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Bandipur is a medieval
town situated halfway between
Kathmandu
and
Pokhara.
It
provides breath-taking views of the Himalaya mountain range.
The town was once a prosperous trading centre. Its substantial buildings, with their neoclassical facades and shuttered windows, bespeak past glories. |
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Originally a simple Magar Village, it
was settled in the early nineteenth century by Newars from Bhaktapur,
and developed into an important stop along the India-Tibet trade
route. With them they brought their rich cultural heritage and
architecture and which, still today, defines the look and feel of
the modern day Bandipur. Bandipur had its heyday in the Rana times (1846-1951), when, as a measure of its power and prestige, it was granted special permission to have its own library (which is still going). Bandipur was earlier settled on by the Magars. But Bandipur today is the cultural mix of different ethnicities and beliefs. The town now is a concoction of various ethnicities like the Bahuns, the Chettris, the Newars, the Damais, Kamis, Sarkis, Kasais, Magars and Gurungs. Easy trails that crisscross the hills lead to impressive caves, hilltop shrines and forts, and vantage points that reward you with spectacular scenery of the mountains and the surroundings. The Siddha Cave is the largest in South Asia. The ruins of the Gadhi fort date back to the 16th century. With its rich cultural heritage, vantage points, unspoiled landscapes and imposing caves, Bandipur is a fun place to go caving, paragliding, rock climbing or hiking. And its seclusion - until now that is - makes it just the idyllic retreat for those trying to escape from their highly stressed out lives. |
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View Lisa's Riveting
Tibetan Summer Slide
Show with Music...
Part
1 then
Part
2
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