ILAM
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. 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.
Access
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.
