Getting around · Nepal
Pokhara to Bandipur
A short 2.5-3 hour road trip from Pokhara to the hilltop town of Bandipur via Dumre — bus, private car, costs and tips.
The trip from Pokhara to Bandipur is one of the shortest and prettiest on the Prithvi Highway corridor: about 2.5-3 hours in total. You head east towards Kathmandu, leave the highway at the junction town of Dumre, then climb a short, steep ridge road to the beautifully preserved Newari hill town of Bandipur, with its car-free bazaar and panoramic Himalayan views. There is no flight — this is a quick, scenic road journey.
At a glance
| Mode | Duration | Approx cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus + local jeep | ~2.5-3 hrs | USD 3-8 | Change at Dumre, climb the hill |
| Tourist bus to Dumre | ~2-2.5 hrs | USD 6-10 | Kathmandu-bound bus, alight at Dumre |
| Private car | ~2.5-3 hrs | USD 45-70 | Door-to-door, no change needed |
| Taxi | ~2.5-3 hrs | USD 50-80 | Convenient, set your own time |
By bus
There is no direct tourist bus to Bandipur, so the bus route has two parts. First, board any Kathmandu-bound bus from Pokhara and ask the driver to drop you at Dumre, about two hours away. From Dumre, frequent local buses, shared jeeps and taxis make the short 8 km climb up to Bandipur. It is cheap and easy, just remember to flag your stop at Dumre rather than riding on towards Kathmandu.
By private car or jeep
A private car is the most relaxed option and not expensive over such a short distance. You avoid the change at Dumre, keep your luggage with you, and get driven straight up to your guesthouse on the ridge. It is ideal if you are continuing the same day towards Kathmandu, since Bandipur sits roughly halfway and makes a perfect lunch or overnight break.
By air
There is no flight between Pokhara and Bandipur. The town has no airstrip and the road trip is far too short to make flying sensible. Plan it entirely as a road journey.
Which option to choose
If you are on a budget or already moving along the highway, the bus to Dumre plus a local jeep works fine. For comfort, time saving and door-to-door service, take a private car — especially worthwhile if you are travelling with luggage, children, or breaking a longer Pokhara-to-Kathmandu drive at Bandipur.
Tips
- Bandipur is an easy half-way stop between Pokhara and Kathmandu — many travellers overnight here.
- Tell your bus driver clearly you want Dumre, as buses do not turn off the highway.
- The hilltop bazaar is largely pedestrian-only, so vehicles park at the edge of town.
- Mornings offer the clearest mountain views from the ridge and nearby Thani Mai viewpoint.
See the full getting around Nepal guide for the wider picture. Compare onward legs with the Pokhara to Chitwan road trip, or approach Bandipur from the capital instead via Kathmandu to Bandipur.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Pokhara to Bandipur?+
The drive takes about 2.5-3 hours. You follow the Prithvi Highway east to the junction town of Dumre, then climb a short, steep road up the ridge to Bandipur. Traffic and roadwork on the highway can add time.
How do you get from Pokhara to Bandipur by bus?+
Take any Kathmandu-bound tourist or local bus and get off at Dumre, then catch a local bus, jeep or taxi up the hill to Bandipur. There is no single direct tourist bus, so you change at Dumre.
How much does it cost to travel from Pokhara to Bandipur?+
By bus to Dumre plus a shared jeep up the hill costs only a few US dollars in total. A private car or taxi for the whole trip is roughly USD 45-70, split between passengers.
Is there a flight from Pokhara to Bandipur?+
No. Bandipur has no airport and the journey is far too short to fly. It is purely a road trip, and the drive itself is scenic along the Marsyangdi and Prithvi corridor.
Is the road to Bandipur difficult?+
The highway to Dumre is mostly sealed and easy. The final climb from Dumre to Bandipur is a narrow, winding and steep but short sealed road. Any car or jeep can do it; drive carefully in the monsoon.
