Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Surendra Raj Pandey, has underscored the importance of connecting tourism with economic development, highlighting Bandipur’s potential as a significant tourist destination after Pokhara. He made these remarks while inaugurating the 12th Cultural Festival in Bandipur, a picturesque hilltop town in Tanahun district, on Sunday.
Speaking at the event, CM Pandey said, “Bandipur is not only rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage but also holds immense potential for sustainable tourism. It is essential to link tourism to the income of local people to ensure long-term development.” He assured that the provincial government will provide necessary support and cooperation to the municipality to enhance Bandipur’s tourism appeal.
The 12th Cultural Festival was organized in line with the goals of the Bandipur Visit Year 2025 campaign. The event aims to boost tourism activities and promote local culture, attracting both domestic and international tourists, especially during the New Year celebrations of 2082 BS.
Coordinator of the Bandipur Visit Year 2025, Baish Bahadur Gurung, stated that the festival was planned to make the campaign successful and to offer entertainment to visitors. “This cultural event is a key part of our efforts to showcase Bandipur’s traditions and attract more visitors,” he said.
Surge in Tourist Arrivals During New Year
Bandipur, often referred to as the ‘Queen of Hills,’ has seen a significant influx of tourists during the New Year, 2082 BS. Tourism entrepreneurs have expressed enthusiasm over the growing number of visitors, especially domestic tourists who have filled the town’s streets and accommodations in recent days.
Chairman of the Bandipur Tourism Development Committee, Kishan Pradhan, mentioned that the number of tourists has doubled compared to usual days. “Earlier, we used to see around 1,000 tourists daily, but over the past two days, that number has significantly increased. This has resulted in higher occupancy in hotels and greater business transactions for local entrepreneurs,” Pradhan said.
To mark the New Year, local hotels have offered a 15 percent discount to visitors, while a special festival showcasing organic local products and traditional cuisines has also been organized to further attract and engage tourists.
“This year, we noticed a shift in tourist behavior. Previously, Bandipur used to be a short stopover for travelers en route to other destinations. But now, many are choosing to stay and explore the town more thoroughly,” Pradhan added.
Homestays Gaining Popularity Among Domestic Tourists
Alongside hotels, community homestays have also seen a rise in bookings. Dil Kumari Thapa from Bandipur Community Homestay shared that many domestic tourists prefer homestays over hotels for a more authentic experience. “The New Year brought a surge of visitors who wanted to experience the local lifestyle. We are glad to welcome them,” she said.
Currently, Bandipur has a total of 77 hotels of various sizes affiliated with the Hotel Association and four active community homestays. The collaboration between these establishments and ongoing promotional efforts like the cultural festival and Visit Year campaign have played a vital role in enhancing Bandipur’s image as a vibrant and tourist-friendly destination.
With continued governmental support and community involvement, Bandipur is steadily positioning itself as a prominent destination in Nepal’s tourism landscape bridging cultural preservation with economic opportunity.
