To Eastern Nepal organized by Nepal Tourism Board from 16th to 22nd June 2005.

The major tourist destinations for sightseeing in Nepal at present are the Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys. Owing to their rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, these two valleys are obvious choices. Chitwan has emerged as another major tourist destination because of its wildlife. Lumbini by virtue of being the birthplace of Lord Buddha also attracts a sizeable number of tourists every year. As for trekking destinations, the major areas frequented by tourists are Annapurna, Manang, Jomsom, Everest (Sagarmatha region) and Langtang.

A better distribution of tourists across the country is much desired, especially for reducing the concentration and associated impacts in these locations and spreading tourism earnings. In this way tourism can remain more or less small-scale and can therefore still meet one of the preferred criteria of eco-tourism.

Ilam

Ilam, the headquater of Ilam district and Mechi Zone has the picaresque location in the eastern part of Nepal. It is situated between 26 degrees 40 inch to 27 degrees 08 inch North latitude and 87 degrees 40 inch to 88 degrees 10 inch East longitude, which is extended from east to west having more or less circular shape in the Mahabharat Range. Panchthar is in the North, Jhapa is in the south, West Bengal (India) is in the east and Morang (along with slide touch of Dhankuta) district is in the west. It lies to the south of the mahabharat range in the lap of Shinghalila range. There are 48 VDC and 1 Municipality in this district.

Geographically it is hilly district, with the elevation ranging from 140 meters Shanishare Peltimari (Banjho VDC) to 3636 meters Sandakpur (Mabu and Maimajhuwa VDCs) above the sea level. There are four main rivers (Jogmai, Puwanai, Mai & Deaumai) in the district, so it is sometimes called Charkhol (District of four rivers) because of these four rivers. Most of them flow from north towards the south. The climatic condition of the district as a whole is dry and cold in winter, while it is hot and rainy in summer.

Ilam is one of the richest districts in Nepal in terms of its bio-cultural diversity, natural landscape and flourishing professionalism in agricultural especially in cash crops sector. Ilam is the most famous District of Nepal for the production of tea. It is widely famous for 6 major cash crops all - initiating from the same vowel sound in Nepali, so it is also known as the district of ‘6’ as Potato, Cardamom, Ginger, Red Round Chilly, Milk and broom grass are the major cash crops, which are known as Aalu, Alainchi, akabare Khursani, Olan & Amilso respectively in Nepali language.

It is rich in its own kind of social and cultural heritages. People here live in peace and harmony irrespective of caste, creed, race, religion and culture. A wide range of ethnic – groups with their typical customs, traditions and cultures resides here. These include Lepchas (tribes entitled as proper natives of Ilam), Gurungs, Rais, Limbus, Sherpas and many more.

Cultural Heritage:

The main festivals observed here are Hindu festivals, Lepchas’ New Year, Limbus’ Udhauli Ubhauli, Newars’ Saparu (Gai Jatra), Kirat Rais’ Sakewa Sili and so forth. The following dances here are very famous in vogue: the rhythm of musical instruments. These dances take place in the market and village areas - Dhaan Naach, Chyabrung Naach, Lakhe Naach, Ropani Jatra, Gaai Jatra, Chandi Naach, Maruni Dance and Sangini Dance.

Apart from the well-established tourist destinations mentioned in this study, there are other important locations in the country with potential. Based on secondary literature, which include NTB publications, the ADB Eco-tourism Project Report and other relevant publications, the following sites are recognized as potential eco-tourism destinations.

