Chainpur

Chainpur is a historic town and municipality in Sankhuwasabha District, situated on a ridge overlooking the Arun River valley. It has a long history as a trading centre on the salt trade route between Tibet and the Indian plains. Today it serves as an administrative centre and market town for the surrounding rural area, with impressive views of the Himalayan peaks including Makalu.

The climate is subtropical highland with warm summers, a monsoon from June to September, and cool winters. The best time to visit is March–May or September–November.

By Plane

Tumlingtar Airport (TMI) is the nearest airstrip, about 25 km north-west. Flights from Kathmandu (45 minutes) serve this airstrip. A taxi or jeep from Tumlingtar takes about 1 hour.

By Train

No train service.

By Car / Road

Chainpur is connected by road to Khandbari (20 km north) and Hile (80 km south). Local buses and jeeps run from Biratnagar and Hile.

The town is walkable. Shared jeeps connect Chainpur to Khandbari and Tumlingtar.

• Makalu Views – The mountain dominates the northern skyline on clear days.
• Chainpur Bazaar – Traditional hill market with local produce.
• Arun River – The deep valley of the Arun is visible from viewpoints around town.

Explore the historic salt-trade route. Short treks to nearby villages. Bird-watching in the Arun River valley.

• Chainpur Hotel Restaurant – Nepali meals in the bazaar area.
• Local dal bhat shops – Rs 200–400.

Tea shops and small bars. Bottled water recommended.

• Budget: Local lodges – Rs 500–800. Basic rooms.
• Mid-range: Hotel Chainpur – Rs 1000–2000. Simple but clean accommodation.

Local produce, cardamom, ginger, and traditional crafts.

• Khandbari (20 km north) – Gateway to Makalu Barun National Park.
• Tumlingtar (25 km north-west) – Mountain airstrip town.
• Makalu Barun National Park (30 km north) – Biodiversity hotspot and trekking destination.
• Hile (80 km south) – Scenic hill station on the ridge road.