Nepal is a tiny nation positioned in South Asia, sandwiched between India and China. While it’s got cities full of life and action, there are also places that go unnoticed by tourists and natives too. They may not be as well-known as Kathmandu or Pokhara, but they’ve got a certain appeal and character worth checking out. Some of the underrated cities are as follows;

Tansen

Tansen is a small town in the Palpa District of Nepal, located at an elevation of 1,300 meters. It’s known for its rich cultural and historical background, plus it has the Kali Gandaki River running right through it. It’s a great source of water for the area.

Tansen is well-known for its special Newari architecture, with lots of its buildings and temples going as far back as centuries ago. The Tansen Durbar is a standout amongst the most remarkable attractions in the town – it’s a palace built in the 19th century that has been turned into a museum and center for culture.

This town is a hotspot for music and dancing – there’s always performers getting the crowd going at festivals and events throughout the year.

Illam

Illam is a town located in Mechi Pradesh, Nepal, just 400km away from Kathmandu. It’s definitely worth a visit due to its amazing culture and gorgeous natural scenery.

Illam is quite the cultural hub – it’s the home of some gorgeous ancient temples and monasteries that draw in droves of tourists annually. Of course, the Temple of Mai Pokhari is one of the most popular stops. It’s believed to be over 500 years old and is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus – thousands of devotees come every year to pay their respects.

Illam is a haven for anyone looking for some stunning natural beauty. Sitting at an altitude of 1,500 meters, you can get a breathtaking view of the Himalayas! You’ll find lush green forests and fields that are teeming with different types of flora and fauna, including some rare species of birds and animals. It’s the perfect place for nature-lovers!

If you’re looking for incredible views of the Himalayas, IllIllam is where it’s at! It’s pretty high up, so you can get a great panorama – plus, there’s plenty of lush greenery to explore, full of plants and animals of all kinds, including some pretty unique ones. If you love nature, this is definitely the place for you!

Illam is a great getaway spot – it’s popular with tourists but still has a peaceful atmosphere. The people are so friendly and accommodating, and there are plenty of places to stay like guest houses and hotels.

Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel is a wee town in Kavrepalanchok district in Nepal. It’s just around 35 kilometres southeast of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. People love to visit Dhulikhel’s because of its close location to Kathmandu and the stunning views of the mountains.

Dhulikhel is a wee town in Kavrepalanchok district in Nepal. It’s just around 35 kilometres southeast of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. People love to visit Dhulikhel’s because of its close location to Kathmandu and the stunning views of the mountains.

Dhulikhel is renowned for its natural beauty in addition to its cultural attractions. At 1,600 meters above sea level, the town offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayan mountain range. The town is surrounded by verdant fields and forests, making it a haven for those who enjoy the outdoors. Many different types of flora and wildlife, including uncommon kinds of birds and animals, can be found in the woodlands around Dulikhel. A well-liked location for adventure sports is Dhulikhel. The Himalayan town provides a variety of activities like hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting and is situated right in the middle of them. Numerous adventure sports businesses are based in the town and offer tourists escorted trips and equipment rentals.

Besisahar

At the base of the Annapurna mountain range in Nepal’s Lamjung District is a little town called Besisahar. It is a well-liked travel destination for visitors and hikers due to its breathtaking natural beauty and extensive cultural legacy.

If you’re headed to Besisahar, you won’t want to miss the Annapurna Circuit hike! You’ll get to take in some of Nepal’s most stunning scenery and the Annapurna mountains – plus, you can explore villages, monasteries, and temples on your journey. It’s an absolute must-see!

Aside from the Annapurna Circuit, Besisahar is known for its preserved Newari culture, making it a popular spot for cultural tourists. Exploring the traditional temples, monasteries, and villages is a great way to learn about the local history and customs. Shopping for handmade textiles, pottery, and fresh produce are also great things to do while in Besisahar.

Bandipur

Bandipur is a super cute little town in Tanahun District, Nepal. The Himalayas make for an incredible backdrop – you get a fantastic view of the mountains! Plus, the area is full of different animals.

Bandipur is renowned for its cultural diversity – visitors can have a blast exploring the unique traditions of the different ethnic groups that inhabit the town. From participating in traditional festivals like Bisket Jatra and Chhath Festival to visiting temples and shrines, there’s something to suit all tastes. Get ready to experience a totally different side of Nepal when you take a trip to Bandipur!