ShriAntu Danda and Adjoining Areas:

ShriAntu Danda and adjoining areas, renowned for the splendor of their lush green hillocks, spectacular landscape of tea gardens, and cultural and historical uniqueness, hold great eco-tourism potential. The area is in Ilam district, which occupies an area of 1,703 square kilometers with total population of 282,806. The area has great climatic and geographical variation, some of its hill stations tower up to around 4,000 meters, which if developed well, could offer tourists the option of skiing in snow clad mountains. These spots also offer breathtaking glimpses of Mt. Everest, Kangchenjunga, Makalu, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and endangered species like red panda. However, careful planning is needed to develop this area as an attractive and competitive eco-tourism destination while also safeguarding against any negative environmental, cultural and economic impacts. The important sites of the area are Antu Danda, Maipokhari, Sandakpur, Kanyam and Fikkal Bazaar, Sidhi Thumka, Gajur Mukhi and Pathibhara

Antu Danda lies close to the Indian border. It is an unspoiled site that beguiles tourists coming to Ilam Bazaar of Nepal and Darjeeling of India. Antu Danda is in Ilam district, some 35 kilometers from the district headquarters of Ilam. It is nestled in a calm and cool environment, enclosed by the Mechi River, Kanyam Tea State, Fikkal Bazaar and Pashupatinagar.

The major attractions of Antu Danda are its natural, cultural, religious and historical dimensions. The landscape and biodiversity includes pine forests, terraces, slopes, flat lands enriched with varying vegetations, cash crops lakes and ponds, sub-tropical NTFPs and wildlife including some of the world's endangered species. Antu Danda is famous for its views of the Himalayas to the north and the flat lands of the Terai to the south. Tourists can enjoy sunrise and sunset on the mountaintop, especially during the month of Kartik and Mangsir (October-December). However, Aswin (September) and Falgun to Baisakh (February-April) are also good times to visit the area (NTB, 2001). Tiger Hill of Ilam is another attraction for tourists. It has a long cave with a carved image of Lord Buddha.

Mountain biking, pony riding, camping sites, angling, boating, rock climbing village tour, comfortable lodging facility, bird watching, skiing and paragliding are possible tourism products that can be developed in the area. In terms of existing facilities Antu Danda has electricity, communication facility, camping grounds, simple tea stalls, simple accommodations, seasonal bus service, earthen roads and trails (NTB, 2001).

Maipokhari:

Maipokhari is another attractive site in Ilam District. From an eco-tourism perspective, Maipokhari possesses some promising potentialities with its religious and archeological values, and its natural beauty.

Maipokhari, the famous lake in Ilam, lies at an elevation of 2,150 meters. It is located about 11 kilometers from Ilam. Of the important sites of the area, Maipokhari Lake is the major attraction. Its religious value and popularity make it a potential site for eco-tourism development.

Maipokhari is an important watershed area in the region covering around 450 hectares of land, mostly dense forest. Its 2.5 hectares of land exclusive of the pond area has been conserved as natural forest with a proper fence. The forest harbors various valuable species of plants, like ground orchid, white rhododendron and precious NTFPs. The other attraction is the wildlife. The forest of the area has some of the rare animals like musk deer, leopard, porcupine, jackal, rare birds like Khalij, Tibetan duck and some rare insects, which are on the verge of extinction (NTB, 2001).

Maipokhari has great religious and cultural importance. According to legend Maipokhari is the rendezvous of Shiva and Parvati who visit the place once a year during Kartik Ekadashi. Therefore, people from surrounding villages and distant places come to take a holy dip in the pond. A great fair (mela) takes place once a year on the day of Thuloekadeshi. In terms of existing tourism facilities Maipokhari has electricity, communication, camping grounds, standard and simple tea stalls, seasonal bus service with earthen road, and manmade/natural/cultural/religious attractions. The products that can be added to the area’s tourism products and services by entrepreneurs are regular bus service, bird watching, village tour, boating facility, museums, angling facility, camping site, local guide service, souvenir shop, standard tea stalls, pony riding and mountain biking (NTB, 2001).

