Bandipur to Ramkot Hike: An Easy Half-Day Hike

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ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHORT HIKE FROM BANDIPUR?

I have heard a lot about Ramkot village so when I visited Bandipur, I definitely wanted to check it out. I went on a solo hike to Ramkot and here is everything you need to know for the hike to Ramkot.

The Bandipur to Ramkot hike is an easy and short half-day hike. The hike from Bandipur to Ramkot Village is about 6 km one-way (12 km round trip). It is possible to hike one-way in about 1.5 hours, spend some time in Ramkot and then hike back to Bandipur in another 1.5 hours.

The village of Ramkot is really worth visiting if you would like to experience authentic Nepali village life. It is an easy hike, although it can get very hot and sunny on the trail. Ramkot also has beautiful views of the Himalayas, so the best time to hike to Ramkot is when the weather is clear.

Bandipur to Ramkot Hike

Where Does the Trail Start to Ramkot Nepal?

The trail starts at the Ramkot Road, just a few minutes walk from Bandipur Bazaar. After you pass Bandipur Bazaar (in the direction of Thani Mai), continue to go straight towards the direction where the buses to and from Dumre stop. After you pass by the “bus stop”, you will see the sign to turn left to get on the road towards Ramkot.

First Section of the Trail

• Duration: approximately 1 hour of walk

The first part of the path is basically the Ramkot Road connecting Ramkot and Bandipur. I expected that it would be a proper hiking trail but it is more just like a dirt road.

Luckily the road is very quiet and barely has any traffic. When I went, it was very quite, mostly school kids on their way to school. However, it can get a bit dusty on the odd chance that a car drives by.

On the bright side, you get nice views of the mountains and hills along the way. 

➡️ Prefer to go with a guide? Book a one-day hiking trip from Bandipur to Ramkot here!

The Second Section of the Trail: The “Upper Hiking Trail”

• Duration: Approximately 30 minutes of walk

After about 1 hour of walk on the Ramkot Road, you have two choices:

1. Continue the walk on the Ramkot Road or
2. To go on the “upper trail” which is more like an actual hiking trail.

How to Locate the “Upper Hiking Trail”?

It is easy to miss the path towards the upper trail – or at least it was easy for me to miss. I found it was not well marked on maps.me.

In case you miss the trail and keep walking on the dirt road, no worries, as you will still end up in Ramkot. If this happens, you can take the upper trail on the way back to Bandipur – it is much easier to get on the upper hiking trail coming from Ramkot.

If you follow maps.me, this is the point where you will have to get on the upper hiking trail:

There are no signs but the path to the right is the one you will have to take to get on the hiking trail. There are not much landmarks to go by, other than a big tree and a tiny little creek as you start going up.

I preferred much more the upper hiking trail. I felt more in the nature and although it is an easy hike, it was more adventurous than just walking on the road.

Offline Maps for the Hike

Maps.me or Mapy.cz are two of the best maps you can use offline for hiking or trekking in Nepal. Make sure to download the map for the Bandipur-Ramkot area so that you can follow the trail even if you are offline.

Maps.me:

• Maps.me on Google Play
• Maps.me on the Apple Store

Mapy.cz:

• Mapy.cz on Google Play
• Mapy.cz on the Apple Store

Can I Complete the Hike Solo?

Yes, it is totally safe to hike to Ramkot on your own. The jeep road (Ramkot Road) leading to Ramkot is easy to follow and not possible to get lost.

The path is also marked by bright pink circles and arrows to mark the path towards Ramkot. 

Tips for the Hike

• Take plenty of water and a packed lunch with you.
• Take sunscreen with you. For most part of the trail, you will be walking in areas that are not covered by any shade and you will be directly in the sun. 
• The trail to Ramkot can also be reached from the Great Mini Wall near Thani Mai in Bandipur. I suggest that if you go to see the sunrise in Thani Mai, it is possible to hike down the Great Mini Wall and then get on the path towards Ramkot. If you choose to do this, just make sure you have food and water with you as there are no restaurants or tea houses on the way to Ramkot.

Things to Do in Ramkot Nepal

Ramkot is a small village and is mostly visited to see authentic village life.

The main ethnic group in Ramkot belong to the Magar ethnic group and traditionally Magar people used to build circular houses.

However, as of today, only one circular house remains in Ramkot. Check out my complete guide to Ramkot Village here.

FAQ: Bandipur to Ramkot Hike

Bandipur to Ramkot Hike Distance

Ramkot Village is 6 km away from Bandipur. Most of the trail follows the Ramkot Road and it can be completed in 1.5 hours one-way. It is a great half-day activity, if you leave early morning, you can be back to Bandipur by lunch time.

Bandipur to Ramkot Hike Difficulty

The hike from Bandipur to Ramkot is an easy one. It can be completed by complete beginners and also if you have a low fitness level. The route is mostly flat and can be completed even solo.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bandipur to Ramkot hike is an easy, half-day hike. Most of the trail follows the Ramkot Road, which is a jeep road from Bandipur to Ramkot.

The distance from Bandipur to Ramkot is 6 km and can be hiked in about 1.5 hours one-way. The hike is easy and can also be completed solo.

Once you get to Ramkot, you will have beautiful views of the Himalayas (especially, from the far, back end of the town!).

Ramkot is a small town inhabited mainly by the Magar ethnic group. Magar people traditionally built circular houses, of which by now, only one circular house remains in Ramkot. Make sure to check it out.