Chainpur
Teeming with history

Chandra Kumar Phuyal

Nepal is a country well known for not only its Himalaya mountains but also very attractive places like Chainpur, Baneshwor Danda etc.

which are scattered all over Nepal.

Chainpur, the heart of Sankhuwasava district of Koshi zone, is a beautiful place with the mountains as the backdrop and high green hills on its lap. Most of the green inviting hills are still virgin but some of them have been turned into cultivation spots. Chainpur has been well-known for its scenic beauty and lively culture. The budding education and developing health services have never been better but is hardly being realised. The people, nature, culture and the handicraft of the people all make Chainpur a place to remember. Chainpur is well-known in making Karuwa (a kind of jug) which is made by the local people, especially by Shakya Community and is bought by foreigners also. You are guaranteed good prices.

Chainpur is essentially different and has nothing in common with all that surrounds it. The physical qualities and geographic location of Chainpur is simply superb and unique. Chainpur, with an altitude of about 6,000 ft above sea level, lies at a vantage point where it overlooks the world’s fifth highest mountain, Makalu, which is at a height of 8,463m towards the northern side. It also includes the fascinating and wonderful sight of Arun valley towards the south-western side which is well known as "Bird Bank" where you can find more than 440 species of birds, among them 16 species of the birds are rarely found. Similarly 150 kinds of butterflies, 25 kinds of rhododendrons, 67 kinds of herbs, 25 kinds of orchids: 48 kinds of wild roses, 47 kinds of Sunakhari, 24 kinds of fish and 17 kinds of bamboos are found. Likewise, some neat little villages with lush green fields merging into the Piluwa river towards Southern side. Siddhikali, the holy temple in eastern Nepal is situated on its head. People from all walks of life and of all ages visit the sacred spot seeking progress and prosperity. The journey of Chainpur is not considered to be successful, if the visitors do not reach up to Siddhakali. Moreover, to make the journey more successful, the visitors have to reach Pokhari Bazar, Siddha Gupha (Siddha Cave) and Milke Danda (Milke Hill) to lose themselves in the fascinating scenes of the flowering rhododendrons and have a glimpse of Pathivara Temple from Milke Danda. The half hour easy walk to the western side of Chainpur is pleasant for the visitors due to the beautiful hills and meadows of Baneshwor Danda which is a Natural Park. At the bottom of the hill, a temple is located where, every Shiva Ratri, a great fare is held for it is believed that this is the dwelling place of lord Shiva. Suprisingly, there is a wonderful pond by the temple, where colourful fishes can be seen.

Although Chainpur is away from any motorable road, the visitors enjoy the greenery meadows and the old stylish houses as well as the fascinating scenes of flowering rhododendrons which are seen from the road while walking. There is a motorable road up to Basantapur from Biratnagar, Dharan, Birtamod and also from Kathmandu via Hile. Nevertheless, a motorable road is being built to Chainpur. After getting off the bus at Basantpur, it takes eight or ten hours to reach Chainpur on foot.

Visitors can also fly up to Tumlling Tar where air services are available from Biratnagar and Kathmandu which takes about 40 and 60 minutes respectively. But if you go by aircraft, you will lose the chance of enjoying the bewitching beautiful natural scenes which are seen while going there on foot from Basantapur.

As for religion, Chainpur is a religious place where a large number of temples are present within a small area. The people of Chainpur worship different gods in the festive seasons. Each family even has its own ‘Family God’.

As for education, though people here may be traditional, they seem very much aware of the fact that education is necessary. A college, a high school, 10+2, and other Primary and Lower Secondary Schools and other English Boarding Schools can be found here.

Chainpur is also a small business centre. People seem to be busy themselves in different types of business. Hotels, cinemas, guest houses, etc are all here. People from different villages come here to buy their day to day necessities.

Even though, at first sight, Chainpur looks like an ancient town, the people do live in a modernised environment. It has enough clean drinking water, proper sanitation and medical facilities. A hospital health post as well as a clinic are also available in Chainpur.

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