Hiking to Ancient Newari Villages

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Bandipur - Ramkot - Bandipur
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £ 174.- per person (excluding flights)

Take a breather from the tourist trail in a sleepy mountain village flanked by snowy peaks. Trek between forested hills and rocky cliffs, meeting the friendly locals as you walk. You’ll stay in a small hotel packed with atmosphere, wander past kids playing in the streets and lie back in the grass for a picnic complete with panoramic views. Bandipur is a brilliant place to get off the beaten path for a few peaceful days at the foot of snow-tipped Himalayan peaks. With a gentle pace and welcoming Newari people, you’ll feel at home in no time.

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 through Bandipur’s dusty streets to the Thani Mai Temple, perched on a hilltop with fantastic views over both the mountains and the town itself.