ILAM Nepal
1 470,00 €
As the major tea-growing region of the country, the rolling hills of Ilam are layered with a thick coat of tea bushes, and everywhere you turn, there is unbroken greenery that’s so pleasing to the eye that it touches your very soul.
Why Ilam Should Be on Your Nepal Itinerary?
This easy and unique trek takes you in far eastern Nepal, close to the Indian border. All around are endless hills covered with tea bushes and villages scattered around, where tourists are rarely encountered. Meet the Limbu people who dominate the region and enjoy a landscape completely engulfed in green. Amidst the endless green bushes, admire the colours of the rhododendron flowers that bloom in spring
- Nepal Country
- Hiking and trekking Thématique
- Moderate Difficulté
- 12 days Duration
- 7 days Hiking days
- Yes Guide
- Homestay, Hôtel, Lodge Hébergement
- Kathmandu → Flight to Kathmandu Departure / Arrival
Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu and check in at the hotel. Rest and visit.
Catch a flight to Bhadrapur in the Tarai (plains). Transportation by jeep or local bus to Phikal. We are now in the Ilam district. – the tea Capital of Nepal. Darjeeling is on the other side of the border. Walk right through the middle of a tea plantation.
Drive to Phidim. Take a short walk through a village before we continue on to the village of Jorsale by vehicle.
Trek in tropical conditions on the banks of the Tamor River which we cross before making a steep ascent to Chuhandanda.
The inhabitants of this region are predominantly Limbu but there are also various other ethnic groups spread around the district. Walk through typical villages of the east and savour the greenery of peaceful Ilam. Trek to Musegaira.
A day dedicated to local school visits, meetings with students and teachers. Enjoy lunch chatting with teachers in a school.
Today’s hike takes us to Khamlalung via Sakranti Bazaar, the most important village in the region. We then climb up the hills from where we enjoy breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas: Kumbhakarna and more. Trek on the green ridges before arriving at Khamlalung.
Hiking up what looks like a wild path, we come across a rhododendron forest before reaching Gufa Pokhari, the highest point on this trek at 3000m.
This will be the last day of our trek. Once again, we encounter simple villagers and smiling children of many different ethnic groups here in the far east of rural Nepal.
Travel by jeep or local bus to Biratnagar driving through spectacular scenery. Catch a flight to Kathmandu from Biratnagar Airport. Transfer to the hotel and late afternoon: free time.
Take a guided tour of the old city of Bhaktapur and the famous stupa of Boudha with an English speaking cultural guide in a private vehicle.
Transfer to TIA (Kathmandu Airport) for the return journey. Arrival at destination the following day.
Practical Info
– In Kathmandu, we use hotels of good category *** well located in the centre of Kathmandu. – The stay in Kathmandu is always done in a B&B to give you your choice of restaurants that offer you traditional and continental cuisine according to your choices. – During the trek, you will be on full board and accommodation according to the itinerary.
What is included
- All the transfers in private vehicle according to program
- 3 Nights in hotel Holy Himalaya or Similar in Kathmandu on BB Basis
- Trek in Full Board in Lodges and Homestay according to program
- English Speaking Trekking Guide entire Trek
- Porter for 2 pax and Trekking Assistant from 4 Pax carry 13 Kg per person during trek
- 1-day visit in Kathmandu with cultural Guide and vehicle
- Domestic Airport Tax – Flight Kathmandu
- Bhadrapur & Biratnagar
- Kathmandu (339 US$)
What is not included
- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
- Extra Cargo more than 13 kg/person
- Visa on Arrival ($30 + Photos)
- Entrance fees during visit the sites in Kathmandu
- International flight
- Insurance Detail needed
- Tips, personal expenses, drinks, Sleeping Bag, etc....
FAQ
Rarely visited by tourists, this trek in eastern Nepal near Darjeeling is ideal in the cool season and open to all travellers seeking authenticity. It winds through the gentle hills of the eastern Terai, without excessive altitude, with easy stages and green landscapes. Here you walk to the rhythm of nature, between remote villages and open views of the Himalaya.
The Ilam region is nicknamed “Nepal’s Darjeeling”, famous for its tea gardens stretching as far as the eye can see. You will discover every stage of tea growing, meet the pickers at work and share moments with the inhabitants in a soft, misty atmosphere. A soothing immersion among plant scents and local flavours.
This journey invites you to share the daily life of the Limbu, a mountain people with a preserved way of life. Thanks to our guide, a native of the region, every village stop opens a door onto a discreet culture marked by animist traditions, ancestral rituals and a sincere, warm homestay welcome.
On clear days, the trek’s trails offer splendid views of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the world’s third-highest peak, as well as the Kumbhakarna massif. These high-mountain panoramas can be admired from ridges and flower-filled plateaus, among giant rhododendrons, for a gentle visual journey far off the beaten track.
