Private car 2.5–3 h
The simplest way. A car from Lakeside follows the Seti and Madi valleys east through Khairenitar and Damauli, reaches Dumre in about 2 hours, then climbs 8 km of hairpins to the car park at the edge of Bandipur, where vehicles stop and you walk into the pedestrian bazaar. Expect roughly NPR 7,000–10,000 one way per car. Many guests do it as part of a Kathmandu–Bandipur–Pokhara trip, overnighting in Bandipur on the way.
Bus + local jeep 3–4 h
Any Kathmandu-bound tourist or local bus from Pokhara will drop you at Dumre, about 2–2.5 hours away, for NPR 500–800. Tell the conductor before boarding. From Dumre, shared jeeps and small local buses climb to Bandipur for about NPR 100–200 per person, leaving when full, usually every 30–60 minutes until early evening. A taxi from Dumre costs around NPR 1,000–1,500.
Walk from Dumre 2–2.5 h on foot
Before the road was built, traders climbed to Bandipur on a stone trail, and parts of it remain. From Dumre, at about 440 m, a path climbs through farms and forest to the bazaar at about 1,030 m, a gain of roughly 600 m in 2–2.5 hours. It is hot work in April and May and slippery in the monsoon. Send your bags up by jeep and carry only water and a hat.
Stops on the way
- Khairenitar
- Damauli (Vyas)
- Bimalnagar
- Dumre
Arrive in Bandipur by mid-afternoon so you can walk to the Tundikhel viewpoint for sunset and climb to Thani Mai before breakfast.
Questions travellers ask
How far is Bandipur from Pokhara?
Bandipur is about 78 km from Pokhara Lakeside by road. The first 70 km follow the Prithvi Highway east to Dumre, and the last 8 km climb a narrow, paved side road to the hill town. By private car the trip takes 2.5–3 hours; by bus and shared jeep allow 3–4 hours including the wait at Dumre.
Can you drive into Bandipur bazaar?
No. The main bazaar street is pedestrian only, and vehicles stop at a car park at the edge of town, a 5–10 minute walk from most hotels. Hotel staff or porters can carry your luggage. Elderly travellers should mention mobility needs in advance, because the lanes are paved but sloping, with some steps.
Is Bandipur a good day trip from Pokhara?
It works as a day trip, with about 5–6 hours on the road return, but you miss the best of it. Bandipur is quiet and lovely at sunset and dawn, when the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges show from the ridge. We suggest an overnight stop between Kathmandu and Pokhara instead of a return day trip.
Is there a bus from Pokhara to Bandipur?
There is no regular direct tourist bus. Take any bus heading towards Kathmandu or Narayangarh and get off at Dumre, about 2–2.5 hours from Pokhara. From Dumre, local buses and shared jeeps run up the 8 km road to Bandipur through the day. Services thin out after about 5 pm, so plan to arrive in daylight.
