As the old year 2080 bids farewell, people eagerly await the arrival of the new year 2081, wondering how they will celebrate it. Some are busy planning to feed the elderly at ashrams, start new businesses, or go on trips. After all, who doesn’t have the desire to spend time in a joyous environment with family during the new year?
The current weather is also considered suitable for traveling and observing the blossoming spring foliage. This time, we have made an effort to provide information about the best tourism destinations in Eastern Nepal for those planning to visit.
Tinjure Milke
Tinjure Milke is one of the outstanding tourism destinations in Eastern Nepal. Compared to domestic and foreign tourists, this region falls under the list of the best tourism spots in Eastern Nepal. While Nepal has 32 species of rhododendrons, 28 species can be found solely in this tourism area, earning it the title of the “Rhododendron Capital.”
This area lies at the confluence of Sankhuwasabha, Tehrathum, and Taplejung districts. In addition to rhododendrons, the blooming Champ trees that turn the entire forest white further enhance the beauty of this region. Specifically, the mid-April to mid-May period is the ideal time to visit, as the blooming rhododendrons transform the Tinjure Milke area into a magnificent sight, resembling a blushing bride.
With the arrival of the spring season, the vibrant rhododendrons captivate everyone’s hearts. The trek from Tehrathum Basantapur to Tinjure Milke can be undertaken. Along the trail, one can witness the Lampokhari, Gufapokhari, and other small and large ponds, which add to the attraction. This area offers a panoramic view of Kanchenjunga, Kumbhakarna, and the Makalu and Chamlang mountains of Sankhuwasabha.
There is transportation connectivity to reach Tinjure Milke. From Dharan, the 67 km journey via Dhankuta to Hile can be completed in a short time, after which one can reach Basantapur. From Basantapur, the Tinjure Milke area begins a few kilometers away at Tute Deurali. Alternatively, one can reach Tute Deurali from the Tumlingtar airport via Chainpur, Mudhe, and Shanischare.
The road from Chainpur to Mangalbare via Madi has also been connected to the Tinjure Milke area. Those coming from the Taplejung side can reach Gufā via Fungling, Dobhan. The dirt road from Basantapur to Gufā up to Jorpokhari has also been constructed. For accommodation, options are available in small markets like Chaukī, Mangalbāre, and Gufā.
Kanyam Tea Garden
Kanyam, the tea garden in Ilam, has recently become the preferred destination for couples seeking to express their love amidst the verdant tea bushes. Daily, dozens of couples can be found enjoying the bliss of love among the tea gardens.
The cool weather of Kanyam, with the sun’s gentle rays filtering through the mist, adds to the charm of the place. Couples often spend their day playing hide-and-seek among the tea bushes, lost in their own world of romance. Visitors from the Tarai region, particularly the youth, flock to Kanyam to escape the heat.
Kanyam’s reputation as a picnic spot is well-established, and it is now gradually gaining recognition as a “love park” for couples. Visitors from the capital and other parts of the country also arrive in Kanyam to revel in the joy of the tea gardens.
Saturdays are especially lively in Kanyam, with hundreds of picnic groups arriving in vehicles, filling the hills with their chatter and laughter. The bustling activity sometimes even disrupts the classes at the nearby Krishna Ashram High School.
Due to the vast expanse of the tea gardens, couples can easily find secluded spots to share their intimate moments, making Kanyam a sort of “love park” for them. “Sometimes, you can spot couples enjoying themselves among the tea bushes,” says a local plantation worker, “and you should just pretend not to see them.”
While this has become a means of tourist attraction, it cannot be viewed as something undesirable. “It needs to be managed properly, but so far, it hasn’t been possible,” says local Kajiman Kāgate.
Alongside Kanyam, areas like Karfok, Pashupati Nagar, and Antul are also gaining popularity as destinations for couples.
The journey starts from the eastern hub of Ithari. After covering the 81.4 km distance through Belbari, Damak, and Birtamod, one reaches Charāli in Jhapa. From there, it’s a 38.4 km drive to reach the tourist town of Kanyam in Ilam. The well-developed road infrastructure and availability of various modes of transportation make it convenient for both private and public vehicles to access this destination.
Pathibhara
Pathibhara, a religious and tourist destination in Taplejung, is globally renowned. Surrounded by towering mountains, this area attracts thousands of devotees annually to witness the Pathibhara Devi temple. Located at an altitude of 3,794 meters above sea level, the temple is blanketed in snow during the months of Poush and Magh.
The world’s third-highest and Nepal’s second-highest mountain, Kanchenjunga, can be seen from here. Kumbhakarna Himal can also be observed. From the Pathibhara temple, one can even view the Makalu Himal, which stands over 8,000 meters tall. The weather is usually clear during this time, making it an ideal season for mountain viewing.
For those residing in the east, the journey can begin by taking a flight from Biratnagar Airport to Suketar. Alternatively, one can travel by bus from Taplejung’s Fungling Bazaar, which is 19.4 km away from the Pathibhara temple. However, due to the current dirt road condition, jeeps are preferred for the final 5-hour uphill trek from Fedī.
