Sightseeing · Makalu
The Arun Valley & Tumlingtar
The subtropical gateway to Makalu — Tumlingtar's airstrip and the deep Arun river valley that opens the route to base camp.
The Arun Valley around Tumlingtar is the warm, green doorway to the Makalu region — a broad subtropical valley on the Arun, one of the deepest and largest rivers crossing the Himalaya. For almost every trekker, the journey to Makalu begins here, at the Tumlingtar airstrip perched on a terrace above the river.
The gateway to Makalu
Tumlingtar has the nearest airport to the Makalu massif, with short flights from Kathmandu that save days of overland travel. From the airstrip, most groups drive up the valley through Khandbari bazaar to reach the Num and Seduwa trailheads, where the Makalu Base Camp trek sets off on foot. For arrival logistics, see how to get to Makalu.
What the valley is like
Down here the climate is mild and the land is farmed — paddy terraces, banana and citrus, and busy hillside villages of Rai, Limbu and other eastern peoples. The Arun itself rises far away on the Tibetan plateau and slices clean through the main Himalayan chain, giving the valley its remarkable depth and a steamy, lush feel that vanishes as you climb toward the high passes.
Why visit
Even without the full trek, the Arun Valley rewards a slower look. It is genuinely off the beaten path, with terraced farmland, riverside trails and authentic hill towns that see few foreign visitors. A couple of days based around Tumlingtar and Khandbari is an easy, low-altitude way to sample eastern Nepal.
Good to know
- Flights: Tumlingtar's airstrip is weather-dependent; build in buffer days at both ends of a trek.
- Onward travel: Jeeps and buses run up to Khandbari and beyond — see getting around Nepal.
- Climate: The valley floor is warm and humid, so pack light layers for the lowlands and warm gear for higher up.
- Quiet corner: This is classic off-the-beaten-path Nepal; supplies are limited, so stock up in Khandbari.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Tumlingtar?+
Tumlingtar is a small town and airstrip in the Arun Valley of Sankhuwasabha district, eastern Nepal. It sits on a broad terrace above the Arun river and is the main air gateway for the Makalu region.
Why do trekkers come to Tumlingtar?+
Tumlingtar has the nearest airport to Makalu, with flights from Kathmandu. Almost all Makalu Base Camp trekkers fly in here, then drive up through Khandbari to the trailheads at Num and Seduwa.
What is the Arun Valley?+
The Arun Valley is the deep, subtropical valley of the Arun river, one of the largest rivers crossing the Himalaya. Around Tumlingtar it is warm, green and farmed, contrasting sharply with the high country higher up toward Makalu.
Is the Arun Valley worth exploring?+
Yes, especially if you are not doing the full trek. The valley's villages, terraced farms, riverside scenery and the lively bazaar at Khandbari offer an easy, authentic slice of eastern hill Nepal without high-altitude trekking.
