Ilam Tea Garden Trek

6 Day(s)

Overview The Ilam Tea Garden Trek also offers a captivating journey through the lush and picturesque landscapes of Ilam, a serene district located in the eastern part of Nepal. Nestled amidst the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, this trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Starting from the charming town of Ilam, the trek takes adventurers on a mesmerizing trail through verdant tea gardens, rolling hills, and quaint villages. The trekking route is also adorned with terraced tea plantations that carpet the hillsides in shades…

Overview

The Ilam Tea Garden Trek also offers a captivating journey through the lush and picturesque landscapes of Ilam, a serene district located in the eastern part of Nepal. Nestled amidst the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, this trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Starting from the charming town of Ilam, the trek takes adventurers on a mesmerizing trail through verdant tea gardens, rolling hills, and quaint villages. The trekking route is also adorned with terraced tea plantations that carpet the hillsides in shades of vibrant green, creating a soothing visual spectacle. The fragrant aroma of freshly plucked tea leaves fills the air as trekkers traverse the winding paths, connecting with the tranquil surroundings.

As trekkers ascend higher, the panoramic views become more awe-inspiring, revealing the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in the distance. Along the way, you’ll encounter friendly locals, predominantly from the ethnic Rai and Limbu communities, who warmly welcome travelers into their homes and share their traditions, cuisine, and way of life. This cultural exchange adds a unique dimension to the trek, making it a holistic experience.

The trek typically spans around 5 to 7 days, with moderate difficulty levels suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The accommodations range from rustic guesthouses to homestays, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle. The highlight of the journey is often the sunrise view from Maipokhari, a pristine lake surrounded by dense forests, where the first rays of the sun paint the Himalayan peaks with hues of pink and gold.

Conclusion and Summary

The Ilam Tea Garden Trek not only offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature and appreciate its beauty but also provides insights into the traditional farming practices and cultural diversity of the region. It’s also a chance to escape the urban chaos and find solace in the serene hills, lush tea plantations, and the warm hospitality of the local communities. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure that combines breathtaking scenery and cultural enrichment, the Ilam Tea Garden Trek is an ideal choice.

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Trip Highlights

The Illam Tea Garden Trek is a scenic and adventurous journey that takes you through lush green tea plantations, stunning waterfalls, and charming villages in the Illam district of Nepal. Here are some of the highlights of the trip:

Scenic Tea Gardens: Illam is known for its tea gardens that are spread across the rolling hills, and the trek takes you through some of the most scenic ones. The tea gardens are a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers, with panoramic views of the hills and valleys.
Kanyam Tea Estate: Kanyam Tea Estate is one of the most popular tea estates in Illam, known for producing high-quality tea. The trek takes you through this estate, where you can learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea.
Mai Pokhari: Mai Pokhari is a stunning lake located at an altitude of 2438 meters. The trek takes you through dense forests and scenic landscapes to reach this serene lake, surrounded by hills and lush greenery.
Waterfalls: The trek takes you through several stunning waterfalls, including the popular Siddha Pokhari waterfall, which is over 60 meters tall.
Charming Villages: The Illam district is home to several charming villages, each with its unique culture and traditions. The trek takes you through some of these villages, where you can interact with the locals and learn about their way of life.
Panoramic Views: The Illam Tea Garden Trek offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.

Overall, the Illam Tea Garden Trek is an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-do for any trekking enthusiast.

Itinerary

Upon your arrival at Illam, you will be welcomed by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the nearby areas and enjoying the scenic beauty.

After breakfast, we will start our trek from Illam towards Kanyam. The trek will take around 6-7 hours and will take you through beautiful tea gardens, traditional villages, and lush green forests. Once we reach Kanyam, we will set up our tents and spend the night there.

We will start early morning for Sandakpur, the highest point in Illam. The trek will take around 7-8 hours and will take you through beautiful rhododendron forests and stunning mountain views. Once we reach Sandakpur, we will set up our tents and spend the night there.

After breakfast, we will start our descent towards Manebhanjang. The trek will take around 4-5 hours and will take you through beautiful forests and scenic landscapes. Once we reach Manebhanjang, we will check into our hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, we will drive back to Illam. You can spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the nearby areas and enjoying the scenic beauty.

After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.

This itinerary is just a suggestion and can be customized as per your preferences and requirements. The trekking route and duration can also be adjusted based on your fitness level and interests.

What's Included

1. Airport Pick-up and Drop Off,
2. Licensed and trained trekking guides,
3. potters for carrying goods and supplies,
4. Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) basis during the trek
5. 3 Nights Accommodation in the 3/4/5 Star Hotel in Kathmandu with B & B. (Bed
& Breakfast) & Other Destination Based on Trekking Area.
6. All accommodation during the trek.
7. All meals and hot beverages during the trek.
8. Transportation to and from trail head.
9. All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
10. National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Insurance, and equipment for the staffs.
11. Coordination of quick Rescue service (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)
12. Trekking staffs wages etc.
13. 1 hr. trekker massage after your trek.
14. Welcome and Fare well dinner in a Nepali Cultural Dance restaurant in Kathmandu.
15. Trekking Duffle Bag
16. Trekking Staff Insurance of $10,000 Per Person.
17. Trekking Map, T-shirt, and Trekking certificate.
18. Exclusive of Medical Kit Bag
19. All Government and local Taxes
20. International Flight ticket re-confirmation.
21. Meals will be Start when your Trek starts.

What's Excluded

1. International Airfares,
2. Travel/Trekking Insurance,
3. Excess baggage charges More than 16kg and hand bag more than 5 kg in
domestic flights.
4. Visa fees.
5. Airport Departure Taxes.
6. Drinks (Cold and Alcoholic) Rescue charge.
7. Tips for The staffs.
8. Expenses of Personnel nature and Permit and Liaison officer fee (where Applicable.
9. Meals during stay in the Kathmandu and Pokhara.
10. Domestic Ticket Etc.
11. Extra Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Trip Information

The Illam Tea Garden Trek is a popular trekking destination in Nepal, located in the eastern part of the country, near the border with India. Here is some information about the trip:

Trekking duration: The trek can be completed in 5-7 days depending on your pace and itinerary.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Illam Tea Garden is from March to May and September to November. During this time, the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.
Trekking difficulty: The Illam Tea Garden trek is considered a moderate trek, suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers. The trek is relatively easy and does not require any technical climbing skills.
Highlights of the trek: The trek offers stunning views of the Himalayan range, including Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. You will also get to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region and interact with the locals.
Trekking route: The trekking route starts from Illam and passes through several tea gardens, villages, and forests. You will trek through beautiful rhododendron forests and cross several mountain streams.
Accommodation: There are tea houses and lodges along the trekking route where you can stay overnight. These accommodations are basic but comfortable and offer basic amenities like hot water, electricity, and Wi-Fi.
Permits and fees: You will need a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card and a Sagarmatha National Park permit to trek in the area. These can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or through a registered trekking agency.
Trekking guides and porters: Hiring a guide and porter is recommended for the Illam Tea Garden trek. They can help you navigate the route, carry your backpack, and provide valuable information about the region and its culture.

Overall, the Illam Tea Garden trek is a great choice for those who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas and the rich culture of Nepal in a relatively short amount of time.