Sources of Attractions:

• Maipokhari – holy pilgrimage, religious pond.
• Maipokhari – holy pilgrimage, religious pond.
• Chhange – natural falls.
• Chha Khalde (Six ditches).
• Cultural aspect – Biodiversity

Sandakpur:

Sandakpur is one of the highly promising locations from a tourism development viewpoint but it has not gained popularity as a tourist destination. It is also situated in Ilam. It lies at an elevation of 3636 meters above sea level (NTB 2001), so the area is often snow capped. Its height and its slope provide opportunities for skiing. Sandakpur also offers views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kangchenjunga, Mt. Makalu and some of the world's highest mountains. Rather than cultural and historical aspect, its natural aspect seems highly promising for eco-tourism development in the area. The area also has high altitude flora and fauna, including endangered species like red panda. Due to its height, sunrise and sunset are the most interesting time to spare in the area.

The existing tourism facilities at Sandakpur are its exceptional environment and nature, earthen roads and trails. The area has enough camping grounds. Bus services are irregular so tourists can use private vehicles that take them to Khorsanitar (Maimajuwa), about 21 km from Ilam Bazaar. From there Sandakpur is a six hour trek. The products and services that can be added to the area by entrepreneurs are mountain biking, pony riding, souvenir shops, local guide service, cable car, skiing and paragliding (NTB, 2001).

Sources of Attractions:

• Chhiatapu – Finest Rhododendron & other picaresque scene of the Himalayas.
• Todke Jharna in Maimajhuwa (Todke falls; 280 fts. High).
• Taapu – meeting place of 3 VDCs (Sulubung, Maimajhuwa, Maipokhari).
• Guranse – sightseeing, Rhododendron (different verities in colours).
• Tarunpani – an interesting natural phenomenon to see.
• Sandakpur Peak (3636 mteters) – sunrise and panoramic scene of nearly all the snowcapped mountains (Sagarmatha to Bhutanese Himalayas).
• Bio-diversity – Kandevyakur, Red Panda, Yak and medicinal herbs (Panchalue, Bikhma, Cardamom etc.) and tea farming.
• Guma (Monasteries) in Mabu, Chitre and Meghma.
• Rock Climbing in Kuivir (Chamati VDC).
• Jaubari – sherpa Village.
• Hangetham – different verities of Birds and Butterflies.

Kanyam and Fikkal Bazaar

Kanyam and Fikkal Bazaar lie in Ilam district of Eastern Development Region. Ilam has a 140-year history of tea farming. Of the tea plantations that are thriving in the area, Kanyam Tea State is the largest. It is located in Kanyam VDC of Ilam. Spreading flat in the Mahabharat Range, the tea garden and its appealing greenery is something special for the tourists, photographers and sightseers. The existing products at the Kanyam and Fikkal Bazaar are natural attraction, man made architecture and art. The area is accessible by a blacktopped road linking to Ilam, Fikkal Bazaar and Kanyam. The existing facilities at Kanyam and Fikkal Bazaar are communication, electricity, travel services, souvenir shops, camping grounds, standard and simple tea stalls, simple lodging facilities, regular bus service, black topped road and manmade, natural, cultural and religious attractions. The products that can be added in the Kanyam and Fikkal Bazaar area are travel, tour and cargo services, golfing, village tour, museums, camping sites, local guide services, souvenir shop, standard tea shop, pony ridding and mountain biking.

Sidhi Thumka

Sidhi Thumka is in Ilam district of the Eastern Development Region. It lies at an elevation of 1800 meters, west of Ilam Bazaar. Sidhi Thumka is ideal for a short trek and for panoramic views of the mountains and plains wrought in the colors of sunset and sunrise. It is a 4-hour trek to reach Sidhi Thumka from Ilam Bazaar. It can also be reached by road from Ilam Bazaar.

The available facilities are earthen road, trails and camping grounds. The possible tourism products and services that entrepreneurs can add or develop are standard lodging facility, rock climbing, paragliding, skiing, local guide services, souvenir shops, hygienic/standard tea stalls and mountain biking (NTB, 2001).

