Eastern Nepal
 

Biratnagar

BIRATNAGAR* (pop. 130,000) is an industrial center in the Terai. Nepal’s first large-scale industry, Biratnagar Jute Mills, was set up here in 1936. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (90-minute drive) is a bird watching spot. The Koshi Barrage on the Koshi river (two-hour drive) is an impressive sight. Biratnagar is the hub of air routes in eastern Nepal. (Temperature 8-39 degrees Celsius.)

Dharan

 DHARAN (pop. 66,000) is 41 km north of Biratnagar where the Himalayan foothills and the Terai plains overlap. It is 17 km from the intersection at Itahari on the East-West Highway. Dharan was formerly a recruitment center for Gurkha soldiers, and most of the population are ex-army. A huge hospital now stands at the recruiting camp. Bijayapur hill contains several sacred sites. The hilltop of Bhedetar (16 km, one-hour drive) is popular for its views of the Himalaya and the Koshi river. Barah Chhetra, a Hindu holy place, is a 30-minute drive plus a two-hour walk.

Dhankuta

 DHANKUTA (pop. 17,000) is 52 km north of Dharan. It is a charming hill town of cobbled streets and white-washed houses populated by Rais, Limbus and Newars. The villages to the north are starting points for treks to Makalu and Kanchenjunga. An excursion to Hile, 13 km north, is an opportunity to view the eastern Himalaya. Basantapur (elev. 2,200 m) is a large bazaar 35 km north of Dhankuta. It is situated on a ridge above Tanmaya Khola, and offers a view of the entire Kanchenjunga range. The road continues north up to Terhathum. (Temperature 5-30 degrees Celsius.)

Ilam

 ILAM (pop. 13,200) is a hill town 83 km north of the intersection at Birtamod on the East-West Highway. Ilam is known for its tea gardens. Sacred sites include Mai Pokhari, where pilgrims take holy dips on Haribodhini Ekadasi (Oct.-Nov.), Maibeni which attracts ritual bathers on Makar Sankranti (Jan.) and Gajurmukhi where a fair is held on the Kartik full moon day (Oct.-Nov.). A number of hilltops around Ilam offer views of the Himalaya. The road winds north to Phidim (68 km) and on to Taplejung where there is an airport. Taplejung is the trailhead to Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain. Limbus and Lepchas are the main ethnic groups here. (Temperature 6-31 degrees Celsius.)

Kakarbhita

ILAM (pop. 13,200) is a hill town 83 km north of the intersection at Birtamod on the East-West Highway. Ilam is known for its tea gardens. Sacred sites include Mai Pokhari, where pilgrims take holy dips on Haribodhini Ekadasi (Oct.-Nov.), Maibeni which attracts ritual bathers on Makar Sankranti (Jan.) and Gajurmukhi where a fair is held on the Kartik full moon day (Oct.-Nov.). A number of hilltops around Ilam offer views of the Himalaya. The road winds north to Phidim (68 km) and on to Taplejung where there is an airport. Taplejung is the trailhead to Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain. Limbus and Lepchas are the main ethnic groups here. (Temperature 6-31 degrees Celsius.)

Janakpur

Janakpur is the capital of the ancient state of Mithila. The Janaki Temple, located in the center of the city, is well known in the Hindu Kingdom. Sita the wife of the legendary hero Ram was born in Janakpur. Throughout the year, many pilgrims come to pay their respects to Ram and Sita who are the main religious attractions in Janakpur. The city is thronged by worshippers and visitors alike especially during the festival of Bibah Panchami. This annual festival is celebrated on the occasion of Ram and Sita's marriage and their wedding ceremony is enacted throughout the week.

Access:
Regular bus services are available from Kathmandu and other cities. It has an all weather airport with regular flights from Kathmnadu.

Accommodation:
There are a number of good hotels and lodges in Janakpur..