Over 21,000 Foreign Tourists Visit Bandipur in Seven Months

The historic hilltop town of Bandipur, popularly known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’, has witnessed a remarkable rise in tourist arrivals during the current fiscal year. According to the data recorded at the temporary Tourist Police Post, a total of 21,725 foreign tourists visited Bandipur from Baishakh to Kartik of the ongoing fiscal year, an impressive increase that highlights Bandipur’s growing appeal as a serene cultural and natural destination.

Chinese Tourists Lead Foreign Arrivals

Chief of the temporary Tourist Police Post, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Gobinda Rana, informed that it has seen a steady rise in foreign visitor numbers, especially after the tourism sector began recovering in recent years. He stated that Chinese tourists form the largest portion of foreign visitors. “Among the total foreign tourists arriving in the first seven months, 5,051 are Chinese citizens,” ASI Rana said. He added that other significant numbers of visitors came from Vietnam, India, and Spain.

According to him, Chinese tourists typically visit Bandipur for sightseeing rather than overnight stays. “Most Chinese visitors tour Bandipur during the day and travel to Pokhara or Chitwan for accommodation,” he said. This trend underscores it’s attraction as a scenic stopover with panoramic views, traditional architecture, and peaceful surroundings.

Month-wise Breakdown Shows Steady Growth

Bandipur has observed consistent inflow of foreign tourists each month despite seasonal variations. The arrival numbers reported from Baishakh to Kartik indicate continued interest among international travelers. During Baishakh, Bandipur welcomed 3,297 foreign visitors, followed closely by 3,342 in Jestha. Tourist numbers slightly declined during the monsoon months, with 2,766 in Ashadh and 2,075 in Shrawan. The figure further dipped to 1,832 in Bhadra. However, arrivals surged again with 3,786 in Ashwin, reaching the highest point of 4,627 visitors in Kartik. This trend reflects Bandipur’s seasonal tourism pattern, with higher footfall during spring and autumn when weather conditions and visibility remain favorable for sightseeing.

Domestic Tourism Also Soars

Bandipur’s popularity is not limited to foreign visitors. The town recorded 32,760 domestic tourists during the same seven-month period, showing steady growth in Nepal’s internal tourism market. In Baishakh, 1,898 Nepali travelers visited Bandipur, followed by 2,135 in Jestha and 2,115 in Ashadh. Domestic arrivals remained stable with 2,451 in Shrawan and 1,982 in Bhadra. The number significantly increased during the festive and academic excursion season, recording 5,121 in Ashwin and a remarkable 17,508 domestic tourists in Kartik.

ASI Rana explained that domestic arrivals rise sharply during Kartik and Mangsir as large groups of students from colleges and schools visit Bandipur for educational excursions and recreational tours. The town’s accessible geography and safe environment make it a preferred destination for student field trips.

Comparative Rise from Previous Fiscal Year

Bandipur has shown extraordinary improvement in its tourism performance when compared to the previous year. From Chaitra 2081 to Chaitra 2082, the total number of foreign tourists stood at 12,939. The current year’s figure of 21,725 within just seven months demonstrates significant growth, reinforcing Bandipur’s rising status as a major hill-town destination in Nepal. Local authorities believe that improved road access, enhanced promotion, and positive word-of-mouth among travelers have contributed to this surge.

Tourism Year 2025 Target and Local Enthusiasm

Bandipur Rural Municipality Chairperson Surendra Bahadur Thapa shared that the local government aims to attract even more visitors during Bandipur Tourism Year 2025. The municipality has placed emphasis on improving infrastructure, promoting homestays, and enhancing hospitality services to accommodate the rising tourist flow.

Currently, Bandipur hosts four homestays and around 70 hotels, all of which are reportedly operating at high occupancy due to increasing tourist arrivals. Chairperson Thapa said that the business community is energized by the growing footfall, adding that the tourism boom is playing a crucial role in strengthening the local economy.

Bandipur: A Rising Tourism Jewel

With its preserved Newari heritage, panoramic mountain views, clean streets, and welcoming community, Bandipur continues to establish itself as a must-visit destination for domestic and international travelers alike. The latest tourism data paints a promising picture, signaling strong momentum ahead of Tourism Year 2025.