Sources of Attractions:

• Siddhithumka Hill – Sunrise and Sunset Sightseeings.
• Siddhdevi Temple
• Devi Dhanda or Ratna Gufa – Rocky area as one can find natural but unique shapes in stone of different things like the shape of the Sun.
• Ajambare Danda – nice spot for seeing.
• Jhaunpokhari – a pond in Jeetpur.

Gajur Mukhi

Gajur Mukhi is another tourist destination in Ilam district. The major attraction here is a cave with carved images of gods and goddesses. The cave is about 20 feet long and 10 feet high (Bhandari, 1997). On the full moon day of Kartik, special worship is performed. The place can be reached by road up to Ghuseni from Ilam Bazaar via Gagre Bhanjyang. A seasonal bus service operates along this road. Gajur Mukhi lies on the banks of Deunmai Khola, west of Ilam Bazaar. Its importance is mostly from a religious perspective. The site is a four-hour trek from Ilam Bazaar and enhancing the trekking route from Ilam Bazaar to Gajur Mukhi could add to the attraction of the area.

Recently some tourism facilities have been developed in the area, including seasonal bus service, trails for trekking and comfortable accommodation. Cultural/religious attractions, standard tea stalls, local guide services and regular bus services are potential tourism products of the area (NTB, 2001).

Sources of Attractions:

• Gajurmukhi – Holy Pilgrimage place.
• Shivalayia Temple & Deumai River.
• Limbu Village – Limbu Culture is preserved in this village.

Sources of Attractions in Mangmalung Region:

• Water Falls in Ratuwa
• Tinthumka (three peaks)
• Unique Rocks & Stones (Shila / Pathar) of Miklajung
• Kirat Culture.

Ilam Municipality -- Sources of Attractions:

• Old Tea Garden, Religious Spots - Seti Devi – Maisthan – Narayansthan – Bhmisensthan – Sankari Devi – Singhabini.
• Tombstone of Martyr Ratna Kumar Bantawa.
• Bhalu Dhunga.
• Puwakhola Hydroelectric Project.
• Sukilumba.
• Maikhola.
• Seti Devi.
• Araniko Cultural Museum.
• Gumba Danda.

Pathibhara

Pathibhara lies in Terhathum district of the Eastern Development Region. It is an important site from a religious and cultural viewpoint, with the temple of Pathibhara Devi being the most important attraction. The temple is sited close to the Mechi Highway in the southeast of Kolbung VDC. The site of the temple is known as Hanspokhari.

The existing facilities include beautiful and natural camping grounds, blacktopped road with regular bus service and beautiful trails.

Chances and Possibilities of Tourism Development in Ilam:

• Linking all the 48 VDC by road, which can be seen as the priority in the development of tourism in Ilam.
• The keen interest shown by the people of Ilam, who are into developed animal husbandry and agriculture can be seen as, it can be developed as Agro based tourism.
• Kanchenjunga Mountain of Taplejung can be seen by the people of Ilam, as a tourist destination. Packages can be developed for the people, who travel from this region en-route to Kanchenjunga.
• Different Tourism Products can be developed here in Ilam like Cultural, Religious and Adventure.
• Communidty Based Turism can be developed here in this district as there are different special ethnic groups living here.
• Eco-tourism can also be developed here in this district as it has a huge potentiality of nature.

Possibilities of Tourism development in Ilam:

• Village Tourism: Antu – Pathibhara Region, Nayabazar – Jogmai Region, Sandakpur Region, Gajurimukhi Region and Ilam Municipalty.
• Agro-Based Tourism: Ilam Municipality, Panchakanya – Fikkal – Pashupatinagar, Barbote – Sakhejunge.
• Eco – Tourism: Shivalik Region, Mahabharat – Simhalila Region.
• Historical Tourism: Chamaita – Ebhang Region and Maipokhari.
• Religious Tourism: Maipokhari, Gajurmukhi, Pathibhara, Mangmalung, different temples of Ilam municipality.
• Sightseeings: Shri-Antu, Sandakpur, Siddhithumka and Tea Gardens.
• Trekking: Ilam – Maipokhari – Sandakpur Trek, Jirmale – Shri Antu – Sandakpur – Kanchenjunga Trek, Ialm – Sandakpur – Jaubari – Rakshe / Chamautarabi – Mangmalung – Damak (Jhapa) Trek, Ilam – Siddhituhmka – Gajurmukhi – Ebhang – Mangmalung – Damak Trek.
• Cultural Tourism: Different cultural places of Ilam.

