Ilam is the far eastern district of the country, inhabited
by people of different colors living in peace and harmony.
Neighboring the famous Indian hill town of Darjeeling, it
is situated on the foothills of Mount Kanchanjunga, The third
highest peak in the world. Ilam is adorned with an almost
limitless range of lush-green tea gardens. The rolling hills
covered with tea leaves are simply majestic. The thick white
fogs alternatively descend to veil the gardens and then suddenly
vanish. Greenery prevails all over the hills of Ilam all around
the year. |
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Ilam Tea Garden located near Ilam Bazaar and Kanyam
Tea Garden located halfway between Terai plain and Ilam Bazaar
are the major gardens of Nepal. |
Principal Sights:
Antu Danda: Antu Danda, situated at an altitude of 1677m
in Ilam District, is famous for its unique views of Everest
and Kanchanjunga. It is the best vantage point for viewing
sunrise and sunset. There is a motorable road from Ilam to
Chhipitar from where one can read Antu Danda on foot. This
exhilarating trekking along the lush green hills takes about
3 hours.
Mai Pokhari: Situated at an altitude of 2438 meters, Mai
Pokhari is a famous place of pilgrimage in Ilam district.
Lying at about thirteen kilometers north of Ilam Bazaar, this
beautiful place consists of the pond whose circumference is
more than one kilometer. Altogether there are nine ponds in
the area some of which are large enough for boats. This place
becomes alive every year during 'Harisayam Ekadashi' when
a one-night fair is held. This place is a famous picnic spot
for nearby people Mai Pokhari can be reached in four hours
from Ilam Bazaar in jeep. On the way are the villages of Chureghanti,
Bakhaute, Dharapani and Hasbire Bhanjyang, which offer commanding
views of the snowy peaks towards north.
Getting There: Ilam is linked by a fine
metalled road with the East-West Highway of Nepal. Pashupatinagar,
situated at northern boarder of Ilam, is an important entry
point for travelers from Sikkim, Darjeeling and Mirik. Darjeeling,
a famous hill station of India, is just two hours drive from
Pashupatinagar. There are regular bus services to Pashupatinagar
and Ilam from Kathmandu and Biratnagar.
Accommodation: There are a number of hotels
and lodges in Ilam.
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