Town or village
Chainpur
An old Newar hill bazaar in Sankhuwasabha, long known for its brass and copper metalwork.
खाँदबारी
Khandbari
The ridge-top headquarters of Sankhuwasabha district above the Arun valley, and the road gateway to the Makalu region.
- Altitude
- -*
- Best months
- Mar-May, Oct-Nov
- Type
- Town or village
- District
- Sankhuwasabha, Koshi
- Permit
- None needed
Higher seasonal exposure: landslides (Jun-Sep).
Why go
Khandbari is the headquarters of Sankhuwasabha district in Koshi Province, set on a ridge on the east side of the Arun valley in north-eastern Nepal. It is the largest town in the district and a busy market for the surrounding hills, with a long main street of shops, offices, schools and simple hotels. Below it, the Arun river cuts one of the deepest valleys in the Himalaya on its way south from Tibet.
For travellers, Khandbari is best known as a gateway. The trek to Makalu Base Camp and into the Barun valley of Makalu Barun National Park traditionally begins in this area, after a flight to Tumlingtar airport in the valley below or a long road journey from the Terai. Many trekking groups pass through Khandbari to complete park formalities, buy supplies and pick up transport towards the road heads further north.
The town itself is relaxed and pleasant for a night. Walks along the ridge give views over the Arun valley and terraced hillsides, and on clear days the higher ranges to the north appear, including the Makalu massif in good conditions.
History and culture
Sankhuwasabha is a diverse district, and Khandbari reflects that mix. Rai and Limbu communities, part of the Kirati peoples of eastern Nepal, live alongside Sherpa, Gurung, Tamang, Newar, Chhetri, Brahmin and other groups. Newar traders established many of the older bazaars of the district, while Kirat traditions, Buddhist practice in the higher villages and Hindu festivals all shape the cultural calendar.
The Arun valley has long been a corridor for trade between the plains and Tibet, and Khandbari grew as a market and administrative town serving that route and the farming villages around it. In more recent decades, road construction northwards along the Arun towards the Tibetan border and the development of hydropower projects on the river have brought rapid change, and the town has expanded as a result.
Things to do in Khandbari
Ridge walk
Walk along the ridge in the early morning for views over the Arun valley.
Trek preparation
Stock up on supplies and arrange transport here before heading north on the Makalu Base Camp trek.
Bazaar life
Spend time in the main market street, where farmers from surrounding villages trade on busy days.
Visit Chainpur
Make a trip to the old bazaar of Chainpur to the south, known for metalwork.
Weather and the best time to visit Khandbari
Weather in Khandbari
Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Mar-May, Oct-Nov
- Jan
- Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Good month: Apr
- Good month: May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- October and November are clear and dry, the main trekking season for the Makalu region.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is dry and cool in town but cold in the high mountains, where treks are limited.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March to May is warm, with rhododendrons on the higher ridges and a second trekking season.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to September is wet, with leeches on the trails and frequent landslides on the roads.
Where to stay
HotelsGuesthouses
Several simple hotels and guesthouses in the bazaar, used by trekking groups, traders and officials.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar in the Arun valley and drive up to Khandbari, or travel by road from the eastern Terai via Dharan and the hill towns.
Nearest hub: Tumlingtar
- flightKathmandu to Tumlingtar by small aircraft, then a short road journey up to Khandbari.
- roadBuses and jeeps run from Dharan, Itahari and Kathmandu to Khandbari; the journey is long and parts of the road are rough.
- jeepJeeps continue north from Khandbari towards the road heads for the Makalu trek.
Permits and fees
None needed
No permit is needed to visit Khandbari. Trekking into Makalu Barun National Park requires a park entry permit.
- Makalu Barun National Park entry permit: Needed only if you continue into the national park; check the current fee and where it is issued.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.
Risks and conditions
Seasonal risks around Khandbari
What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.
Landslideshigh in a typical yearJun-Sep
Monsoon rain causes frequent landslides on roads in the Arun valley and the hills around Khandbari.
Road blockagesmoderate in a typical yearJun-Sep
Roads north of Khandbari towards the Makalu trailheads can be cut by landslides or washouts in the monsoon.
Check current conditions before you travel
Roads, trails, passes and flights change with the weather and with roadworks, and nothing on this page describes conditions today. Before you set off, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather and flood warnings, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal for incidents, and the local authority, police or your licensed operator for road, trail and flight status.
Practical tips
- Banks and ATMs are available in Khandbari; carry enough cash for the trek beyond, where there are none.
- Buy last supplies here before heading north on the Makalu trek.
- Allow buffer days for weather delays on flights to Tumlingtar.
- Mobile signal is generally good in town but fades on the trek.
Questions about Khandbari
Where is Khandbari?
Khandbari is the headquarters of Sankhuwasabha district in Koshi Province, on a ridge above the Arun valley in north-eastern Nepal.
Is Khandbari the start of the Makalu Base Camp trek?
It is the main town on the approach; most trekkers pass through it after flying to Tumlingtar and then continue by jeep towards the trailheads.
Do I need a permit for Khandbari?
Not for the town, but a Makalu Barun National Park permit is needed to trek into the park.
How do I get to Khandbari?
Fly to Tumlingtar and drive up, or take a long bus or jeep journey from the eastern Terai.
Nearby
Valley or region
Barun Valley
A glacier-carved valley in Makalu Barun National Park, leading through forest and high pasture to the foot of Makalu.
Temple, monastery or heritage site · 1,346 m
Halesi-Maratika Caves
A limestone cave temple in Khotang held sacred by Hindus as Halesi Mahadev, by Buddhists as Maratika, and by the Kirat Rai as an ancestral place.
Town or village · 310 m
Dharan
A lively foothill city where the plains meet the Mahabharat hills, with hilltop temples, Gurkha heritage and the road up to Bhedetar.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-08. Sources: Khandbari, Wikipedia, Sankhuwasabha District, Wikipedia, Makalu Barun National Park, Wikipedia, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation