Sandakpur Rural Municipality is one of the rural municipalities of Illam District Koshi Province Nepal located in the Northern part of Illam District. It was formed after promulgating the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nepal in 2015.

It was formed by merging the former Village Development Committee (VDCs) Maimajhuwa, Sulubung, Mabu, and Jamuna and ward no 4 and 9 of the former Maipakhari VDC. Sandakpur Rural Municipality is the 133rd smallest local level in terms of population and 477th smallest in terms of area among 753 local levels of Nepal.

The center of Sandakpur Rural Municipality is located in Mabumode, Deuralibazar located in ward 1 and 3. Sandakpur Rural Municipality is a place of immense cultural, religious, geographical, environmental, and biological diversity, making it a unique and valuable part of Nepal.

There are several legends surrounding the naming of this rural municipality, each with its own local interpretations. According to one popular tale, in ancient times, sages and saints meditated on a particular hill, where one saint was believed to have attained enlightenment and was buried by snow at that very spot. This event led to the hill being called “Santpur,” which over time, evolved into “Sandakpur,” as locals now call it. The Sandakpur Hill, located at an elevation of 3,636 meters above sea level, lies on the border between Ward No. 2, Maimajhuwa, and Ward No. 4, Mabu. From this hill, one can enjoy breathtaking views of various mountain ranges, witness sunrises, and observe the natural beauty and biodiversity of the area. Because of its significance as a famous tourist destination, the rural municipality was named after this Sandakpur hill. On the Nepal-India border, Sandakpur is known as Sandakphu on the Indian tourist map. The word “Sandakphu” comes from the Lepcha language, meaning a precious medicinal herb found in high-altitude regions. Some locals believe that the name “Sandpur” is derived from this original term, “Sandakphu.”