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12y+

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2 - 12 years

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Below 2 years

Eastern Nepal Community Road Trip : A Journey of Culture, Tea Trails & Heartfelt Connections

  • Any
  • Moderate
Duration

9 Nights 10 Days

Transportation

Private Vehicle

Accommodation

Star Hotels

Region

eastern-nepal-community-road-trip-:-a-journey-of-culture-tea-trails-&-heartfelt-connections
eastern-nepal-community-road-trip-:-a-journey-of-culture-tea-trails-&-heartfelt-connections

Overview

An unforgettable 8-day journey through the heart of Eastern Nepal, blending scenic drives, cultural discovery, and meaningful community interaction. Starting from Kathmandu, the trip winds through the lush landscapes of Sindhuli and Koshi Tappu en route to Dharan, the vibrant gateway to the eastern hills. The following days unfold with a heartwarming school visit in Budhabare, before continuing to the serene tea town of Fikkal and the misty highlands of Shree Antu, where breathtaking sunrise views and tea culture await. Travelers will experience authentic Limbu hospitality through traditional cooking and cultural exchange.

The journey then ventures deeper into the remote hills of Taplejung, where community life, women's cooperatives, and traditional farming practices offer rich insights into rural Himalayan living. After two days of immersion, the trip continues to Ilam, Nepal’s tea capital, for tasting sessions, market strolls, and an evening of diverse eastern cuisine and storytelling. A long yet rewarding drive brings the group to the spiritual city of Janakpur, home to the revered Janaki Temple and Mithila art traditions. The adventure concludes with a scenic return to Kathmandu via the BP Highway, leaving travelers enriched with new perspectives, deep connections, and a renewed appreciation for Nepal’s diverse cultures and landscapes.

Highlights

  1. Scenic Drive via BP Highway – Travel through Sindhuli and Koshi Tappu landscapes from Kathmandu to Eastern Nepal.
  2. Cultural Exploration in Dharan – Visit Bhanu Chowk, Dantakali Temple, and experience the vibrant eastern hill culture.
  3. School Visit in Budhabare (Morang) – Participate in a community school program with classroom interaction and shared meals.
  4. Tea Experience in Fikkal & Shree Antu – Explore tea gardens, learn tea plucking and processing, and enjoy sunrise from Shree Antu View Tower.
  5. Limbu Homestay & Cultural Exchange – Experience traditional Limbu hospitality, local cuisine, and tongba tasting.
  6. Taplejung Community Immersion – Engage with local cooperatives, women’s groups, and traditional artisans; learn about high-hill farming and storytelling traditions.
  7. Local Meals & Hands-on Activities – Enjoy traditional lunches, assist in farm work, and join cultural evenings with music and folklore.
  8. Kanyam Tea Estate & Ilam Bazaar – Tea tasting, factory visits, and shopping for local products like churpi and cardamom.
  9. Janakpur Spiritual & Artistic Discovery – Visit the illuminated Janaki Temple, explore Mithila art, and try your hand at painting.
  10. Scenic Return Drive to Kathmandu – Conclude the journey with beautiful views along the BP Highway, reflecting on a culturally rich and community-connected adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your journey or opt for a short walk around the vibrant streets of Thamel to get a feel for the city. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit a nearby heritage site or enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Nepali cuisine.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2

Begin your journey early morning, embarking on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dharan via the picturesque BP Highway. The drive offers stunning views of terraced fields, rivers, and rural life as you pass through Sindhuli and the lush Koshi Tappu region. Upon reaching Dharan, a bustling town and cultural gateway to Eastern Nepal, enjoy a relaxed evening. You can stroll around Bhanu Chowk, visit the revered Dantakali Temple, or explore the local market for a taste of Eastern flavors and vibes.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Dharan

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Only

Day 3

After breakfast, drive for about 2 hours to Budhabare for a meaningful school visit. Engage with local students during their morning assembly, participate in interactive classroom sessions, distribute school supplies, and enjoy a simple yet heartwarming lunch with the children and teachers. Post-lunch, continue your drive for another 2.5–3 hours to reach Fikkal, a charming hill town surrounded by tea gardens near Shree Antu. Spend the evening soaking in the peaceful ambiance and hospitality of a local guesthouse or tea garden homestay.

