Trip Highlights
- An exclusive tour of Nepal from Far East to Mid-West Himalayas
- Exciting panoramic flights and scenic drives around high green hills
- Explore the sea of tea-garden at Ilam in the shade of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
- Enjoyable thrill of jungle safari in Asia’s best Chitwan National Park.
- Beautiful Pokhara enriched with natural beauty of Himalayas and lakes.
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Hotels in Kathmandu / Pokhara / Chitwan and in Local Home-Stay at Kanyam.
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Leisure with Moderate short walks
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Sightseeing tour, scenic flights, exciting drives and walks with jungle safari
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Nepal Far East and Mid-South to Mid-West around Kaski district
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08 Nights & 09 Days beyond Kathmandu
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12 Nights & 13 Days from arrival to departure
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1
Short Outline Itinerary
Ilam Tea Garden & Scenic Cultural Tour is an exclusive journey of great scenic and cultural combination, as well as educational. Where visitors can learn and observe the ancient heritage of farm life, enriched with age-old culture.
Ilam Tea Garden & Scenic Cultural Tour covers Nepal’s best part of the country from the eastern to mid-west Himalayas. Extends towards Nepal Mid-South towards the lower warmer Terai belt of Chitwan, where deep green tropical jungles are located.
A journey observing various faces and cultures of Nepal from the foothills of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Annapurna Himalayas.
The areas around the hills of Ilam Bazaar, Kanyam, and Mai Pokhari are the least visited region by outside visitors. Makes this trip more special from untouched areas by visitors to the main flow of tourist destinations of scenic Pokhara.
Apart from the main highlighted Tea Garden of eastern Nepal, the tour extends towards beautiful Pokhara city around Nepal Mid-West. The wonderful journey continues heading down south to Chitwan, regarded as Asia’s best national park.
An excellent way to experience Nepal’s beautiful countryside, from farm villages and towns of Ilam. Where Nepal’s best tea is grown.
Within its amazing wide tea gardens in the close backdrop, of the world’s third-highest Mt. Kanchenjunga. Ilam town, popularly called Ilam Bazaar the gateway to various Himalayan destinations, like Kanchenjunga base camp. As well as famous Darjeeling the queen of hill stations located in North-East India, popularly known for its sea of tea gardens.
Within Ilam are great places to visit besides its lovely tea fields. The tour takes you to the famous pilgrimage site at Mai Pokhari a serene holy pond, located in tranquil surroundings.
After an interesting time around Ilam and Kanyam Tea Estate, the tour takes you to Nepal Mid-South. Around sub-tropical temperatures where dense green jungles of Chitwan are located, Asia’s best place for a wildlife safari. Enjoying an exciting thrill riding on an elephant back on the lookout for endangered mammals like Royal Bengal Tiger.
Including other wild animals and exotic birds of different species, then on the road to scenic Pokhara city. Located on a verdant valley enclosed by green hills with a grand vista of Annapurna Himalayas reflecting on its lovely lakes.
Pokhara is a renowned tourist destination in Nepal, and probably around the world, a city of great charm and beauty. Where visitors can explore its natural wonders of scenic lakes, stunning sunrise, and waterfalls.
Facing close views of massif Annapurna Himalayan peaks with majestic Machhapuchare Himal the famous Fish Tail peak.
At Pokhara after a marvelous visit around places of great interest, and then flying back to Kathmandu. On concluding our great wonderful journey ‘Ilam Tea Garden & Scenic Cultural Tour’.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Altitude: 1,350 m/ 2,821 feet. Overnight: Tourist standard Hotel at Kathmandu. Meals Included: Welcome Group Dinner.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa.
Altitude: 1,350 m/ 4,428 ft. (Kathmandu) Meals: Breakfast only.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Fly to Bhadrapur and drive to Pashupatinagar and Kanyam Tea Garden.
Altitude: 1,468 m/ 4,816 feet at Kanyam.
Approx. 45 minutes flight and 5 hour drive.
Overnight: Home Stay huts / cottage.
Meals Included: Breakfast-Lunch on route and Dinner in Kanyam village.
Day 04: Observe Tea harvesting at Kanyam.
Altitude: 1,468 m/ 4,816 feet at Kanyam.
Activities: Observe Tea Harvesting and Tour of Tea Factory.
Overnight: Home Stay huts / cottage.
Meals Included: Breakfast-Lunch on route and Dinner in Kanyam village.
Day 05: Drive to Ilam Bazaar.
Altitude: 800 m/ 2,625 feet at Ilam town. Approx. 02 hrs.
Activities: Observe Tea Harvesting and Tour of Tea Factory.
Overnight: Home Stay huts / cottage.
Meals Included: Breakfast-Lunch and Dinner in Ilam Town.
Dar 07: Drive to Mai Pokhari, and Bhadrapur.
Altitude: 2,100 m / 6,890 feet at Mai Pokhari Approx. 02 hrs.
Activities: Observe the holy pond and surrounding and drive to Bhadrapur.
Distance. 92 k.m. / 58 miles to Bhadrapur from Ilam Bazaar.
Overnight: Hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast-Lunch and Dinner.
Day 08: Flight to Kathmandu & continue to Bharatpur / Chitwan.
Altitude: 415 m/ 1,361 feet. Approx. 25 minutes flight to Bharatpur.
Overnight: at tourist standard Hotel in Chitwan near National Park.
Meals Included: Breakfast next morning, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 09: At Chitwan.
Altitude: 415 m/ 1,361 feet. Activities. Jungle programs, elephant safari.
Overnight: at tourist standard Hotel in Chitwan near National Park.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 10: Drive to Pokhara.
Altitude: 860 m/ 4,428 feet. Approx. 05 hour drive.
Overnight: at tourist standard Hotel in Pokhara near Phewa Lake side.
Meals Included: Breakfast next morning.
Day 11: At Pokhara.
Altitude: 860 m/ 4,428 feet.
Overnight. Tourist standard Hotel in Pokhara near Phewa Lake side.
Activities: Tour of Sarankot and natural wonders of Pokhara.
Meals Included: Breakfast only.
Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu.
Altitude: 1,350 m/ 4,428 ft. (Kathmandu) Approx. 30 minutes flight.
Activities: Free afternoon at leisure. Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
Meals Included: Breakfast only. Lunch and Dinner personal expenses.
Day 13: In Kathmandu.
Altitude: 1,350 m/ 4,428 ft. (Kathmandu)
Activities: Singing Bowl Therapy.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
Meals Included: Breakfast only. Lunch and Dinner personal expenses.
Day 14: Final International Flight Departure for Homeward Bound.
Meal Included: Breakfast Only.
Detailed Itinerary
Altitude: 1,350 m/ 2,821 feet. Overnight: Tourist standard Hotel at Kathmandu. Meals Included: Welcome Group Dinner.
On first arrival in Kathmandu at Nepal International Airport received by our staff and guide, with warm Nepali traditional welcome. After getting organized and then a short transfer to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu city.
At the hotel check into your lovely rooms with refreshing rest after a jet-leg. Then join in with other members of the group, for briefing at meeting halls or garden.
Our guide and leader will provide you with useful information regarding the tour, standard of local lodge, foods and so on. If in doubt, can ask questions to make yourself at ease, after briefing enjoy the dinner in a typical Nepalese Restaurant.
Altitude: 1,350 m/ 4,428 ft. (Kathmandu) Meals: Breakfast only.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
Morning after a hearty breakfast, as per the time informed by our guide and staff our tour guide will meet. A short drive and walk in the heart of Kathmandu city, where the famous old Durbar Square located. An ancient palace and courtyard of earlier kings from Malla to former Shah Period. Interesting areas adorned with temples and old palace, as well with resident of famous Living Goddess the Kumari. Includes a temple of Kasthamandap, where Kathmandu name derived from, meaning a temple built from the wood of a single tree.
The temples and monuments of Durbar Square, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After an interesting tour, a short drive leads west of the city to another famous landmark of Nepal. The Swayambhunath Stupa of Buddhist monuments, located on a hillock, one can enjoy views of Kathmandu city and the valley.
The Stupa one of the oldest in Nepal and probably in the world of more than 2,600 years of history. After an impressive morning tour back to hotel, rest of the day preparation for the wonderful Ilam Tea Garden & Scenic Cultural Tour.
Altitude: 1,468 m/ 4,816 feet at Kanyam.
Approx. 45 minutes flight and 5 hour drive.
Overnight: Home Stay huts / cottage.
Meals Included: Breakfast-Lunch on route and Dinner in Kanyam village.
Morning as time for flight to Bhadrapur airport, transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for scenic 45 minutes flights. During air enjoy tremendous views of Himalayan range of peaks with Mt. Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. As aircraft lands at Bhadrapur airport, located Nepal Far South Eastern Terai belt within sub-tropical climate.
From Bhadrapur, an interesting drive on four wheels towards hill of Ilam town and beyond reaching Pashupatinagar town. Which is a border town between Darjeeling/ India and Nepal.
On drive overlooking views of wide field covered with Tea Garden, as drive continues further to Kanyam Tea Estate. A warm traditional welcome by the villagers, than transfer into a nice cottage for overnight halt.
Enjoy the evening interacting with the local villagers and having typical Nepali meals in a homely environment.
Altitude: 1,468 m/ 4,816 feet at Kanyam.
Activities: Observe Tea Harvesting and Tour of Tea Factory.
