Chakhewa Bhanjyang (चखेवा à¤à¤¨्ज्याङ) — Where Bhojpur Meets Khotang and the Mundhum Trail Begins
A ridge pass at about 2,350 metres, now reachable by blacktop on the Mid-Hill Highway, is turning from a roadside stop into a base for Temke Danda and one of eastern Nepal's newest cultural treks.
Chakhewa Bhanjyang is a hill pass in Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality, on the Bhojpur–Khotang border in eastern Nepal. It sits at roughly 2,300–2,350 metres, about 40–42 km from Bhojpur Bazaar by a blacktopped road along the Mid-Hill Highway. It is the starting point of the Mundhum Trail and the base for the hike to Temke Danda, a religious hilltop about 8 km away.
Where Exactly Is Chakhewa Bhanjyang?
A bhanjyang is a pass between two hills, and this one marks a real border: Bhojpur district on one side, Khotang on the other. Administratively it belongs to Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality in Bhojpur.
The Mid-Hill Highway runs close by, which explains the recent change. A place that travellers once crossed on the way somewhere else is now being planned as a stop in its own right.
- District
- Bhojpur (border with Khotang)
- Local government
- Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality
- Province
- Koshi Province
- Road
- Blacktop, near Mid-Hill Highway
- Known as
- Gateway to the Mundhum Trail
- Nearest big town
- Diktel (about 46 km)
Spelling Varies — Search All of These
English and Nepali sources spell the place and its municipality in several ways. They all refer to the same area.
The Numbers Don't Agree — Here's the Best Reading
Different sources give slightly different figures. Rather than pick one quietly, here is what each says and what is best supported.
| Detail | What sources report | Best reading | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altitude of Chakhewa | 2,351 m (rural municipality, via Khabarhub and Ratopati, 2025); about 2,300 m (trekking operators, Film Board) | Roughly 2,300–2,350 m | Good |
| Distance from Bhojpur Bazaar | About 40 km (municipality, 2025); 42 km (operators, Film Board) | 40–42 km by road | Good |
| Temke Danda summit | 3,010 m (operators); about 3,100 m (one stock-photo caption) | About 3,000 m | Fair |
| Walk to Temke Danda | About 8 km (Film Board); 2.5 hours uphill (operator) | Roughly 2–3 hours uphill | Fair |
| Where the Mundhum Trail starts | Chakhewa (most sources); Halesi (one operator) | Chakhewa is the usual start | Fair |
Most trekking-operator material is promotional, so treat it as indicative. Check locally before you travel.
How to Reach Chakhewa Bhanjyang
| From | Route and distance | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bhojpur Bazaar | About 40–42 km by road; roughly 2 hours by bus or car | Municipality (2025); Film Board |
| Diktel | About 46 km by road | Operators |
| Kathmandu | About 313 km via Khurkot and Diktel | Film Board listing (older) |
| Dharan | About 203 km via Bhojpur | Photo-agency travel note |
Plan for the weather. The road is reported as blacktopped as of mid-2025, but this is a high ridge road. Ask your driver or local office about current conditions, especially in the monsoon, and allow extra time.
Three Reasons to Stop
Views, tea and local food
Visitors come for the ridge scenery and to sample local cuisine. The pass is small, so think of it as a slow stop rather than a full-day sight.
Temke Danda
A hilltop about 8 km away, known for a temple and a narrow cave linked to a meditating yogi. Fairs are held at Shivaratri, Bala Chaturdashi and Ram Navami. Operators name Everest, Lhotse and Makalu among the views.
Rai heritage trail
The trail through these villages is promoted for its Kirat Rai culture and local food. Visit with respect, ask before photographing people, and prefer homestays that keep income local.
The rural municipality has said it wants to turn Chakhewa into a hub for tourism, culture and heritage, with a large cultural museum, a park and a cultural study centre planned. Its vice-chair has said fairs and festivals are held through the year to promote the area. Treat the museum and park as plans, not finished attractions, until you see them yourself.
Where the Trek Begins
Chakhewa is the usual starting point of the Mundhum Trail. Operators describe an easy ridge-walk through Kirat villages, explored with support from the Nepal Tourism Board and TAAN.
- Start
Chakhewa (about 2,300 m)
Overnight in local lodges or homestays. Many itineraries add a side hike to Temke Danda.
- Day trek
Chakhewa to Dhotre (about 2,752 m)
A long walking day through rhododendron forest, according to one operator.
- Ridge villages
Maiyung, Rawa Dhap, Salpa Bhanjyang
Salpa Bhanjyang is listed at about 3,348 m on the Film Board's page.
- High point
Silichung and Hans Pokhari
Silichung is listed at about 4,153 m, near the sacred lakes the trail is known for.
- Finish
Bhojpur Bazaar
Full circuits are sold as 8 to 14 days depending on the operator.
Go deeper: our guide to the Mundhum Trail Trek covers the trail's Kirant oral tradition and the Salpa Silicho lake area.
Where to Stay, When to Go, What to Pack
Stay. Chakhewa has local lodges and tea houses, and one 2026 operator listing names the Gothesingh Homestay. Along the trail, lodging is mostly family homestays and community lodges with basic rooms. Temke Danda itself was listed as having no hotel and no electricity in an older Film Board entry, so assume you will return to Chakhewa to sleep.
When. Spring and autumn are the seasons operators usually recommend for the trail. I found no official seasonal guidance specific to Chakhewa, so check forecasts and ask locally.
- PermitOperators say a TIMS card is the main requirement because the trail is outside national parks. Confirm current rules with TAAN or the Nepal Tourism Board.
- LayersAt 2,300 m and above, evenings are cool, and the higher ridges are colder still.
- CashRural areas may have limited card and ATM access. Carry enough cash.
- Local hostsBook homestays through the municipality or a local operator so income stays in the village.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Chakhewa Bhanjyang?
It is a hill pass on the Bhojpur–Khotang border in Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality, Koshi Province, eastern Nepal, near the Mid-Hill Highway and about 40–42 km from Bhojpur Bazaar.
How high is Chakhewa Bhanjyang?
The rural municipality's figure, reported in 2025, is 2,351 metres. Trekking operators usually say about 2,300 metres. Both are consistent with a pass at roughly 2,300–2,350 metres.
What is Chakhewa Bhanjyang known for?
It is known as the gateway to the Mundhum Trail, the base for hikes to Temke Danda, and an emerging stop on the Mid-Hill Highway with views, local food and Kirat Rai culture.
How far is Temke Danda from Chakhewa?
About 8 kilometres, according to the Nepal Film Development Board. Operators describe roughly 2.5 hours of uphill walking to a summit of around 3,000 metres.
Where does the Mundhum Trail start?
Most sources and operators start the trail at Chakhewa Bhanjyang. One operator describes Halesi as the start, so check your itinerary.
Can you stay overnight at Chakhewa?
Yes. Local lodges, tea houses and a homestay are listed in operator itineraries. Facilities are basic, so confirm availability beforehand.
Is the road to Chakhewa paved?
Reports from mid-2025 describe the road from Bhojpur district headquarters as blacktopped. Conditions on high ridge roads can change, so check locally, especially during the monsoon.
Do I need a permit for the Mundhum Trail?
Trekking operators say a TIMS card is the main requirement, since the trail is outside national park areas. Rules can change, so confirm with TAAN or the Nepal Tourism Board.
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