Getting around · Nepal
Kathmandu to Bandipur
Tourist bus to Dumre then up the hill, or a private car — how to travel from Kathmandu to Bandipur, the Newari hilltop town, in 5 to 6 hours.
Bandipur sits on a ridge just off the Prithvi Highway, so getting there means a 5 to 6 hour trip from Kathmandu. You travel along the Pokhara highway to the junction town of Dumre (about 4.5 to 5 hours), then climb a steep, winding 8km road to the hilltop. There is no flight. Because it lies on the main highway, it is an ideal stop to break the Kathmandu–Pokhara drive.
At a glance
| Mode | Duration | Approx cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist bus to Dumre + jeep | 5–6 hrs | USD 8–15 + USD 3–6 | Best value; change at Dumre |
| Private car/jeep | 5–6 hrs | USD 90–140 | Door to door up the hill |
| Local bus + local jeep | 6–7 hrs | Cheapest | Slow and crowded |
By tourist bus
Take any tourist or local bus heading towards Pokhara and ask to be dropped at Dumre, the highway junction below Bandipur. From there, shared jeeps, local buses and taxis run the short but steep 8km climb to the town in 30 to 40 minutes. It is the cheapest way up and easy to arrange on arrival.
By private car or jeep
A private vehicle takes you all the way to Bandipur's edge — vehicles cannot enter the car-free bazaar itself — in about 5 to 6 hours. This is the most comfortable option and lets you stop along the highway or continue easily to Gorkha or Pokhara afterwards.
Which option to choose
Take the bus to Dumre plus a jeep for value, or hire a private car for comfort, especially with luggage. Most travellers fold Bandipur into a longer Kathmandu–Pokhara journey as an overnight stop.
Tips
- Stop at Bandipur to break the long Kathmandu–Pokhara drive.
- The bazaar is pedestrian-only, so leave vehicles at the edge of town.
- Walk up to Thani Mai temple at dawn for the best Himalayan views.
Plan onward travel with getting around Nepal. Bandipur is the perfect midpoint on the Kathmandu to Pokhara route, and you can also reach it from the lakes via Pokhara to Bandipur. Explore the hilltop town in Bandipur before leaving Kathmandu.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Kathmandu to Bandipur?+
Allow about 5 to 6 hours. You travel along the Prithvi Highway to Dumre (around 4.5 to 5 hours), then climb a winding 8km road up to the hilltop town, which takes another 30 to 40 minutes.
How do I get from Kathmandu to Bandipur by bus?+
Take a tourist or local bus heading towards Pokhara and get off at Dumre, the junction town on the highway. From Dumre, local buses, shared jeeps and taxis make the short, steep climb up to Bandipur.
How much does it cost to get to Bandipur?+
A tourist bus to Dumre costs around USD 8 to 15, plus a few dollars for the jeep or taxi up the hill. A private car the whole way costs roughly USD 90 to 140.
Is there a flight to Bandipur?+
No. Bandipur is a small hilltop town off the Prithvi Highway, so there is no airport. You reach it by road, either with a private car or a bus to Dumre followed by local transport.
Is Bandipur worth visiting on the way to Pokhara?+
Very much so. Because it sits just off the Kathmandu to Pokhara highway, Bandipur is a perfect overnight stop to break the long drive, with a car-free bazaar, mountain views and Newari architecture.