Overnight: Home Stay huts / cottage.
Meals Included: Breakfast-Lunch on route and Dinner in Kanyam village.
Morning catch the views of distant snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga with rolling green hills, and sea of Tea Garden.
Having simple breakfast and tea of local product, enjoying the best flavor of Ilam tea. Our local guide will take you for an excursion around the tea garden of Kanyam. Exploring the rural farm villages, an interesting place to observe local villagers plucking tea leaves in the bamboo baskets.
The tour leads to Tea Estate Factory, where the fresh tea is processed and packed for sale and export. Where you can buy or the factory will presents with a small chest of tea. Enjoy the evening at Kanyam Home-Stay cottage entertains with folk cultural programs of Eastern Nepal.
Altitude: 800 m/ 2,625 feet at Ilam town. Approx. 02 hrs.
Activities: Observe Tea Harvesting and Tour of Tea Factory.
Overnight: Home Stay huts / cottage.
Meals Included: Breakfast-Lunch and Dinner in Ilam Town.
Morning departing with ceremony of farewell from the village community of Kanyam Tea Estate villagers. An exciting scenic drive of few hours through garden of tea bushes and pine trees.
Reaching Ilam Bazaar for lunch and overnight stop in the comfort of a nice simple lodge. Ilam most famous district of Nepal for the production of tea. It is also widely famous for six major cash crops and it is also known as the district of ‘6’. Which is Potato, Cardamom, Ginger, Red Round Chilly, Milk and broom grass.
Altitude: 2,100 m / 6,890 feet at Mai Pokhari Approx. 02 hrs.
Activities: Observe the holy pond and surrounding and drive to Bhadrapur.
Distance. 92 k.m. / 58 miles to Bhadrapur from Ilam Bazaar.
Overnight: Hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast-Lunch and Dinner.
Last day around Ilam, morning few hour drive to famous pilgrimage site at Mai Pokhari. Drive leads uphill on rough country road, and having taste of fresh homemade tea at Maipokhari. A tour of tea factory and the holy pond is a wetland of Ilam district. Designated a Ramsar site on 28th October 2008. It is a pilgrimage center for both Hindus and Buddhists. A small lake or a pond within the wetland which reflects emerald waters.
Having circumference of about a kilometer where boat rides are operated, after an exciting time around pristine surroundings. Drive back to Ilam Bazaar and continue the journey downhill to low warm land of Terai.
Reaching Bhadrapur for last overnight around Eastern Nepal, with time to explore the town of Bhadrapur.
Altitude: 415 m/ 1,361 feet. Approx. 25 minutes flight to Bharatpur.
Overnight: at tourist standard Hotel in Chitwan near National Park.
Meals Included: Breakfast next morning, Lunch and Dinner.
Morning as time of flight to Kathmandu, transfer to Bhadrapur airport and boarding in a big plane for scenic flight. On arrival at Kathmandu domestic airport for a transit to Chitwan, get connect to next short flight to Bharatpur airport. A short scenic flight of less than half hour landing around Mid-South Nepal around the district of Chitwan.
From Bharatpur airport a few hour drive near to Chitwan National Park entrance. Where all hotels and resorts are located, on reaching the hotel. Received by jungle guide and naturalist, briefs you with information regarding your program of jungle activities. Check into your rooms after lunch a short nature walks or visit local Tharu village, the indigenous tribes of low-land and Terai areas of Nepal.
Altitude: 415 m/ 1,361 feet. Activities. Jungle programs, elephant safari.
Overnight: at tourist standard Hotel in Chitwan near National Park.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Jungle and nature activities begins early morning, after a refreshment and then join the jungle programs either elephant safari or nature walks as well bird watching of an hour or more. After a fresh morning program back to hotel / lodge for breakfast, after a short refreshing rest, guide will take you for elephant briefing on elephant stable, as well enjoy watching elephant bathing.
Back to lodge / hotel for delightful lunch, afternoon rest and then late afternoon either elephant safari or jungle drive and walks. Evening back at hotel and enjoy the local Tharu cultural program before a lavish dinner.
Altitude: 860 m/ 4,428 feet. Approx. 05 hour drive.
Overnight: at tourist standard Hotel in Pokhara near Phewa Lake side.
Meals Included: Breakfast next morning.
Early morning options for nature activities or bird watch tour before breakfast. As time to depart from hotel in Chitwan drive leads on main highway following through farm villages and towns. Finally ending the drive reaching Pokhara for two overnights in the comfort of lovely hotels, next to Phewa Lake.
Altitude: 860 m/ 4,428 feet.
Overnight. Tourist standard Hotel in Pokhara near Phewa Lake side.
Activities: Tour of Sarankot and natural wonders of Pokhara.
