Darchula District

Darchula occupies the north-western tip of Nepal, bordered by India across the Mahakali River to the west and by Tibet to the north. Baitadi lies to the south and Bajhang to the east. The land rises steeply from the Mahakali valley to the snow peaks of Api Himal, and much of the north falls within the Api Nampa Conservation Area. The headquarters, Darchula, faces the Indian town of Dharchula across the river.

The lower valleys are home mainly to Khas Chhetri and Brahmin communities, while the far north is home to the Byansi people, with their own language, traditions and long history of trade with Tibet. Farming, herding and cross-border work support most households. Travellers come for the Api Nampa area, for pilgrimage sites such as the Malikarjun temple, and for remote trekking towards Api base camp and the upper Mahakali valleys.