With the ambitious goal of doubling its annual tourist arrivals, Bandipur has launched its Tourism Year 2025 campaign. Currently, Bandipur welcomes approximately 100,000 visitors annually. The campaign coordinator and tourism entrepreneur, Baish Gurung, emphasized plans to increase this number to 200,000 through comprehensive initiatives.
As part of the campaign, new trekking routes connecting nearby municipalities will be developed. Gurung highlighted that 24 cultural programs, literary conferences, and adventurous activities are scheduled throughout the year to enhance Bandipur’s appeal.
The primary objective of the campaign is to study and document Bandipur’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage, ensuring proper preservation and management. Gurung stated, “Our aim is to foster mutual respect, harmony, and brotherhood at both the local and international levels.” The campaign also focuses on infrastructure development, data collection, skilled workforce training, and evaluating the quality of tourism services.
Gurung outlined strategies to attract high-spending tourists and extend their stay, emphasizing the creation and promotion of tailored packages for each of Nepal’s six seasons. Special attention will be given to packages designed for Indian and Chinese tourists, addressing the need for increased spending and longer stays.
Chairperson of Bandipur Rural Municipality, Surendra Thapa, stated that the campaign will promote all wards within the municipality, aiming to highlight lesser-known destinations alongside Bandipur Bazaar. A two-day package has been introduced, covering Bandipur, Chhimkeshwori, Manakamana, Gorkha Temple, Ligligkot, and Bhanu’s birthplace, before returning to Bandipur.
To ensure the campaign’s success, promotional activities will be carried out in major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini. “Bandipur Bazaar, known for its historical and cultural significance, will host programs reflecting its ancient charm to attract more visitors,” Thapa added.
Plans are in place for the sustainable development of tourist sites across all six wards of Bandipur, positioning it as Gandaki Province’s key destination after Pokhara. Thapa mentioned the possibility of introducing adventure sports like paragliding and zip-lining to diversify Bandipur’s offerings.
Key attractions in Bandipur include Khadga Devi Temple, Thanimai Temple, Mahalaxmi Temple, Siddha Cave, Mini Great Wall, Tindhara Waterfall, Tudikhel, the palace of Mani Mukunda Sen, and Padma Library. The municipality has listed these sites as major tourist destinations.
Bandipur’s charm also lies in its unique architectural style inspired by Bhaktapur, featuring traditional houses, Tudikhel, Rani Ban, Ramkot, and temples like Bindhyabasini and Mahalaxmi. These sites continue to captivate visitors, making Bandipur a standout destination.
Located 18 kilometers from the district headquarters of Dumre, Bandipur is accessible via an eight-kilometer uphill drive. From Bandipur, visitors are treated to stunning views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, as well as its surrounding hills and landscapes, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit destination in Nepal.
