Tourist activities multiply in Bandipur

By Amar Raj Naharki,Tanahun, Jan.2: Bandipur, famously known as the ‘Queen of the Hills,’ has seen a significant rise in tourist activity. Both domestic and international tourists have flocked to the town to celebrate the English New Year. 

Bandipur, emerging as a prominent tourist destination after Pokhara in the Gandaki Province, is bustling with visitors, bringing excitement to tourism entrepreneurs.

Kisan Pradhan, Chairperson of the Bandipur Tourism Development Committee, said that hotels and homestays in Bandipur are fully occupied by tourists celebrating the New Year.

He said, “The influx of tourists on the first day of the New Year has brought great joy to the hotel businesses here.” 

Former Chairperson of the Bandipur Hotel Association and Coordinator of the Bandipur Visit Year 2025 Main Celebration Committee, Bais Gurung, added that preparations to celebrate 2025 as ‘Bandipur Visit Year’ have boosted both domestic and international tourist arrivals, inspiring the local community.

He said that the New Year celebration event in Bandipur attracted over 1,000 tourists, which has been a source of great encouragement.

According to the committee, the event saw participation from domestic tourists from Chitwan, Pokhara, Gorkha, Lamjung and Kathmandu, as well as international tourists from countries like China, Germany, Australia and the USA.

Chairperson Pradhan further said that as part of the Visit Year celebrations, special discount programmes would be offered at hotels and homestays. The packages for meals and accommodation range from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 10,000 per person.

“This year, the influx of tourists to Bandipur has significantly increased and our homestay has also seen a surge in guests,” Gurung said. Last year, the homestays were quiet, but this time, we managed accommodations for up to 40 guests in a single night. “We are hopeful that the homestays will gain momentum from this year onward,” he added.

Bandipur has around 200 small and large hotels and lodges, capable of accommodating around 300 guests. Situated between major tourist hubs like Kathmandu, Pokhara and Sauraha, the Bandipur Rural Municipality plans to develop Bandipur as the central hub connecting these destinations.

Marking the occasion of the English New Year, the ‘Bandipur Visit Year 2025’ was officially inaugurated on Wednesday, said Surendra Thapa, Chairperson of Bandipur Rural Municipality.

Bandipur is located nine kilometres uphill from Dumre Bazaar in Tanahun. From here, one can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas, hills and ridges. The panoramic view stretches from the Dhaulagiri range in the west to Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Buddha Himal, Ganesh Himal and Langtang in the east, along with numerous peaks.

The main attractions of Bandipur include artistically designed stone-paved houses, Newari culture, clean and beautiful pathways and sites such as Thanimai, Khadgamai, Bindhyabasini Temple, Teen Dhara, Rani Ban, the spacious Tudikhel and Martyrs’ Park.

Around the market area, visitors can experience cultural performances like Ghatu by the Gurung community and Kaura by the Magar community. Local cuisines are another attraction for tourists. 

Renowned as one of Nepal's finest hill stations, Bandipur is also famous for its traditional Newari festivals, including Khadga Jatra, Gai Jatra, Ropain Jatra and Lakhey dance. Similarly, Bandipur has gained recognition as a popular destination for paragliding.