Ilam, in the hills of eastern Nepal next to Darjeeling, is famous for its tea gardens, which roll over the green hillsides in neat terraces. It is a peaceful, little-visited corner of Nepal, with misty forests, sacred lakes and sunrise views of Kanchenjunga.
Quick answer: Ilam is about 3–4 hours by road from Bhadrapur airport (about 45 minutes' flight from Kathmandu). Visit the tea gardens at Kanyam, watch sunrise from Antu Danda, and see Mai Pokhari. Best time: October–April.
Ilam at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Region | Eastern hills, next to Darjeeling |
| Known for | Tea gardens |
| Highlights | Kanyam, Antu Danda, Mai Pokhari |
| Access | Fly to Bhadrapur, then 3–4 hours by road |
| Best time | October–April |
Things to do
- Walk the tea gardens at Kanyam.
- Sunrise over Kanchenjunga from Antu Danda.
- Visit Mai Pokhari, a sacred lake and Ramsar site.
- Taste and buy Ilam tea.
Trips and guides
Plan your visit
Ilam is perfect for travellers who want a quiet side of Nepal. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.