Bandipur is an awesome place to be, full of interesting culture and amazing natural attractions. It’s right near Chitwan National Park, a place that’s protected because of the endangered species that live there – like tigers, rhinos and elephants. You can take a guided tour to spot these animals in their home, or kick it up a notch and do some hiking or rafting in the mountains nearby.

Bandipur’s not huge, but it’s got a kickin’ economy! There’s tons of places to rest, eat, and buy souvenirs. You can try yummy dishes like dal bhat and momo, or pick up some handmade crafts and gifts created by local artisans.

If you finally decide to visit Nepal, we have got you covered.

Cost includes:

• Arrival & Departure transport via private Car/Van/Bus.
• Three meals per day throughout the Trip(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Accommodation during the trek.
• Nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu with B/B.
• Guide and a porter with Insurance, food, and accommodations.
• Sightseeing in Kathmandu or Pokhara valley with a car and tour guide
• First Aid kit.
• Trekking permit (Conservation fee).
• TIMS card (Trekking information management system) is like a permit.
• All needed government tax/vat.

Cost excludes:

• International Airfare.
• Your travel insurance.
• Sightseeing entrance fees
• Nepal Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days and US$ 30 for 15 days; you should get a visa open your arrival)
• Any kind of drinks, items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone, missing meal, WIFI Porters, etc.
• Tips for Guide and Porters

After you’ve enjoyed the thrilling and joyful experience, you can choose whether to visit other beautiful places in Nepal or head back home. No matter what you choose, we hope you have a fantastic time.

We can accommodate group tours for this trip; however, you may also opt for a private tour according to your liking. We can arrange private trips at any time of the year at any date of your choosing. Please let us know what your preferred travel dates are so that we can accommodate you.

 

 

 

Experiencing Nepal is a wonderful experience. It might be tiring, yet enjoyable to experience the real Nepal. There can be many things we might not know about the gorgeous nation before actually visiting Nepal. Taking bumpy roads over gravel or dirt, riding on motorbikes to avoid crowds in Kathmandu’s temples, and climbing high altitudes in the Himalayas are all part of the real thrilling experience.

If you are looking for a peaceful retreat with traditional culture and a serene, pleasant day filled with rural walks, wildlife, and spectacular mountain vistas, Bandipur is a great choice. It is no wonder that we consider it one of the most beautiful destinations in Nepal.

About Bandipur

If you haven’t heard of this place, you will be surprised to learn it represents one of the most underrated cities in Nepal. It is a tiny town that is reached by climbing a particular road on the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway.

Take time to relax, enjoy a cup of tea, and learn why Bandipur is one of Nepal’s top tourist destinations. It’s a visitor’s dream; it’s the perfect place to relax after trekking in Nepal, and it’s almost like it was built just for visitors! After becoming a trading post in the 1700s, it became a commercial hub for Tibetans and British Indians traders, a position it held until the Pokhara-Kathmandu route bypassed it one hundred years later. To tourists’ benefit, it has steadily become a center of Newari culture as well as a retreat from the city.

Bandipur is a perfect place to take a break since it is easily accessible from Pokhara and is one of the best places to visit in the Kathmandu Valley. Stopping here to escape those bumpy roads is a great way to break up long journeys.

Do not be fooled by the distance. Although it may appear short on the map, the road conditions and traffic will make travel time longer. The distance between Kathmandu and Bandipur is approximately 140 kilometers (it should take 5 to 7 hours), 73 kilometers to Pokhara (3-4 hours by bus), and 2.5 to 3.5 hours from Chitwan to Bandipur.

Draw of Bandipur

Bandipur is known as Nepal’s warm heart. It’s because of the wonderful hospitality as well as the relaxing location of the hilltop. Furthermore, there are several reasons why you should visit Bandipur during your trip to Nepal.

• It is peaceful to see Buddhist and Hindu temples coexist. With no crowds, you can easily explore many temples.
• Those who miss out on Kathmandu’s greenery, mountains, and pure air should plan a trip to Bandipur to refresh their lungs and spirits.
• In addition to the wooden balconies and magnificent Bougainvillea trees characteristic of traditional Newari architecture, there are also a lot of cafés, restaurants, and places to stay.
• You won’t have to haggle or wheel and deal with shopkeepers here, so you can roam around at your convenience during your free time without any pressure from them. The prices aren’t exaggerated here. You can eat, stay, and drink here for much less than in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
• It is prohibited to drive on the main streets, including motorcycles. Thus, you can stroll down stunning cobblestone streets while admiring the traditional wooden and brick houses that are characteristic of the Newari culture.

