Tumlingtar – Riverside Calm, Quiet Trails & Gateway to Makalu

About Tumlingtar

Tumlingtar is a small town in Sankhuwasabha District, located in Koshi Province in eastern Nepal. It sits between the Arun River to the east and green mid-hills to the west. What makes Tumlingtar unique is that it is home to one of Nepal’s few flat lands in the hills — a long, wide plateau that forms a natural runway. This flat terrain is rare in a country dominated by rugged landscapes.

The town has gained modest recognition because of Tumlingtar Airport, which serves as a base for travelers heading toward Makalu Base Camp, Khandbari, and other trekking regions. While most visitors land and leave quickly, the town itself has more to offer if you slow down.

People here belong to mixed communities including Rai, Limbu, Brahmin, Chhetri, and Newar. The diversity adds flavor to local festivals, cuisine, and hospitality.

History of Tumlingtar

Tumlingtar's history is tied to the development of eastern Nepal’s hill towns and its strategic location by the Arun River. It was historically a trading point for salt, grains, and livestock between highland and lowland communities.

The name “Tumlingtar” comes from a combination of words: "Tumling" meaning a flat hill and "tar" meaning a river plain. The airport was built here precisely because of the flat terrain, making it one of the longest airstrips in Nepal's hilly regions.

In the past few decades, Tumlingtar has served as a growing hub for rural administration, regional logistics, and now, slow travel for those looking to explore Sankhuwasabha without the rush.

Top Places to Visit in Tumlingtar

1. Arun Riverbank
   The river is calm here, and the banks are perfect for morning walks, stone skipping, or quiet reflections. You’ll often find locals fishing or washing clothes.

2. Tumlingtar Airport Viewpoint
   One of the few places where you can watch small planes land and take off while surrounded by hills. It’s a fascinating spot for aviation enthusiasts.

3. Chhyangkuti View Tower
   A short hike from Tumlingtar bazaar, this tower offers panoramic views of the Arun valley and surrounding hills. Early morning is the best time for photos.

4. Manakamana Temple
   Not to be confused with the famous Manakamana in Gorkha, this small local temple in Tumlingtar is a quiet religious site with regular footfall during festivals.

5. Khandbari Town
   About a 45-minute drive or jeep ride uphill, Khandbari is the district headquarters of Sankhuwasabha and has more developed facilities, markets, and viewpoints.

Things to Do in Tumlingtar

1. Explore the Local Bazaar – Small shops sell everything from fresh produce to trekking gear. Good for picking up last-minute essentials.

2. Try Fishing in the Arun River – Local boys and men are often seen catching fish using nets or traditional traps. Join them or just observe.

3. Walk to Nearby Villages – Villages like Baluwatar and Baneshwor offer authentic Nepali rural life. Watch farmers tending to fields or women weaving.

4. Photography – The surrounding hills, river, and even the airport make for unique compositions. Sunset near the river is a favorite spot.

5. Talk to Locals – People are welcoming and curious. Spend time chatting in tea stalls and you’ll walk away with stories.

What to Eat in Tumlingtar

Tumlingtar’s food is a delightful mix of local eastern flavors and classic Nepali dishes. Many homes and eateries use fresh river fish and locally grown vegetables.

1. Rohu Fish Curry – Freshly caught from the Arun River, cooked in light tomato gravy with mustard oil.

2. Dhindo with Gundruk Soup – Millet or cornmeal porridge served with fermented leafy greens. Local and filling.

3. Sel Roti and Aloo Tarkari – Often served during festivals or for breakfast, this is a local favorite.

4. Tongba (Millet Beer) – Traditional Rai and Limbu fermented drink served warm in a wooden container. Best enjoyed in colder months.

5. Chhurpi and Yak Cheese – Common in homes with livestock. Try chewing chhurpi — it's like a hard candy made of dried cheese.

Snacks include roasted peanuts, boiled corn, and chiura with curd. For dessert, try “Puwa” – a sweet fried flour and sugar mix made during rituals and festivals.

Where to Stay in Tumlingtar

Tumlingtar has basic but sufficient accommodation. Most lodges cater to domestic travelers or trekkers heading toward Makalu.

1. Hotel Arun Valley View – Close to the airport, with clean rooms and good dal bhat.

2. Everest Lodge & Restaurant – Popular with trekkers. Basic rooms with attached bath.

3. Local Guesthouses – Ask in town for homestays or smaller guesthouses for a more personal touch.

Tip: Carry cash and your own towel/toiletries. Facilities are simple but generally clean.

Travel Tips for Tumlingtar

1. Best Time to Visit – October to April. The skies are clear, and roads are dry.

2. Carry Cash – ATMs exist but may not always work. Most places don’t accept cards.

3. Internet – NTC works better than Ncell. WiFi is limited but available in some lodges.

4. Transportation – Shared jeeps and local buses run from Dharan and Itahari. You can also fly from Kathmandu.

5. Weather – Warm during the day, cool at night. Bring a light jacket.

6. Trekking Permits – If heading to Makalu Base Camp or protected areas, permits are required. Prepare in advance.

7. Dress Modestly – Especially in rural or riverside areas.

8. Avoid Night Travel – Road conditions may be unpredictable after dark.

Hidden Gems Around Tumlingtar

1. Baluwatar Village – Just a short walk north, this quiet village has rice paddies, friendly locals, and great views.

2. Bamboo Forest Trails – Some paths from the town cut through thick bamboo forests — ideal for shaded walks.

3. Sunrise from Dhunge Danda – A lesser-known hilltop that offers gorgeous sunrise views without the crowd.

4. Fishing Spots at Mulpani – Locals gather here with nets and rods. A serene riverside escape.

5. Old Gurung House Museum (informal) – Some locals have maintained old-style wooden houses with clay walls and traditional interiors.

Useful Local Phrases

• “Namaste” – Hello

• “Khana khanu bhayo?” – Have you eaten?

• “Yo kati ho?” – How much is this?

• “Tapai kaha bata aunu bhayo?” – Where are you from?

• “Ramro cha!” – It’s nice

• “Pheri bhetaunla” – See you again

Most people will try to help even if they don’t speak English well. A smile and respectful gesture go a long way.

How to Get to Tumlingtar

• By Air:
  Daily flights from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar Airport (approx. 40 minutes). Operated by Tara Air, Summit Air, and Nepal Airlines. The airport is 5 minutes from the bazaar.

• By Road:
  Kathmandu → Dhankuta → Hile → Tumlingtar via Koshi Highway (takes 12–14 hours by bus or jeep). Bumpy but scenic.

• Local Travel:
  Rickshaws, motorbikes, and jeeps. Some trails are walkable between villages.

Final Thoughts

Tumlingtar might not be on your Nepal bucket list — and that’s what makes it special. It’s a quiet, grounded town that moves at its own pace. Here, airplanes take off near rice fields, old women sell bananas by the road, and fishermen cast nets in the river just as they’ve done for decades.

It’s the kind of place where you can just sit, breathe, and let the world be. No crowds, no rush, just small moments — a bird on a bamboo branch, the warmth of tongba in the evening, a shared laugh with a stranger.

If you're looking for a base to explore the east, or just somewhere real to rest your feet, give Tumlingtar a chance. You might just leave with more stories than you expected.