Entry Point for Tourists: Tourists, who enter into Nepal by taking entry permit, many of them visit Ilam district. 45 % of tourists, who enter into Nepal via Pashupatinagar and Karbhitta are Indian tourists as they do not require entry permit.

Highlights of Eastern Region:

• Cultural & Adventure tour in surrounding of Biratnagar (Biratnagar – Koshi Tappu – Dharan).
• Upcountry Eco Adventure tour in the eastern hill of Nepal
• Biratnagar – Dharan – Dhankuta – Hille – Basantapur (village stay or trekking up to Guphapokhari.
• Biratnagar – Kanyam (Tea Garden) – Ilam Bazar – Maipokhari.
• Bird Watching at Koshi Tappu Wild Life Reserve and its surroundings.
• Village Tours in Duhabi and Koshi Tappu.

Special Facilities:

• There are hotels, lodges at affordable prices.
• Lodging and fooding at hotel in Koshi Tappu, Ilam, Dharan, Tented Camp in Koshi Tappu Wild life Reserve.

Access to Virgin East Circuit:

• Kathmandu, Dharan, Ilam, Bhadrapur - by Bus
• Kathmandu to Biratnagar or Kathmandu to Bhadrapur by schedule flights.
• Silgudi – Kakarbhitta by car or jeep.

Recommendations:

• Develop Koshi Tappu and Mahananda Wildlife Reserve, Siliguri for Bird Watching.
• Develop Bagdogra - Siliguri & Bhadrapur or Biratanagar (Nepal) – Kanchenjunga Range in Eastern India for Mt. Filghts.
• Develop Ilam in Nepal – Darjeeling – Sikkim – Kalimpong – Kakarvitta for Mt. Biking.
• Develop Ilam to Darjeeling for Ultra Light Flights.
• Organise Trans Himalayan Car Rally from Gangtok – Sikkim to Pokhara, Nepal – Gangtok – Darjeeling – Pashupatinagar – Ilam – Pokhara, Nepal.
• Develop Ilam – Sandakpur (Nepal) – Rimbik – Kalimpong – Darjeeling for Trekking.
• Develop Darjeeling – Sikkim – Ilam and surroundings – Pathibahra – Sandakpur and many other tours in Eastern Nepal and Northeast India.
• Joint Colaboration between NTO of Nepal & India – Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council – Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation to attract more Indian tourists.
• Joint Marketing Strategy to showcase adventure products having competitive and comparative advantages (as in ADB – SASEC Project).
• Develop promotional materials of Eastern Nepal like posters, brochures, Multimedia CD Roms, etc.
• Establish a network like Sustainable Tourism Network (STN) to coordinate in developing tourism in eastern Nepal.
• Interact with the LDOs of different districts of eastern Nepal so as to develop tourism in these areas.
• Organise FAM trips for tourism stakeholders of eastern region with other regions so as to gain knowledge on how to develop their areas.
• Organise Mahatsovs (fairs) to attract tourists.
• The tourism entrepreneurs of eastern region should organize a FAM trip to tourism entrepreneurs of other regions so as to interact with them to develop their region.
• Set up Tourist information centers at different entry points.
• The government of Nepal and India should talk on setting up an immigration office on both sides to invite tourists to Nepal from third world.
• Organise trainings for the locals on different aspects (hotels, restaurants, taxi drivers, police etc.).