Ilam
Queen of tea gardens, rolling hills of green gold
Ilam is Nepal's best-known tea-growing district, its rolling green hills in cultivation since the 1860s, when tea was first introduced to the eastern hills of Koshi Province.
The district's estates, including Ilam Tea Garden, produce some of Nepal's most recognised export tea, grown across terraced hillsides that also support cardamom and mid-hill farming.
Beyond the tea gardens, Mai Pokhari, a Ramsar-listed wetland lake, sits within misty forest and draws both pilgrims and birdwatchers to its sacred, biodiverse shoreline.
Curated Experiences
Our journeys in Nepal.
Culture
People & Culture
Ilam's hill communities are a mix of Rai, Limbu and hill Brahmin/Chhetri households, many working within the district's tea economy. The town of Ilam itself grew up around colonial-era tea estates and retains a distinctly different, greener character from the plains districts further south. Mai Pokhari is considered sacred by both Hindu and Kirat communities, and an annual mela (fair) draws pilgrims to its shores.
Activities
Things to Do
Tour the Ilam Tea Garden and learn how Nepal's tea is grown and processed
Visit Mai Pokhari, a Ramsar-listed sacred wetland lake
Walk the terraced hillsides between tea estates and cardamom farms
Sample fresh Ilam tea at a local estate or hillside teahouse
Visit Antu Danda, 2,328m viewpoint over tea gardens with Himalayan sunrise and sunset views
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
October, December, February, April
Other Districts in Koshi Province
Stories from Ilam
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