According to news summaries, Bandipur is transitioning from an ancient trade route to a popular tourist destination and is set to host a Village Tourism Fair on the 18th and 19th of Baisakh. The Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province Office, and Bandipur Rural Municipality are jointly preparing to organize the first provincial-level Village Tourism Fair. In 2085 BS, Bandipur welcomed 625,000 tourists, with a target of attracting 700,000 tourists in 2086 BS. (8 Baisakh, Gandaki) Once known as an ancient trading pass, Bandipur is now developing as a prominent tourist hotspot.
Historically, Bandipur lacked motorable roads and served as a major commercial gateway where goods from the western hill districts of Tanahun, Kaski, Lamjung, Gorkha, and Manang were brought to be traded. Being the headquarters of Tanahun, Bandipur’s identity shifted after the district center moved to Damauli in 2025 BS, transforming it from a trading hub to a tourist destination. Its cultural heritage and natural beauty have further enhanced its touristic appeal.
The landscape of Bandipur even captivated King Mahendra, who famously referred to it as the ‘Queen of the Hills.’ The ancient-style houses, scenic surroundings, and landmarks such as Khadgadewi Mai and Tundikhel add to Bandipur’s charm. The uphill path leading to Bandipur, crossing the Marsyangdi River, is immortalized in Mabi B. Shah’s writings and the popular song by Taradevi, ‘Bandipure Ukali Laamo, Marsyangdi Dungale Tarek…,’ which remains well-known to this day.
In recent times, various initiatives have been launched to promote Bandipur’s prestige and allure. Reflecting its status as a model village tourism destination, the Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province Office, and Bandipur Rural Municipality, co-organized with the Village Tourism Promotion Forum Nepal (VITOF) Gandaki, are set to hold the first provincial-level ‘Village Tourism Fair 2083’ in Bandipur on Baisakh 18 and 19. Maniraj Lamichhane, head of the Nepal Tourism Board’s Gandaki Province office, provided this information.
The fair is also organized in conjunction with Bandipur Rural Municipality’s declaration of the ‘Bandipur Village Tourism Year.’ Lamichhane explained, ‘The main objective of the fair is to develop a platform connecting small tourism enterprises and community homestays directly to urban markets and major agencies.’ Through this event, the aim is to link homestays and their services with broader markets, boosting both private and public investment in rural tourism.
Representatives from 11 districts across the province will participate in the fair. Lamichhane noted that tourism-focused programs will extend beyond Pokhara to other parts of the province as well. Surendra Bahadur Thapa, Chairperson of Bandipur Rural Municipality, shared that collective discussions on tourism in Bandipur will take place during the event. He stated, ‘The fair will showcase the journey towards prosperity through village tourism, cultural presentations from various ethnic groups, and promotional sessions for community homestays and tourism entrepreneurs.’ Additionally, local tourism literature and promotional materials will be distributed, highlighting the diverse attractions of Bandipur.
Efforts are underway to develop a ‘Homestay Circuit’ linking Bandipur and Byas municipalities. Chairperson Thapa outlined that this circuit will include Mohoria and Ramkot in Bandipur-2; Kulung, Keshwatar, and Rumsi in Byas-14; Dharampani in Bandipur-6; Kamalabari in Byas-12; Korikha in Bandipur-5; Bandipur Community Homestay; Dharampani Homestay; the historic Huslangkot Fort; Kamalabari; Korikha; along with other community homestays.
Chairperson Thapa highlighted that over NPR 800 million has been invested in Bandipur’s tourism sector. In the year 2085 BS, Bandipur attracted a total of 625,000 domestic and international tourists. The target for the Rural Tourism Bandipur Year 2086 BS is set at 700,000 visitors. Plans are in place to develop the Ramkot, Dharampani, and Korikha homestays as exemplary tourist villages.
Currently, seven commercial homestays operate within Bandipur. Locals express confidence that alongside the fair, promotion and preservation efforts will focus on organic food, indigenous crops, and traditional arts and culture. Shobha Sapkota, Chairperson of the Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF) Gandaki Province, stated that the fair aims to promote and develop village tourism across Gandaki Province. More than 50 homestays are operational in the province, and such events are expected to foster beneficial tourism partnerships among them.
‘The event facilitates the exchange of experiences and supports important professional partnerships among homestays,’ she said, ‘With the government’s provision of two days off per week, there is optimism that it will further support village tourism.’ Tarunath Pahari, founding chair of VITOF Gandaki and Chairperson of Pokhara Tourism Council, noted that the forum has long been promoting the potential homestays in the area. He emphasized the need to develop every village in Gandaki Province as a tourism destination.
