Khandbari

Khandbari is the district headquarters of Sankhuwasabha District, situated at 1,100 m in the Arun River valley of eastern Nepal. It serves as the main gateway for treks into the Makalu Barun National Park, one of the most biodiverse protected areas in Nepal. The town is surrounded by terraced hillsides and offers impressive views of the Himalayan range including Makalu, the world's fifth-highest peak.

The climate is subtropical highland with warm summers, a monsoon season from June to September, and cool winters. The best times to visit are March–May and September–November. The town stretches along the Arun River valley with a central bazaar.

By Plane

Tumlingtar Airport (TMI) is the nearest airstrip, about 30 km south-west. Daily flights from Kathmandu (45 minutes) land at this scenic mountain airstrip. A taxi from Tumlingtar to Khandbari costs around Rs 2000–3000 (1.5 hours). Alternatively, charter helicopters are available.

By Train

No train service.

By Car / Road

Khandbari is connected by road to Biratnagar via Hile (150 km, 6–7 hours). Buses run from Kathmandu (overnight via Hile, Rs 1000–1500) and from Biratnagar. The road is winding and subject to landslides during monsoon.

The town is walkable. Shared jeeps and taxis are available for trips to nearby villages and trek starting points.

• Arun River Valley – The deep gorge of the Arun River is one of the most dramatic river valleys in Nepal.
• Makalu Views – On clear days, Makalu (8,485 m) dominates the northern skyline.
• Khandbari Bazaar – Traditional hill market with local produce and trekking supplies.
• Num Village (25 km north) – The trailhead for the Makalu Base Camp trek.

Trek to Makalu Base Camp (challenging, 3 weeks round trip). Shorter treks to local viewpoints and nearby villages are excellent. Bird-watching in the Arun Valley is world-class.

• Hotel Makalu Restaurant – Nepali meals with a view of the valley.
• Local dal bhat shops – Rs 200–400.

Tea shops and small local bars. Bottled water is recommended, or use purification tablets for stream water.

• Budget: Hotel Arun (near bus park) – Rs 600–1000.
• Mid-range: Hotel Makalu, +977 29-540001 – Rs 1500–3000. Comfortable rooms with restaurant.
• Trekking lodges in Num offer basic accommodation for trekkers.

Trekking supplies and local produce. The bazaar is good for cardamom, ginger, and traditional Himalayan crafts.

• Tumlingtar (30 km south-west) – Mountain airstrip town.
• Num (25 km north) – Trailhead for Makalu Base Camp.
• Makalu Barun National Park (30 km north) – One of Nepal's most biodiverse parks.
• Hile (70 km south) – Scenic hill station on the ridge road.
• Chainpur (40 km south-west) – Historic town in the Arun valley.