Eastern region of Nepal is also popular for trekking. Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m.), the third highest mountain in the world and Mt. Makalu (8463m.), the fifth highest mountain in the world are the prime attractions of this region. New trekking trails like: Illam Tea garden Trek, Limbu Cultural Trek, Pathibhara Holy Trek, Shree Aantu Dada Trek and Arun Valley trek offer additional flavour of trekking in the region.
Besides trekking, staying at the local teahouses, mountaineering, botanical research, hospitable local people, age-old culture and history are other attractions of the region. Tehrathum and Sankhwasabha districts are famous for their rich bio-diversity including the world’s largest natural rhododendron forest with the highest number of rhododendron species in the world. Similarly, Illam district is famous for the largest teagarden in Nepal.
Limbus are the predominant people in the Kanchenjunga region. Besides, Tibeto-Mongoloid ancestry Tibetans, Sherpas, Rais, Gurungs, Magars, Newars, Sunwars and Tamangs also live in this pristine region, while the area also offers cultural diversity of Chhetris and Brahmins as well. Agriculture, animal husbandry, cardamom farming, tea farming and tourism are the major means of livelihood for the people in the region. The Sherpa community, who reside at the higher altitudes of the region, had arrived from Tibet more than four hundred years ago.
Situated at an altitude of at 8586m, Kanchenjunga is considered as the world's third highest mountain. Although the region lies in the remote area of Nepal but it remains unspoilt, beautiful and has been offering breathtaking views of mountain ranges. The Kanchenjunga area has some of the most stunning scenery with more than 250 species of birds and wildlife and high mountain lakes in Olangchungola. Kanchenjunga region has been protected by the government of Nepal as the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) and has been recognised as one of the 200 Global Eco Regions by World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Fifteen species of flowering plants among 28 endemic flowering plants and ten species of indigenous gymnosperms among Nepal's 20 are found here. With more than 1,200 species of flowering plants, Juniper and Himalayan larch are found in the forests of Kanchenjunga region. The region also boasts of sixty-nine varieties of orchids and thirty varieties of rhododendron. Wildlife found in this pristine area include Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, red panda, blue sheep and rhesus macaw, while the rare birds include Impheyan pheasant, red-billed blue magpie and shy drongo.
Pyramid shaped Mt. Makalu (8463m.) is the fifth highest mountain in the world and is located 22 km east of Mt. Everest on the border between Nepal and Tibet. This beautiful and impressive massive is one of the harder eight-thousanders, and is considered one of the most difficult mountains in the world to climb. The mountain has steep pitches and knife-edged ridges. An ascent to the summit pyramid involves technical rock climbing. The world’s fifth highest peak is the only Nepalese 8,000m peak which has yet to be climbed in true winter conditions.
Pathibhara Devi shrine (3,794m), located at Tapethok VDC, 19km from Phungling, the district headquarters of Taplejung district is a popular pilgrimage destination of both Hindus and Buddhists. Both the Hindus and Buddhists worship the animist deity at Pathibhara with equal reverence. The Buddhists of the surrounding area light lamps at the temple on full-moon nights, while the Hindus pack the temple during special celebrations. The Goddess at Pathibhara is believed to fulfill the long-cherished dreams of her devotees. Whatever is wished with good will, will be provided to the devotees.
Limbu Cultural Trek is a newly developed trekking trail in the north-east part of Nepal. The new trail between Kabeli and Khaksewa rivers offers an in-depth experience of the culture, tradition and lifestyle of the Limbu people who are dominant in this region. The trail starts from Phungling and passes through Suketar, Lalikharka, Kande Bhanjyang, Simbu, Phungphung, Phumpe and Mamankhe. The Limbu Cultural Trail ends in Mamanke which is dominated by Limbu (Mabo) population.
Situated between the alleviation ranging from 140m to 3,636m above the sea level, Illam is one of the untouched destinations for tourists. Famous for tea production, Illam is a small hill town with pristine landscapes of sloped tea gardens, mountain streams, dense natural forests, holy sites and a unique culture. It offers a brisk walk in the tea garden, tranquil picnic and sightseeing stops, short treks along gentle slops, or a trudge into the nearby woods. The best time to visit time Illam is between October - December or from April - February. However, the subtropical climate of Illam ensures good weather throughout the year.