Overnight Stay: Homestay in Fikkal

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Only

Day 4

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to Shree Antu, a picturesque village known for its sunrise views and tea culture. Visit the Shree Antu View Tower for a panoramic vista of the Eastern Himalayas (on a clear day). The rest of the day includes immersive activities such as walking through lush tea gardens, learning tea plucking and basic processing, and engaging in a cultural exchange with the Limbu ethnic community. Conclude your day with a Limbu cooking class and a warm serving of tongba, the local millet brew.

Overnight Stay: Limbu homestay in Shree Antu

Meals: All meals at the homestay

Day 5

Depart from Shree Antu and embark on a scenic drive through winding hilly roads to Taplejung, a remote yet culturally rich district in Eastern Nepal. En route, make occasional stops in small towns and markets for refreshments and photos. Upon arrival in Taplejung, visit a local monastery or village gompa and enjoy an interaction session with community leaders or cooperatives. If time permits, take a short walk to nearby traditional homes or weaving centers.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Taplejung

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Only

Day 6

On this day, indulge yourself in the authentic rural life of Taplejung. Start the day visiting a women’s group or local agricultural cooperative to understand their work in cardamom farming or cheese production. Participate in seasonal farm work, listen to folk tales shared by village elders, and savor a traditional lunch cooked from locally sourced ingredients. End the day with an optional cultural program that includes music, stories, and local dances.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Taplejung

Meals: All meals locally hosted

Day 7

Leave Taplejung behind and drive back toward Ilam, a serene hill town known for its tea estates. Stop for local snacks and photos en route. Upon reaching Kanyam, indulge in a tea tasting experience and take a guided tour of a tea processing factory. Later, visit the lively Ilam Bazaar to shop for specialty items like Ilam tea, churpi (hardened yak cheese), and cardamom. Wrap up the day with a cultural dinner featuring Newar, Rai, and Limbu cuisines, complemented by storytelling from local hosts.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Ilam

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Only

Day 8

Today involves a long but scenic journey from Ilam to Janakpur via Birtamod and Bardibas. Break for lunch in Bardibas or a roadside dhaba. Arrive in Janakpur by evening and visit the majestic Janaki Temple, beautifully lit at night. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet Mithila artists and watch them demonstrate traditional painting techniques, or try your hand at creating your own.

Overnight Stay: Homestay in Janakpur

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Only

Day 9

After an early breakfast, visit the Vivaha Mandap and Ram-Sita temple precinct where the divine couple is said to have married. Begin your return drive to Kathmandu via Bardibas and the scenic BP Highway through Sindhuli and Dhulikhel. Enjoy views of the hills and rivers along the way. Arrive in Kathmandu by early evening and check into your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Only

Day 10

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a relaxed morning or go for some last-minute souvenir shopping in Thamel. Our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of a memorable cultural and community journey through Eastern Nepal.

Meals: Breakfast

  1. Private 4WD vehicle with experienced driver throughout the trip
  2. Fuel, road tolls, parking fees, and driver’s daily allowance
  3. 9 nights’ accommodation in a mix of mid-range hotels, guesthouses, tea garden homestays and Limbu community homestays
  4. Two meals a day: Daily breakfast and either lunch or dinner depending on the day's itinerary
  5. Local guide/interpreter services where required (school visit, village exploration, tea garden tour, cultural programs)
  6. School program facilitation
  7. Stationery/book distribution
  8. Lunch with teachers and students
  9. Tea garden experience in Shree Antu and Kanyam, including tasting and processing activities
  10. Limbu cooking class and tongba tasting
  11. Folk storytelling session
  12. Optional music and cultural evening in Taplejung and Ilam
  13. All entry fees, permits, and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary
  14. 24/7 on-call support throughout the journey
  15. Government taxes and service charges

  1. International or domestic flights to/from Kathmandu
  2. Nepal visa fees
  3. Personal expenses such as: Beverages (soft drinks, bottled water, alcohol), Snacks beyond provided meals, Laundry, tips, and souvenirs
  4. Extra meals (third meal of the day not covered in the inclusion)
  5. Travel insurance (recommended for health and emergency evacuation)
  6. Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g. private shopping time, extra sightseeing)
  7. Expenses due to unforeseen circumstances (roadblocks, natural disasters, political disturbances)
  8. Gratuities/tips for driver, local guides, and homestay hosts (optional but appreciated)

Single Supplementary Charge Applicable

Standard package

Price

USD 1150 /Per person

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