Kathmandu to Bandipur
Your options
Ways to make the journey
4.5–5 h
The route follows the Prithvi Highway west from Kathmandu, down to the Trishuli River and on through Mugling to Dumre, where a winding side road climbs about 8 km to Bandipur at roughly 1,030 m. Cars stop at the edge of town, and porters carry bags into the car-free bazaar. We leave after breakfast and arrive for a late lunch, with the afternoon free to walk.
6–7 h
A popular stop on the way is the Manakamana cable car from Kurintar, which rises about 1,000 m to the hilltop temple of Manakamana in roughly 10 minutes. The visit adds about two hours to the day. The temple is busy with pilgrims, especially on Saturdays and festival days, so we time the stop for a weekday morning where possible.
25 min + 2–2.5 h
Travellers who would rather avoid the long drive from Kathmandu can fly to Pokhara and drive back east to Bandipur, about 75 km and 2–2.5 hours. That turns Bandipur into a side trip from Pokhara rather than a stop on the way. It suits journeys that end in Kathmandu by road or continue to Chitwan, which is about 3 hours from Bandipur.
Worth a stop
- Kurintar and the Manakamana cable car
- Trishuli River
- Mugling
- Dumre
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How long is the drive from Kathmandu to Bandipur?
About 145 km and 4.5–5 hours by private car via the Prithvi Highway to Dumre, then up an 8 km side road to the ridge. Traffic leaving Kathmandu and trucks along the Trishuli River set the pace. A stop at the Manakamana cable car adds about two hours. From Bandipur, Pokhara is a further 2–2.5 hours.
Is Bandipur worth a stop between Kathmandu and Pokhara?
Yes. It breaks a long drive into two easy days and gives you a night in a preserved Newar trading town, with a car-free bazaar, temples and wide Himalayan views at sunrise. Accommodation is simple heritage rather than luxury, so we suggest one night. Travellers who fly between Kathmandu and Pokhara usually skip it.
Can cars drive into Bandipur?
No. The main bazaar is closed to vehicles, which is much of its charm. Cars park at the edge of town and porters carry luggage the last few hundred metres to your hotel. Bring a small overnight bag if you prefer to leave the main luggage in the car, which our driver keeps secure overnight.
Where should I stay in Bandipur?
Bandipur has no luxury hotel. The best options are small heritage inns in restored Newar houses, such as The Old Inn, which offer character and views rather than five-star facilities. Rooms are simple and some are compact. We choose rooms with mountain or valley views and suggest a single night, combined with luxury stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara.