What is Bandipur?
A Newar hill town on a mountain saddle at 1,030 m, between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Its main bazaar is a car-free cobbled lane of old brick and carved-wood houses, and it has a Himalayan viewpoint at Tundikhel.
How long are we in Bandipur?
One night: you arrive in the afternoon of day 1, see the bazaar in the evening, watch sunrise from Tundikhel on day 2 and leave for Pokhara after breakfast and the temples. Ask us if you want a second night.
Do we have to walk to Siddha Cave?
No. It is optional. The walk down takes about an hour, and the climb back up is harder. You can spend the morning in the bazaar and at the temples instead.
Are the entrance fees included?
Yes, for the sites listed in the includes. The official entrance fees for foreign visitors are set by the Nepal Tourism Board and are paid for you.
How is this different from your longer Kathmandu, Bandipur, Pokhara and Chitwan tour?
That is eight days and adds Chitwan. This is the short version: Bandipur and Pokhara only, with a flight back so no day is lost on the road.
Why fly back instead of driving?
The road from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes most of a day. The flight is short, it is included, and it gives you the extra morning in Pokhara.
Is this private?
Yes. Your guide is for your party only. Transport follows your tier: a local shared vehicle on Budget, a shared tourist vehicle on Standard and a private vehicle on Luxury. We never merge separate private bookings.
What is the difference between Budget, Standard and Luxury?
The route is the same on all three. Budget gives you simple twin-share hotels, breakfast and an English-speaking heritage guide. Standard gives you private rooms in 3-star hotels, all meals and a guide in your language where we have one. Luxury gives you ensuite rooms in deluxe hotels, all meals with non-alcoholic drinks, a senior heritage guide and a private air-conditioned vehicle. Budget travels in a local shared vehicle and Standard in a shared tourist vehicle.
Do children pay less?
No. A child pays the same as an adult, because permits, hotels, a seat in the vehicle and taxes cost us the same for a child. Tell us the age of each child when you book so we can plan the days around them.
Who will be my guide?
A licensed guide leads every day. We tell you your guide's name once your booking is confirmed.
What happens if I need to cancel, or you cannot run the trip?
If we cannot run your trip, we refund what you have paid, less taxes, bank or card charges and any money already spent on your behalf, or move you to another date. If your plans change, you can reschedule free to any date within one year with at least 72 hours' notice. The deposit itself is not refunded if you cancel.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Buy travel insurance at home, before you travel, and check that it covers medical care up to 2,000 m, domestic flights and the dates of your trip. We do not recommend insurance bought in Nepal.
How do I pay?
You pay a 10% deposit to book and the balance before the trip. We take US dollars or euros, in cash or by card. We cover the card fee on the deposit. If you pay the balance by card it carries a 3.5% bank charge. Cash in Kathmandu carries no fee.
Secure payment by Himalayan Bank.
