Arjun Adhikari

The Trip to Bandipur

From Kathmandu, it takes about 5-6 hours to reach Bandipur by bus or jeep. The time of travel really depends on the traffic. The drive is beautiful, but the road conditions are poor, especially right outside of Bandipur. Read: It is not a good idea to eat too much before the ride!

The Hospital

The hospital building has about 6 rooms, a lab with an X-Ray machine, and a pharmacy. Most of all, be prepared for primitive conditions. The hospital has a delivery table and an in-patient room with beds. The hospital needs furniture, meds, supplies, lab equipment, and American volunteers like you!

A Short Introduction to Bandipur

Bandipur is in the western development region of Nepal, called the Gandaki zone, and in the eastern part o the Tanahu district. When looking at a map of Nepal, one can find Bandipur by focusing on central Nepal. It is 165 km from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and 70 km from Pokhara, one of the most beautiful cities in Western Nepal. Although Bandipur is a small town in the hills, it is one of the 9oldest settlements in Nepal. Bandipur is about 1200 meters above sea level and the climate is almost perfect throughout the year. The town is famous for its beautiful Himalayan views, wonderful natural scenery, and the many different birds that are found in the region.

Bandipur was the capital of the Tanahun district 25 years ago. Since the creation of the Prithvi highway, which links Kathmandu and Pokhara, the capital was moved to Damauli, which is 20 km from Bandipur. Still, there are a few government offices located here, such as the district hospital, the post office, the police post, the military campayurveda, and the public communications office (international telephone). The town has been linked to the Prithivi highway at Dumre, which is about 7 km long and situated to the north of Bandipur.

In the Tanahun district, there are primary schools and a girls lower secondary school, Bhanu Secondary school, which was established 41 years ago. The name “Bhanu” was taken from a pioneer poet, Bhandu Bhakata Acharya who was from Chudi Ramgha, Thanahun. There is also a special school, “Notre Dame” Secondary School, which is run by Missionary Sisters from Japan and the United States. It was established in 1986 and is known for its quality education.

Bandipur is famous for citrus farming, goat raising, and slate mining (especially for roofing and paving). Because of the fine climate and convenient environment, the town is a very suitable spot for health and educational development. You can see many ancient temples, bearing very elaborate wood carving and idols. Recently , a huge cave was found in a forest 3 km from Bandipur, and was named ‘Bandipur Gupha’.

A number of people are migrating to Bandipur daily. More than 80 families have moved here from Baglung, Mayadgi, and Garung. Mayar families from surrounding villages are also attracted to the town and have started to settle here. The people of Bandipur want to improve their town by using new and improved farming methods, increasing tourism, prompting the educational and health care center, establishing cottage industries, and extending the road and linking the town to the surrounding village development committees, such as Deurali VDC and Dharampani VDC, etc. The people here are friendly, helpful, and most of all want to establish better living conditions for their society. Due tot ht poor economic situation of the country, they are unable to do so. Despite all this it is important in Bandipur to have good relations with the outside world.