# 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 facts
- **Destination:** Nepal
- **Duration:** 4 days
- **Difficulty:** Easy
- **Activity:** Cultural tour
- **Max altitude:** About 2,300 m / 7,546 ft (Antu Danda)
- **Best season:** Oct–Apr
- **Group size:** 1–12 people
- **Accommodation:** Hotels and tea estate guesthouses
- **Meals:** Breakfast and dinner in Ilam
- **Price:** from US$590 per person
- **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/ilam-tea-garden-tour
- **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=ilam-tea-garden-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](/places/ilam).

### At a glance

FactDetailsDuration4 daysAccessFlight Kathmandu – Bhadrapur, then 3–4 hours by roadHighlightsKanyam tea gardens, Antu Danda sunrise, Mai PokhariGradeEasyBest timeOctober–AprilCostFrom US$590 per person

## 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

## Day-by-day itinerary
### Day 1: Fly to Bhadrapur, drive to Ilam
Morning flight to Bhadrapur and drive into the hills via Kanyam's tea gardens to Ilam.
_Altitude: 1,200 m · Meals: Dinner · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 2: Ilam tea and Mai Pokhari
Visit a tea factory or estate for tasting, then drive to Mai Pokhari, a sacred lake surrounded by forest.
_Altitude: 2,100 m · Meals: Breakfast, dinner · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 3: Antu Danda sunrise and Kanyam
Pre-dawn drive to Antu Danda for sunrise over Kanchenjunga, then walk the tea gardens at Kanyam.
_Altitude: 2,300 m · Meals: Breakfast, dinner · Overnight: Tea estate guesthouse or hotel_

### Day 4: Drive to Bhadrapur, fly to Kathmandu
Drive down to Bhadrapur and fly back to Kathmandu.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_

## What is 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 information
### 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

## Frequently asked questions
### How long is the Ilam tour?
**4 days** from Kathmandu.

### How do I get to Ilam?
Fly to **Bhadrapur**, then 3–4 hours by road.

### Can I see Kanchenjunga?
Yes, from **Antu Danda** on clear mornings.

### How much does it cost?
From **US$590 per person**.

### When is the best time?
**October–April**.

### Can I buy tea?
Yes, directly from estates and shops in Ilam.