Bandipur, an ancient trading town transformed into a renowned tourist destination, will organise Visit Bandipur Year 2025 starting Wednesday to promote tourism.

Bandipur’s history, a hilltop settlement 143 km west of Kathmandu and 80 km east of Pokhara, began in the 19th century when Newars from Bhaktapur arrived. Before that, it was inhabited mainly by Magars.

After Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered Kathmandu Valley, the Newar merchants chose Bandipur as a trade route between India and Tibet. The merchants built houses reflecting their style, architecture, and culture. Thus, the homes feature pagoda-style roofs, lattice windows, and ornate doorways.

Today, Bandipur is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Nepal.

To ensure the success of the Visit Year, the rural municipality has constituted a secretariat under the leadership of tourism entrepreneur Baish Gurung.

Surendra Bahadur Thapa, chairman of Bandipur rural municipality, said the event aims to identify new tourist destinations, create employment opportunities, and boost economic activities through tourism promotion.

Representatives from the Hotel Association, Restaurant and Bar Association (REBAN), Tourism Development Committee, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Home Stay Federation, and others have joined hands to make the campaign successful.

“The campaign’s goal is also to preserve and develop natural and cultural heritage while promoting responsible tourism activities in culturally rich Bandipur,” said Thapa.

According to Thapa, the campaign aims to draw at least 200,000 tourists—half of them foreigners.

Gurung outlined plans to promote Bandipur’s domestic and international tourism, aiming to double the number of visitors.

"We aim to bring 800,000 tourists to Bandipur annually over the next three years, starting with the Visit Year as the baseline."

The campaign seeks to prolong the average stay for tourists in Bandipur from one day to three days. Additionally, daily spending by foreign tourists is expected to reach $75, while domestic tourists are anticipated to spend Rs 3,000.

Currently, there are 75 hotels and four homestays in Bandipur.

“To support the campaign, the necessary infrastructure will be developed, and new tourist destinations will be identified, developed, and promoted,” said Gurung.

“The campaign will promote a tourism-friendly homestay circuit, and at least five new destinations, in addition to existing tourist centres and products, will be identified, developed, and promoted.”

Tourism expert and chairperson of Sampada Nepal, Harisingh Gurung, said the campaign would preserve cultural heritage and develop tour packages according to the season.

The municipality aims to create tailored packages based on tourists’ age and preferences and increase public participation in environmental conservation under the motto "earn in the village, enjoy in the village."

The municipality has estimated a budget of Rs 4.35 million for the campaign.

Bandipur is a destination preferred by those who want to escape crowds and pollution.

A pleasant mountain range can be observed from the high hill of Bandipur, including the view of the rising and setting sun. A wide view of mountains is another feature of Bandipur.

An open area stretches 3 km on the horizon, and hills can be observed from Tundikhel, a 10-minute walk from Bandipur.

From top to bottom, mountain ranges like Langtang, Ganesh, Gorkha (Manaslu, Himchuli, and Boudha), Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchchhre, and Kanjirowa can be observed.

Developed as one of the outstanding tourism destinations of Gandaki province, Bandipur is also known as the ‘Queen of Hills.’

Located at a height of 1,317 metres, Bandipur is popular for its perfect view of mountain ranges and its cultural and religious significance.