Bandipur, a historic tourist town in the Tanahun district, has officially launched the Visit Year 2025 initiative aimed at promoting its tourism sector. The inauguration event was attended by key figures such as the Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, Member of Parliament Bhagwati Neupane, Gandaki Provincial Assembly member Haribahadur Chuman, and tourism entrepreneur Ashok Kumar Shrestha.
Surendra Thapa, the Chairperson of the Bandipur Rural Municipality, shared that the region currently attracts around 100,000 tourists annually. The objective of the Visit Year campaign is to double this number, thereby increasing tourism and fostering economic growth.
As part of the Visit Year 2025 celebrations, a special two-day tour package has been created. This package will take visitors from Bandipur to various iconic destinations, including Chhimkeshwori, Manakamana, Gorkha Temple, Ligaligkot, Bhanu’s birthplace, and then back to Bandipur. The itinerary aims to showcase the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The coordinator of Visit Year 2025 and a prominent tourism entrepreneur, Vaish Gurung, stated that the goal is to attract tourists who are willing to spend the night and contribute to the local economy. A total of 24 cultural programs, literary conferences, and adventure tourism activities are scheduled throughout the year as part of the initiative.
One of the primary objectives of the Visit Year campaign is to conduct in-depth studies and research of Bandipur’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The aim is to officially recognize and preserve these assets while fostering respect, harmony, and fraternity both locally and internationally.
Key tourist destinations in Bandipur, which have been officially listed by the rural municipality, include the Khadga Devi Temple, Thanimai Temple, Mahalaxmi Mandir, Siddha Cave, Mani Mukunda Sen hiking trail (Mini Great Wall), Three Streams, Waterfalls, Tundikhel, and the Mani Mukunda Sen Palace, as well as the Padma Library.
The architecture of houses built in the Bhaktapur style, along with the sites of Tundikhel, Thanimai, Rani Ban, Ramkot, Sunkhari, Khadadevi Temple, Bindhyabasini Temple, Mahalaxmi Temple, and the Information Center, have become key attractions for visitors to Bandipur.
Through the Visit Year 2025 campaign, Bandipur is set to enhance its standing as a major cultural and tourist hub, promoting both local and international tourism.