Bhedatar
Bhedatar, located just a slight uphill climb from the city of Dharan, can almost instantly make one forget the scorching heat of Chaitra-Baisākh. No special excuse is needed – as soon as there is free time, Dharan’s residents head to “Bhedatar” as their first destination.
Bhedatar Bazaar, situated at the confluence of Dhankuta and Sunsari districts, is only 16 km north of Dharan. While Dharan sizzles under the intense sun, Bhedatar remains cloaked in the veil of clouds, occasionally playing hide-and-seek.
There’s no need for electric fans or air conditioning to feel the chill in Bhedatar. When Dharan residents get a chance, this becomes the destination for people of all ages, from children to the elderly.
The easy accessibility via road and transportation options have also contributed to Bhedatar’s popularity. In addition to the comfortable hotels and restaurants, there are around 2-4 viewpoints in the surrounding area, allowing one to observe the picturesque Himalayan vistas, hills, and the Tarai region.
Situated at an elevation of 1,420 meters above sea level, Bhedatar Bazaar lies within Dhankuta district’s Sagurīgadhi Rural Municipality. It serves as the gateway to Dhankuta district. As one ascends the Nagbelī road from Dharan, the natural beauty starts to soothe the senses, and the coolness becomes palpable.
Upon reaching the Bhedatar Bazaar area, a panoramic view of the Nagbelī Koshi Highway, winding through the lush green hills, captivates the heart. If time permits, one can visit the Simsuwān Maste waterfall, located just a kilometer downhill.
After experiencing Bhedatar, a visit to the nearby Namjē village and the “Spirit of Place” homestay will leave you with a lingering desire to return.
Ever since the American news agency CNN ranked Bhedatar as the 12th best destination in the world, the fame of this village has not faded. In addition to Bhedatar, the historic Sāngurī Gadhi and Pathibhara temple are also must-visit destinations from here.
From Ithari, one can reach Bhedatar by taking a private or public vehicle through Dharan, covering a distance of 22.6 km and enjoying the picturesque views along the way.
Barāhkṣetra
Barāhkṣetra, situated on the banks of the Koshi River in Sunsari district, is a renowned sacred site. Established in 1976 AD, this Barāhkṣetra Wildlife Reserve covers an area of 175 sq km, spanning across the districts of Sunsari, Saptari, and Udayapur.
Recognized as Nepal’s first large Ramsar site in 1987, this reserve is home to 489 species of birds, 219 species of rare Arna (wild buffalo), and even the rare Gangetic dolphin.
The Government of Nepal, aiming to promote community participation in conservation efforts, has declared a buffer zone and formed a Buffer Zone Management Committee. This committee plays an advisory role in the conservation and sustainable utilization of the area’s natural resources, as well as in local community development.
World Wetlands Day and the National Bird Festival are celebrated annually within this reserve.
Taltalaiya
Taltalaiya, the wetland area located in Ithari, Sunsari, is also considered one of the major tourist attractions in the east. In recent times, it has become a prime destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. Daily, around 300 to 500 people visit this place, and during holidays and weekends, the numbers can swell up to a thousand or more.
The natural beauty and serenity of this area captivate everyone who visits. Taltalaiya has become a popular picnic spot and a preferred getaway, especially for the youth.
Gufāpokharī
Approximately 50 km of blacktopped road from Dhankuta leads to the Basantapur Bazaar of Tehrathum. From there, a 5 km dirt road trek followed by a 5-hour hike through the rhododendron forest brings one to Gufāpokharī. Primarily, those interested in observing the diverse rhododendron species and other biodiversity visit this area.
Situated in Sankhuwasabha’s Nundhāki-9, Gufāpokharī lies at an elevation of 2,890 meters above sea level.
Maipokharī, Ilam
Maipokharī is located 13 km north of the district headquarters. Rare indigenous lichens, tree frogs, Thakthake, and over 300 species of birds can be found in Maipokharī. Situated at an elevation of 2,121 meters, the Maipokharī wetland covers an area of 2 hectares within a 12-hectare sensitive biodiversity zone.
Several hotels have opened up in Maipokharī, and one can stay in the hotels in the nearby Deurālī Bazaar, just 1 km away.
Halesi Mahadev
The renowned Halesi Mahadev temple, a cherished religious site in the east, is located in Khotang. This temple is the center of faith for Hindus, Buddhists, and Kirants.
Large fairs are held here during Balāchaturdasī, Rāmanavamī, and Shivarātri. The temple is situated 40 km west of the Diktel district headquarters. Buses are available from Udaypur’s Katari up to Ghurmiī, from where one can trek to the Halesi Mahadev temple.
These are some of the outstanding tourism destinations in eastern Nepal that are worth visiting during the new year celebrations. With accessible transportation and accommodation options, these places offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual experiences to welcome the new year 2081.