Far from the trekking crowds, Ilam in the eastern hills is Nepal's tea country: green slopes of tea bushes, cool air and views towards Kangchenjunga.
Quick answer: Ilam is known for its tea gardens, especially around Kanyam and Ilam town. Watch sunrise at Antu Danda, visit the sacred lake of Mai Pokhari (a Ramsar site) and taste fresh tea. Fly to Bhadrapur and drive up, or travel by road.
Things to do
- Walk through the tea gardens of Kanyam and Ilam.
- Visit a tea factory and taste orthodox teas; see our Nepali tea guide.
- Sunrise from Antu Danda, with mountain views on clear days.
- Mai Pokhari, a sacred wetland lake.
- Look for red pandas in eastern forests; see red pandas in Nepal.
Getting there
Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, then drive into the hills. See hotels in eastern Nepal.
Best time
October–December for clear skies, and spring for fresh tea leaves.
See our Ilam tea garden tour.