Ilam Tea Garden and Kanchenjunga Sunrise Tour
The Ilam tea garden tour takes you to the green hills of eastern Nepal, next to Darjeeling, for four days of tea, mountains and quiet villages. Fly to Bhadrapur, drive up into the hills to walk among the tea bushes of Kanyam, taste fine Ilam tea at a factory or estate, watch the sun rise over Kanchenjunga from Antu Danda, and visit the sacred lake of Mai Pokhari.
Graded easy, it suits couples, families, photographers and tea lovers. Flights, private transport, guide, hotels, breakfasts and dinners are included.
Trip highlights
- Tea gardens of Kanyam and Ilam
- Tea tasting at a factory or estate
- Sunrise over Kanchenjunga from Antu Danda
- Sacred lake and wetland of Mai Pokhari
- Quiet, rural eastern Nepal
Short itinerary
View detailed itineraryIlam Tea Garden and Kanchenjunga Sunrise Tour overview
Quick answer: this tour takes 4 days from Kathmandu, with flights to Bhadrapur, and costs from US$590 per person. The best time is October–April, when sunrise views of Kanchenjunga are clearest.
Ilam produces some of Nepal's finest orthodox teas, grown on steep, misty hillsides at similar altitudes to neighbouring Darjeeling. Few international visitors come here, so you'll see a gentle, rural side of Nepal far from the trekking crowds. Read our Ilam place guide.
At a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days |
| Access | Flight Kathmandu – Bhadrapur, then 3–4 hours by road |
| Highlights | Kanyam tea gardens, Antu Danda sunrise, Mai Pokhari |
| Grade | Easy |
| Best time | October–April |
| Cost | From US$590 per person |
Day-by-day itinerary
What’s included
Included
- Flights Kathmandu – Bhadrapur – Kathmandu
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu
- Private vehicle in eastern Nepal
- Licensed, English-speaking guide
- Hotels and tea estate guesthouse (3 nights)
- Breakfast and dinner
- Tea tasting and entry fees
- All government and local taxes
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Hotels in Kathmandu
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide and driver
Useful info
Views
Kanchenjunga views are clearest from October to March, early in the morning.
Weather
Ilam is mild most of the year and often misty; mornings are cold in winter.
Packing list
- Warm layer for sunrise
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain jacket
- Camera
- Sun hat and sunscreen
Add-ons & trip options
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More options, quoted on request:
- Koshi Tappu birdwatching combination.
- Pathibhara Temple extension.
- Homestay night in a tea village.
Frequently asked questions
4 days from Kathmandu.
Fly to Bhadrapur, then 3–4 hours by road.
Yes, from Antu Danda on clear mornings.
From US$590 per person.
October–April.
Yes, directly from estates and shops in Ilam.