Shree Antu is one of the richest districts in Nepal in terms of diverse culture, traditions, and ecosystems. Hence, a tour to Shree Antu would be one of the pleasant journeys in life that let you explore the naturally flourishing region along with new culture. Shree Antu is one of the top internal tourist destinations in Nepal. Moreover, this place offers beautiful views of sunrise along with the tea garden. Antu is a beautiful part on the southern part of the Kanchenjunga range and right at the border of the beautiful city of Darjeeling.
Besides exploring the socio-cultural traits of the people in this area and enjoying the scenic view of the rolling hills covered with tea plantations and the lush green of the surrounding jungle, we can visit one of the tea estates. There we learn about the different types of tea and how tea is produced, from plucking the tea leaves to withering, rolling, drying etc. until packaging it. Ilam can be reached via Bhadrapur by air and then by road from Bhadrapur, or after a long drive or bus ride from Kathmandu (approx. 18 hours in total). Depending on your interests and time availability, there are a number of other places that can be visited in Ilam, like Maipokhari, a wetland which was included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in 2008. A visit in Ilam can also be combined with trekking in the Kanchenjunga or Makalu (Barun national park) area, or as a stopover on the way to Darjeeling/India for example. Shree Antu is a hidden paradise nestled in the foothills of the world’s third-highest peak, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m). A tour to Shree Antu and Ilam offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through remote villages, scenic landscapes blanketed with lush tea gardens, and dense forests set against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas.
Renowned for its cultural diversity, rich traditions, and thriving ecosystems, Ilam is one of Nepal’s most vibrant and naturally gifted regions. A visit here is not only refreshing but also enlightening, as it introduces you to local customs and lifestyles in a peaceful, unspoiled environment.
Why Visit Shree Antu and Ilam?
1. Unforgettable Sunrises: Shree Antu is famous for its breathtaking sunrise views over the Kanchenjunga range, best enjoyed from the serene tea gardens.
2. Tea Garden Experience: Walk through rolling hills of tea plantations and visit local tea estates to learn the complete tea-making process—from plucking and withering to rolling, drying, and packaging.
3. Cultural Immersion: Discover the socio-cultural heritage of the region’s diverse communities.
4. Biodiversity & Nature: Explore pristine forests and nearby natural wonders like Maipokhari, a Ramsar-listed wetland recognized for its ecological importance since 2008.
5. Gateway to Adventure: Ilam is also a starting point for treks in the Kanchenjunga and Makalu-Barun National Park regions. Alternatively, it serves as a scenic stopover en route to Darjeeling, India.
Getting There
Ilam is accessible by air via Bhadrapur, followed by a scenic drive. Overland travelers can also reach Ilam via an approx. 18-hour bus journey from Kathmandu.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1,350m) meet our staff then transfer to Hotel.
Day 02: Day sightseeing: Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, Patan Durbar square. O/N Hotel.
Day 03: Flight to Bhadrapur (91m) and drive to Shree Antu Hill (2,328m) and explore.
Day 04: Drive from Shree Antu to Bhadrapur and flight back to Kathmandu then transfer to Hotel.
Day 05: Free day in Kathmandu for rest or shopping, with a farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 06: Last minute, transfer to airport for your onward journey. Final Departure.
Note: Instead of flight you can drive all the way from Kathmandu to Shree Antu and back to Kathmandu.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1,350m) meet our staff then transfer to Hotel.
Day 02: Day sightseeing: Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, Patan Durbar square. O/N Hotel.
Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (91m) and drive to Ilam town – 04 hrs.
Day 04: Drive to Mai Pokhari (2,100m) and back to Illam Bazar (54m).
Day 05: Drive to Shree Antu Hill (2,328m) and explore.
Day 06: Drive back to Bhadrapur, flight back to Kathmandu then transfer to Hotel.
Day 07: Free day in Kathmandu for rest or shopping, with a farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 08: Last minute, transfer to airport for your onward journey. Final Departure.
Note: Instead of flight you can drive all the way from Kathmandu to Shree Antu and back to Kathmandu.