Why Visit the Ilam Tea Gardens
Ilam in eastern Nepal produces some of Asia's finest tea, grown at 1,200–2,000m in the Himalayan foothills of Taplejung and Ilam districts. The rolling green tea gardens, mist-shrouded hills, and traditional tea plucking culture offer a completely different Nepal experience from the Himalayan trekking circuit. The Kanyam and Mai Valley areas are extraordinarily scenic — Nepal's original tea region.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is March–May (first flush tea harvest) or October–November.
Difficulty & What to Expect
This is an Easy destination to visit. Ilam Orthodox tea — grown and processed in the traditional Darjeeling method — sells for $50–$150/100g internationally. Buying directly from the gardens at local prices is one of Nepal's great travel bargains.
Who It's Best For
The Ilam Tea Gardens suit tea enthusiasts, slow-travel advocates, and far-east Nepal explorers.