal, Rolwaling, Everest and Kanchenjunga Himal ranges. It is against this magnificent Himalayan backdrop that visitors are welcomed into the culture and lifestyles of indigenous communities including Sherpa, Newar, Thami, Tamang, Yolmo and Majhis. The two predominant Nepali religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, are ever present with a variety of gods and goddess, temples, stupas, monasteries and sacred caves.

The trail passes through the beautifully folded Mahabharat range and rolling terraced farmlands. The virgin forests at Sailung, Rajbheer, Augleshwori, Galba and Khandadevi are the unique habitat for varieties of wildlife including pheasant, deer and lungur monkey, as well as a seasonal blaze of blooming rhododendron.

The beautiful sunset and sunrise view and waterfall along the river at Daduwa, thatched houses and traditional colorful festivals such as Janaipurnima (August), Sora-shraddha (September), Lhosar (February) and Buddha Purnima (May) are also among the special attractions offered on the IP Trail. The final trail destination, Lubughat on the Sun-Koshi River, provides visitors the memorable experiences in river fishing and rafting as well as culture of the host Majhi community, Nepal’s indigenous riverine people.

Important Places to Visit throughout the Chepang Hills Trail

Hattibang, the first night halt on the way from Hugdi Bazaar, offers good scenery of the surrounding mountains and touch of Magar, Chepang and Giripuri cultures, at the several home stay and community-managed guest house. Villagers give a unique cultural performance for visitors on request and offer Local handicrafts on sale as souvenirs.

Siraichuli, at 1,945m, one of the highest hills of Mahabharat range, offers spectacular views of the mountains and magnificent sunrise and sunset views. The view includes a wide range of Himalayan peaks such as Rolwaling, Gaurishankar, Langtang, Gorkha Himal, Peak 29, Himachuli, Manaslu, Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and the Royal Chitawan National Park in the Terai. The trek to Siraichuli from Hattibang is challenging through rough landscapes and vegetation.

Jyandala village on the trail is a Chepang settlement where tourists can have a cultural experience. A tour of the village and accommodation at village home stay is recommended. Next is Chisapanitar, which is a popular bird-watching site. More than 250 varieties of bird species are found here. The dense forest in this region is also home to other wild animals.

Uppardang Gadi is another interesting place which used to be the headquarters of Chitawan till early 1962. The remains of a historic fort that defended the surrounding countryside are still here, sitting at 1,275 meters, which is said to have been built by Shatru Bhanjan Shah. Offering spectacular views, camping service is available through community along with Home stay facilities.

Shaktikhor, where the trek formally ends, gives ample opportunity to visitors for a wholesome cultural experience. Home-stay experience, Cultural shows, Chepang Museum and Visitors’ information center, Caves and waterfalls around Shaktikhor make Shaktikhor a unique experience. Travelling to Chitram waterfall on the next day and stay at Chepang houses in Majhbang village of Siddhi VDC is yet attraction.

Besides home-stay facilities in Shaktikhor, Gadi, Chisapanitar, Chitram, Majhbang and Hattibang, resting places, porter shelters with bath-rooms/toilets are also available. Tea houses are available in Siddhi, whereas camping site is available in Uppardang Gadi, Hattibang, Chitram and Jyandala. The nearest point where all major tourist facilities are available is Sauraha near the Royal Chitawan National Park or Narayanghat.

The Chepang Museum has also been established at Shaktikhor with the view to preserve and promote primitive cultures, originalities, costumes, lifestyles of peoples. Different materials used by the Chepangs and relics like catapults used in killing birds, slings and bows used for hunting animals, crushing devices, Dhiki and Janto (traditional stone tools for beating and grinding grains), pots, wooden containers, drums have been kept in the museum.

A visit to the tourist information center at Shaktikhor is recommended for current travel information, while trekking in the Chitawan Chepang Hills. The tourist information center at Shaktikhor has resource materials that can provide information on cultural and natural attraction of the Chepang Hills. The information center also arranges trained tour guides, cooks, informative books, tents, and utensils and facilitates Chepang museum tours, local handicraft sales and crop sales, documentary show.

The Trail is accessible by 82 km drive from Kathmandu to Hugdi Bazaar, between Mugling and Krishna Bheer of Dhading district, on Prithivi Highway. Shaktikhor can be reached by driving 18 km north from Tandi Bazaar of Ratnanagar Municipality, if the visitor is coming from Sauraha or National Park.