Sightseeing · Bandipur
Thani Mai Temple
A short uphill walk to a hilltop shrine with Bandipur's famous sunrise over the Himalaya.
- Rating
- ★ 4.5 (400)
- Price
- $
- Address
- Thani Mai, Bandipur, Gandaki Province
Thani Mai temple is Bandipur's sunrise viewpoint, a small hilltop shrine reached by a short uphill walk from the bazaar. It is the spot travellers climb to before dawn for the town's famous sunrise over the Himalaya, when first light spreads across Annapurna, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri.
What to expect
The path is a steady, stepped climb of around twenty to thirty minutes from the centre of town. At the top, the temple sits on an open ridge with a sweeping northern panorama. Arrive in the dark and you'll watch the peaks shift from grey to gold as the sun rises — the single best mountain view in Bandipur.
Good to know
- Cost: Free; it's a working temple, so dress modestly.
- Timing: Set off before dawn with a torch; clear skies are most reliable from October to December and March to April.
- Nearby: Below the temple lies the car-free Newari bazaar, and a longer downhill hike leads to Siddha Gufa cave. See how to combine them in our guide to the best things to do in Bandipur.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Thani Mai temple known for?+
It's Bandipur's sunrise viewpoint. The small hilltop shrine sits above town with a wide Himalaya panorama, and travellers climb up before dawn to watch first light hit Annapurna, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri.
How do you get to Thani Mai temple?+
It's a short uphill walk from the bazaar — a steady climb of around twenty to thirty minutes on a stepped path. Most people set off in the dark with a torch to reach the top in time for sunrise.
Can you see the Himalaya from Thani Mai?+
Yes, on a clear day. The ridge looks out over Annapurna, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri, making it the best mountain viewpoint in Bandipur. October to December and March to April give the clearest skies.
Is there an entry fee for Thani Mai temple?+
No — visiting the temple and viewpoint is free. It's a working shrine, so dress modestly and be respectful if a puja is under way during your visit.
