Banke
Nepalgunj's bazaars and the vibrant cultural crossroads of the west
Banke is home to Nepalgunj, one of the largest cities in western Nepal and a key commercial and transport crossroads near the Indian border.
Nepalgunj's airport serves as the main air gateway to Bardiya National Park and much of remote Karnali Province further north.
The city's bazaars and mixed Nepali-Indian trading culture reflect its position as a border crossroads rather than a single-attraction destination.
Curated Experiences
Our journeys in Nepal.
Culture
People & Culture
Banke's population blends Muslim, Hindu and Tharu communities in a genuinely mixed border-city culture, with Nepalgunj's bazaars reflecting centuries of trade across the open Nepal-India border. This cultural crossroads gives Banke a different character from the more homogenous hill or Terai farming districts elsewhere in Lumbini Province.
Activities
Things to Do
Explore Nepalgunj's bazaars and border-town culture
Use Nepalgunj Airport as a gateway to Bardiya or Karnali Province
Experience Banke's mixed Nepali-Indian trading heritage
Visit Banke National Park, tiger reserve forming Nepal's Western Terai Complex together with Bardiya National Park
Visit Bageshwori Temple, banke district's oldest temple, in the centre of Nepalgunj
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
October, November, February, March
Other Districts in Lumbini Province
Stories from Banke
All guides