Meals Included: Breakfast only.
Depart from the hotel, early morning for sunrise views from Sarankot Hill, located 1,460 m high above Pokhara valley. From the view-point enjoy stunning sunrise views over snow-capped mountain range with world’s 7th highest Mt. Dhaulagiri 8,167 m. Includes 10th highest Mt. Annapurna 8,091 m and 8th high Mt. Manaslu 8,163 m, extends to range of smaller peaks. Facing Mt. Machhapuchare “Fish Tail” towers high at 6,993 meters.
Sarankot a popular spot for paragliding one of the leading adventure sports in Pokhara. After a great enjoyable experience return back to hotel for breakfast, our next tour short drive to Devi’s Water Fall. Includes Gupteshwor Mahadev cave with time for lunch break, tour continues visiting International Mountain Museum. The foundation stone of IMM was laid on 1 Dec, 1995. The soft opening of IMM took place on 29 May, 2002 where it was officially opened on 5 Feb, 2004.
After an interesting and exciting moment head back to hotel with time browse the local market around main areas of Pokhara.
Altitude: 1,350 m/ 4,428 ft. (Kathmandu) Approx. 30 minutes flight.
Activities: Free afternoon at leisure. Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
Meals Included: Breakfast only. Lunch and Dinner personal expenses.
Morning as time for flight to Kathmandu, depart from the hotel for short transfer to Pokhara airport. A scenic short flight facing Annapurna and Manaslu Himalayas with Ganesh and Langtang Himal. As plane touch down at Kathmandu airport, and then drive back to your hotels, rest of the day at leisure.
Altitude: 1,350 m/ 4,428 ft. (Kathmandu)
Activities: Singing Bowl Therapy.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
Meals Included: Breakfast only. Lunch and Dinner personal expenses.
A free day in Kathmandu after a great tour around hills and low lands of Nepal. Enjoy the day relaxing with individual activities or join in for another exciting tour. As well time to practice and meditate with the sound of Singing Bowl.
Meal Included: Breakfast Only.
Last day in Kathmandu and Nepal, after a great memorable time around Ilam Tea Garden & Scenic Cultural Tour. Our staff transfer you to the international airport terminal, and then bidding farewell to the guide and staff. As you head for the smooth flight homeward bound.
Major Information
Best Seasons:
The best seasons for Ilam Tea Garden & Scenic Cultural Tour are spring and autumn, spring begins from March to May. Autumn starts from September to November, and the spring season with longer days due to much sunlight hours.
Days are mostly bright with sunshine for clear views and pleasant walking can get cloudy in the late afternoon. Chances of light rains and snowfall around higher elevations sometimes, and the temperature drops in the early morning and night times.
During springtime, the hills are bright with wildflowers in bloom especially the rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal.
The next best season is autumn from September to November, days are much clear for views and walks. But days are much short due to sunlight hours, pleasant times for trekking and tour around the Himalayas.
Much colder morning and late afternoon till night time, chances of snowfall on higher elevation sometimes.
Culture, Religion & History:
The lower areas of Nepal Eastern Himalayas are much warmer with sub-tropical temperatures, where most farm villages are located. The lower mid-hills of mixed tribes of hill people. Gurung, Magar, Hindu Bharamins, Chettries, and Newars.
The culture and religions are mixed with Hinduism and Buddhism around low land to mid-hills till Ilam and Kanyam Tea-Garden village.
The areas around on this tour visiting Tea Garden and rural farm villages.
As well Mai Pokhari, a holy pond. Situated amidst beautiful rhododendron and pine forest facing wonderful scenery. The Ilam Bazaar with all types of hill people, mostly the Kirat Rai and Limbu tribes interwoven to Hindu religion. As well practice their ancient cultures worship of nature and Shamanism.
Overall Company Rating:
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Best Illam Trip What an amazing trip I had with excellent service of MCT an enjoyable holiday with informative guide and caring. Thank you all the team of staff making my trip so exciting and enjoyable visiting the lovely Tea Garden of Ilam.Tom Wesley Peck Denver,from United States (US)
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memorable holidays Interesting tour of Ilam Tea Garden well managed I would certainly like to recommend to others for safe and memorable holidays in Nepal. Wonderful and best time I ever had with scenic flight and exciting drive to Ilam Bazaar with good guides, amazing views and tasty foods on the trip certainly a journey I would cherish for a lifetime.Ms Hazel Cunninghamfrom United Kingdom (UK)
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Great marvelous tour Great marvelous tour of Ilam Tea Garden joining with Manaslu Circuit Trek. I was fascinated with its excellent management and service its cheerful friendly guides; I will cherish memory of Nepal and thanks MCT for perfect and enjoyable time in Nepal.Ms. Elizabeth Beckley