Bandipur wears a deserted look

BY AMAR RAJ NAHARKI,Tanahun, Sept. 16:The Gen Z protest in Tanahun has directly impacted the historic and touristic town of Bandipur. With transportation halted and economic activities disrupted, both domestic and foreign tourists have stopped visiting. Known as the ‘Queen of the Hills,’ Bandipur now wears a deserted look.

Hotels, restaurants, homestays, and handicraft shops in Bandipur are witnessing an abrupt decline in visitors, leaving tourism entrepreneurs disheartened. Coordinator of Bandipur Visit Year 2025, Bais Gurung, said, “The daily flow of domestic and international tourists has completely disappeared. Due to the protests, hotel bookings have dropped to zero.” 

He expressed hope that the situation would improve soon, as a new government has been formed and transportation, including air services, has gradually resumed. Gurung also informed that Bandipur remained peaceful, with no physical damage reported during the movement.

Bandipur, a hilltop settlement with a historic bazaar, traditional houses, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, is among Nepal’s most popular tourist destinations. Its homestays, handicrafts, local cuisine, hiking trails, and cultural festivals offer visitors an authentic experience.

The town also attracts tourists with its close-up views of the Himalayan ranges, South Asia’s largest Siddha Cave, Bhaktapur-style architecture, Tundhikhel, Thanimai, Tindhara, Raniban, Ramkot, Sunkhari, Khaddevi Temple, Bindhabasini Temple, Mahalaxmi Temple, as well as adventure activities like paragliding and rock climbing.

Bandipur became a quiet settlement after the district headquarters was shifted from Bandipur to Damauli in 1968. However, tourism gradually revived the town’s vibrancy. Tourism entrepreneur Santa Kumar Shrestha contributed to its growth by establishing the Bandipur Mountain Resort for the first time here. 

Assistant Campus Chief of Bandipur Campus, Gobardhan Bhattarai, said this initiative played a vital role in developing Bandipur as a tourist hub.

Situated between major tourist centres like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Sauraha, Bandipur lies 74 kilometres away from Pokhara and 142 kilometres from Kathmandu.