Bandipur is a small town located halfway between Kathmandu and Pokhara. There are no direct buses going to Bandipur. So first you will have to take a bus to Dumre and then change in Dumre to go to Bandipur. Dumre can be reached easily by any bus operating between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Then, Bandipur is about 30 minutes by bus from Dumre. Read on for information on how to take the bus to Bandipur.

Looking for things to do in Bandipur? Check out the best things to do in Bandipur.

How to Buy the Bus Ticket

• Through your hotel/hostel: just ask at your hotel’s reception and most likely they will be able to arrange the bus ticket for you.
• At a travel agency
• Online using the eSewa: read my guide here on how to book bus tickets on the eSewa App
• At the Bus Park

What’s the Price of the Bus Ticket

• Tourist Bus: Rs. 1,200 – 2,000
• Local Bus: Rs. 800
• Minivan: Rs. 750

How to Travel from Kathmandu to Bandipur By Bus

Getting from Kathmandu to Dumre

To get to Bandipur, first you will have to take a bus to Dumre. Getting to Dumre is fairly easy as you just have to take a bus that goes from Kathmandu to Pokhara. All these buses stop in Dumre, which is the closest town to Bandipur. Usually, you have to buy the full price ticket as if you were going all the way to Pokhara – it is not possible to buy a ticket only up to Dumre.

Getting from Dumre to Bandipur

By Bus: It takes about 30 minutes by bus and costs Rs. 100.

By Taxi: It takes about 15 minutes by taxi and costs Rs. 600.

How Long is the Bus Journey to Dumre

It takes about 6-7 hours to reach Dumre from Kathmandu. Once you get to Dumre, you have to take another bus to Bandipur. 

Where to Get on the Bus in Kathmandu

The buses to Pokhara (thus, Dumre and Bandipur) go from the Sorhakhutte (near Thamel) Bus Stop. It is right next to Thamel, only a few minutes’ walk away.

Where to Get on the Minivans in Kathmandu

Every morning there are also minivans going towards Pokhara from Lotse Mall (Gongabu Bus Park/Naya Bus Park). If you take the minivan, you can book the ticket the day before or you can even just show up in the morning. If you just show up in the morning, you may not be able to get a good seat in the minivan but rather just be assigned to a seat that is still available.

How to Travel from Pokhara to Bandipur by Bus

Getting from Pokhara to Dumre

If you are travelling from Pokhara, you will have to get on the buses that go towards Kathmandu. Get off the bus in Dumre and then change to another bus to Bandipur. It will take about 4 hours to reach Dumre from Pokhara. Then, another 30 minutes from Dumre to Bandipur. Generally, you have to pay for the full ticket price when you book the bus ticket from Pokhara to Kathmandu, and then get off at Dumre.

Where to Get on the Bus in Pokhara

The tourist buses all leave from the Pokhara Tourist Bus Park. It is about 30 minutes’ walk from Lakeside or you can also grab a taxi. The buses leave around 7 am in the morning.

Getting from Dumre to Bandipur

By Bus: It takes about 30 minutes by bus and costs Rs. 100.

By Taxi: It takes about 15 minutes by taxi and costs Rs. 600.

How to Travel from Chitwan to Bandipur by Bus

Getting from Chitwan to Dumre

If you are travelling from Chitwan to Bandipur, then you will have to take a bus that’s going from Sauraha to Pokhara. Then, about half way through, you have to get off at Dumre. Dumre is the closest town to Bandipur on the highway, and from Dumre you can easily get a bus going to Bandipur.

Where to Get on the Bus in Sauraha (Chitwan)

The buses leave every morning around 7 am from the Sauraha Tourist Bus Park.

Getting from Dumre to Bandipur

Once you get to Dumre, from there, Bandipur is just a short bus ride away. By bus it takes about 30 minutes to reach Bandipur. There are also options to take a taxi.

By Bus: It takes about 30 minutes by bus and costs Rs. 100.

By Taxi: It takes about 15 minutes by taxi and costs Rs. 600.