Getting There & Away: Bandipur

Air Travel to Nepal

Major Airports & Airlines

Nepal's main international gateway is Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. Pokhara International Airport (PKR) also operates as a growing international hub with limited direct international flights, mainly from regional destinations, and handles numerous domestic connections, especially to Kathmandu.

International & Domestic Carriers

International airlines serving KTM include Nepal Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Thai Airways, Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and China Southern.
Domestic airlines (Kathmandu to Pokhara) include Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines, Saurya Airlines, and Guna Airlines.
Direct flights to Kathmandu are generally from major hubs within Asia and the Middle East. No direct flights from North America.

Flight Availability & Airport Facilities

Flight prices fluctuate with demand, typically higher during Nepal's peak tourist seasons (autumn, spring). Booking well in advance for these seasons often secures better rates. Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) offers basic facilities: duty-free shops, currency exchange, ATMs, cafes, restaurants, and SIM card counters. Taxi services operate outside the terminal.

Transfers & Tips

From KTM, pre-paid or metered taxis to accommodation. Ride-sharing apps like Pathao and InDrive are available.
To Bandipur, first get to a major bus park (Kalanki/Gongabu) for buses towards Pokhara (via Dumre).
From Pokhara International Airport (PIA), taxis and ride-sharing apps are available to Prithvi Chowk for Bandipur transport.

Cheaper Flights

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Flight Comparisons

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Domestic Flight Tip

Book domestic flights for morning departures. Afternoon flights experience delays due to weather conditions.

Land Transportation to Bandipur

Bandipur's Connectivity

Bandipur is approximately 8 kilometers uphill from Dumre, a major junction on the Prithvi Highway.
All road transport to Bandipur involves a stop at Dumre.
Tourist buses operate daily between Kathmandu and Pokhara; inform the conductor to drop you at Dumre.
Local buses are frequent from Kathmandu and Pokhara to Dumre, more economical but less comfortable.

From Dumre to Bandipur

From Dumre, find local buses, microbuses, or shared jeeps for the 8-kilometer uphill road.
The journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Taxis are also available for private transfer.
Self-driving is not recommended for most foreign tourists due to challenging road conditions.
Prithvi Highway can be narrow, winding, and busy, prone to landslides during monsoon season.

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Private Car Hire

For comfort and flexibility, arrange private car hire through reputable hotels or travel agencies in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Driving Safety

Always check local news or consult with your hotel/travel agency for current road conditions, especially during the monsoon.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures & Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes are collected upon departure from Nepal at the airport, as these charges are typically included in your air ticket price.

Timing Recommendations

International Flights from Kathmandu (KTM): Arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure.
Domestic Flights from Pokhara (PKR): Arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure.
Road Travel from Bandipur: Factor in potential traffic delays on the Prithvi Highway.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) offers facilities for departing travelers, including immigration counters, security screening, duty-free shops, and cafes within the departure lounge. Domestic terminals are more basic.

Departure Tips

Allow generous travel time for road journeys, especially during peak hours or monsoon season.
Confirm your onward travel arrangements from Bandipur (bus or private car) the day before your departure.
Local transport schedules from Bandipur to Dumre sometimes vary slightly.

No Sea/River Arrivals

Nepal is a landlocked country, so direct international entry is only by air or overland border crossings.

Road Condition Alert

Road conditions vary greatly; check for landslides and closures during monsoon season (June to August).

Taxi/Jeep from Dumre

For a balance of comfort and cost, consider a tourist bus to Dumre, then a local shared jeep to Bandipur.

Transportation Tips

Flight Booking Insights

Timing Your Flights

Peak seasons (Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr) have highest demand and prices.
Lower prices are often found in low season (Jun-Aug, Dec-Jan) due to weather.
For domestic flights, morning departures are preferred to avoid weather delays.

Local Transport Savvy

When you arrive at Dumre, the highway junction for Bandipur, you will find local buses, microbuses, and shared jeeps readily available for the 8-kilometer uphill journey to Bandipur Bazaar.

Getting to Bandipur Center

Local buses and microbuses run frequently during daylight hours.
Shared jeeps offer a quicker, more direct ride, departing when full.
Agree on the fare before starting your journey, especially with taxis.

Safety & Navigation

Road Safety

Roads can be challenging; self-driving is not recommended for most foreign tourists. Always check local news for current road conditions, especially during monsoon season.

Airport Transfers

From Kathmandu (TIA) or Pokhara (PIA), pre-paid taxis or ride-sharing apps (where available) are the most convenient ways to reach your city accommodation.

Departure Planning

Allow ample time for airport procedures (3 hours for international, 1.5-2 hours for domestic) and potential road delays when planning your departure from Nepal.

Travel Planning Tip

Your journey to Bandipur will likely involve flying into Nepal's main airports and then taking a bus or private vehicle. The town's location on a spur road off the Prithvi Highway makes road access straightforward from either Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Getting There & Away