Day 1 – Arrival in Bandipur
You’ll arrive in Bandipur by private car, as there is no public transport to the town. This is all part of the charm. You’ll immediately feel like you’ve stepped back in time – the narrow streets are cobbled and lined on both sides with traditional wooden Newari houses. You’ll stay in a welcoming hotel that mixes local touches with a colonial style. The hotel has a great atmosphere, friendly service, spectacular mountain views and tasty food to boot. It’s also centrally located, but you can quickly wander out of town to see farmers working the land with oxen and women passing by with huge baskets. In the evening, head to one of the small local restaurants in the centre, where you’ll be served a warm welcome.
Day 2 – Guided hike to Ramkot
This morning, you can enjoy an al fresco breakfast. As the morning sun climbs higher, the mist slowly rises from the mountains. Next, you’ll be picked up by a local guide for a hike to the village of Ramkot. As soon as you leave Bandipur, the hills will turn a richer shade of green, with steep cliffs, rocks and tiered terraces. Walking in the fresh mountain air will give you an appetite, so you’ll find a good spot for a picnic, lie back in the grass and soak up the scenery. Crisp mountain air, birds chirping around you – this is mountain life at its very best. After lunch, you’ll hike back to Bandipur.
Day 3 – Departure
After breakfast, your stay in Bandipur comes to an end. If you have time before heading to your next destination you could take a walk to the Thani Mai Temple, perched on a hilltop just above Bandipur. Dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, it’s a place locals visit to pray for protection and good fortune, especially during festivals. The walk up is short but steep, passing through forest and farmland, and is as much part of the experience as the temple itself.
Accommodation