Enjoying Bandipur

Bandipur has plenty to offer. While in Bandipur, initially, you can relax and appreciate the relief from Nepal’s hustle and bustle. The second category includes the following enjoyable activities:

Wander around the Temples: 

Numerous Hindu temples are located throughout the town of Bandipur, such as Bindebasini temple, at the north end of the Main Street or market. You can even find these temples on your own, even if you’re a first-time visitor. The temple is said to be dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. Furthermore, you’ll appreciate the temple and the old wooden entrance that are decorated with intricate stone carvings.

Explore Siddha Guffa: 

You will need a guide to accompany you through the cave, which is 437 meters deep and 50 meters high and is one of Nepal’s largest caves. Start hiking halfway down Bandipur village hill for the Siddha Cave. The tour guide, who charges a modest fee, carries a lantern and guides you down ladders and along rope swings into the cave. The cave is decorated with stalactite formations, and whistling bats are often heard above the gloomy walls.

You can observe native prayer places and meditate at the swimming pool in the rainy season. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a headlight. However, this is not a trip for people with weak hearts.

Getting to Thani Mai Temple:

The stairway that leads to the hill above the town has a well-marked path and handrails. It is a beautiful walk when the sun rises in the morning or when it sets late in the afternoon. At the summit, there is a tiny Hindu temple of Thani Mai that is an excellent place for enjoying the views, although it isn’t a major attraction as others.

As you hike over the mountain range to Gurungche Hill, you will have a full 360-degree view of the entire area. The journey takes about 30 minutes, but it is a gradual, slightly strenuous climb yet mentally fulfilling.

Visit the Boudha Sadan Shakyamuni Monastery:

Also known as Bandipur Monastery, you can have some of the best times visiting the monks and Buddhist people in the monastery. Walking up the stairs past the main square would take you near the monastery; however, traveling up to the monastery is equally relaxing and enjoyable.

As we walked around during our visit to Bandipur, a monk living there invited us in for tea and informed us of plans for the monastery’s temple extension, and as a result, we ended up spending almost the whole day there. While meditating on the temple steps, he left us to gaze out at the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas beyond the horizon. The visit turned out to be a peaceful and spiritually fulfilling experience.

Hiking and Shopping at Bandipur Bazaar:

While hiking around the countryside in Bandipur, you’ll come across interesting houses and temples in any direction. Additionally, T-shirts, Newari presents, and refreshments are for sale. Since there is no haggling, you can roam as much as you want.

Enjoy Local Delicacy:

Bandipur has many tasty and fresh local places to eat. There are no fast food franchises here; instead, there are small eateries run by local families that are delightful.

Nepal’s most famous dish is Momos, and there is no shortage of them in this town. As you walk around, you’ll find a variety of fried and steamed dumplings. The most frequent and common dishes here are chicken, buffs, and vegetables. However, they are rarely offered by default and are typically requested ahead of time. Dhal Bhat is a tasty and filling traditional Nepali dish that includes rice, beans, lentil soup, pickles, and generally unlimited refills. 

While there, you can visit local restaurants such as Loving Spoon or Hill’s Heaven. Located a few blocks north of Bandipur village resort, Loving Spoon is a charming little eatery designed by its owner. The traditional Dhal, Bhat as well as momos here are delicious.

Cost includes:

• Arrival & Departure transport via private Car/Van/Bus.
• Three meals per day throughout the Trip(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Accommodation during the trek.
• Nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu with B/B.
• Guide and a porter with Insurance, food, and accommodations.
• Sightseeing in Kathmandu or Pokhara valley with a car and tour guide
• First Aid kit.
• Trekking permit (Conservation fee).
• TIMS card (Trekking information management system) is like a permit.
• All needed government tax/vat.

Cost excludes

• International Airfare.
• Your travel insurance.
• Sightseeing entrance fees
• Nepal Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days and US$ 30 for 15 days; you should get a visa open your arrival)
• Any kind of drinks, items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone, missing meal, WIFI Porters, etc.
• Tips for Guide and Porters

Finally, the trip to Bandipipur can be an extraordinary experience because of the stunning scenery, stellar views, thrilling Journey, and the warm hospitality of the locals. We hope you enjoy and take in every moment that you spend there.