Eastern Region Nepal was opened for trekkers in 1988 however; it is still on the course of development. The major cities of the Eastern region are Biratnagar, Itahari, Birtamod, Rajbiraj, Dharan and Dhankuta. Famous places of this region include Namche Bazaar, a town near the base camp of Mt. Everest, Gaighat, located in a valley made by rivers Baruwa and Triyuga, and also destinations such as Dhankuta, Khandbari and Bhojpur are large, prosperous and clean. There are thick forests of rhododendron in the tropical lowlands and yak grazing pastures at high altitudes surrounded by peaks of Kanchenjunga, Kambachen, Yalung Kang & Jannu (Mystery Peak) Himalayas. 

Trekking in eastern region of Nepal occupies around 15% of the total land area of Nepal. Eastern region of Nepal consists of one of the best geographical structures in the world drawing the interest of thousands of travelers every year. The region consists of 3 zones: Mechi, Koshi and Sagarmatha with 16 districts. The altitude of this region ranges between 8,848 m. to 60 m as it includes both terai and Himalayan regions.

About the Eastern Himalayan Trekking

Trekking in Eastern Nepal includes an approach to the great Himalayan range including world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest. Makalu Barun National park, Kanchenjunga trekking and Koshi Tappu WildLife Reserve are the major attractions of eastern Nepal. The zone includes 8 of the 14 highest summits in the world which exceed the altitude of 8,000m like Mt. Everest, Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri. The base camp of either Makalu (8463m) the world’s fifth highest peak or of Kanchenjunga (8586m), the world’s third tallest peak are the glory of the eastern region.

Eastern Region of Nepal holds one of the best geographical regions throughout Nepal offering its visitors some of the extraordinary views attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world. Including 16 districts divided in three zones i.e. Koshi, Sagarmatha and Mechi, Eastern Region has a huge variation in altitude from 60 meters to 8,848 meters above Sea Level. Trekking in Eastern Region brings you the opportunity to experience walking along the shadow of one of the highest Himalayan Ranges including the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest. Amongst the 14 highest mountains of the world 8 lies in this region that includes Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, etc. With various trekking destinations depending on the difficulty and travel duration, Eastern region of Nepal is a gem for travelers.

1. Kanchenjunga Trek

Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) is the third highest peak in the World. This is the one of the unexplored and virgin trekking routes located at the eastern part of Nepal. Trekking in Kanchenjunga is a really pleasing trail that offers us wonderful snow-capped mountains, landscapes and exotic scenic views of the Himalayas. You can enjoy different types of small and high snowy peaks above 8,000 m and below 8,000m  popular peaks such as Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt Makalu (8,201m) and Mt Lhotse (8,516m) etc. Kanchenjunga Trekking route can be used from Nepal and Sikkim side too, where we can find many mysterious stories concerning on Himalayan Yeti, the abominable snowman is believed to be found in this region. Kanchenjunga trek is a special and unforgettable destination among the trekkers because of its landscape, an amazing topography of land. 

We can see massive wildlife during the trekking such as snow Leopard, Musk deer, Red Panda many more. Kanchenjunga Trekking trail has more exciting and challenging daredevil and popular organizing trip. It is situated in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area which is spread over 2,035 m sq km. From enrich in wildlife diversities also many threatened species of birds such as Impedance Pheasant, Red –Billed blue Magpie, Shy Dragon, Amphibian and Mammals are found in this region. And preserved including Snow-leopard, Himalayan black Bear, Musk Deer, Red Panda etc. While, Passing along this trekking trail will provide us to observe the remarkable valleys. With their an amazing culture, traditions of the local inhabitants, magnificent views of the frozen lake crystal clear stream, Okthan glacier, an amazing ascend of Rathong and Kabru , glacial excursion around Ramche etc are the best point view of the Kanchenjunga trekking trail.

2. Milke Danda Trek

Milke danda Trekking is a long and high forest ridge that divides the Arun and Tamur valley in the eastern Nepal. This Milke Danda Trekking star trek from Basantapur or Tumlingtar and duration of this Milke Danda Trek is 14 days up this ridge. This Milke Danda Treks offers Himalayan views of Makalu (8463m) to the west and Kanchenjunga(8586m world’s third highest peak) to the east. The Milke Danda ridge eventually ends in some high peaks. So we have to retrace our route back down Chainpur and end the trek at Tumlingtar or Basantapur. There are huge forests of rhododendrons along the ridge. Specially Milke Danda is a popular area in Nepal, where we can see many different kinds of flowers including Nepal’s national flower rhododendrons. Have a trek in spring and you can get an attractive prospect. 

3. Arun Valley Trek

Arun Valley Trekking is really a non touristic area but we can see significant views of Mt. Everest, Makalu, and hundreds of other mountains just on your eye. Sherpa, Rai and Limbus are the main inhabitants of this region. The Arun Valley, east of Everest, leading to Makalu Base Camp is least visited by tourists like Nepal’s far west. Trek to Makalu can be cut short by taking direct flight to Tumlingtar, a small village located on a plateau. The trek from Tumlingtar at barely 390m to Makalu Base Camp at 4,800m is long and arduous as vast range in temperatures is confronted, from steamy in the lowlands to snow storms at high altitude.

About the Arun Valley Trek

Walking north up the Arun river to Sedua and Num, then crossing Barun La(4110m.)into the upper Barun khola valley for a close look at Makalu. You can put together an even wilder trek by crossing Sherpani Col and west Col into the upper Hongu valley. The highest point of this trek is Salpa Bhanjyang and also we can visit Hindu holy call Lake Salpa holy Lake (3414 m.).This is a marvelous and easy trek for trekkers who do not want to encounter a mass influx of tourists on the trail. But equally enjoy beautiful scenarios of valleys, splendid views of silvery mountains. The tempting views of Arun river and valleys can be seen on the trekking terrain.

This region is blessed with an incredible diversity of natural beauty and culture. Due to its isolation and lack of tea houses this area still receives few trekkers. Sherpa, Rai and Limbus are main habitants in this area. Walking north up the Arun river to Sedua and Num, then crossing Barun La (4110m) into the upper Barun Khola valley for a close look at Makalu (8463m). You can put together an even wilder trek by crossing Sherpani Col and west Col into the upper Hongu valley. The second part of the trek is very difficult and almost impossible without previous experience.

4. Lumba Sumba Trek

Lumba Sumba Trekking is one of the new trekking routes in the Eastern Himalayas. The Peak (5,200m) is the major attraction of this route. Offering some of the most spectacular Himalayan landscapes. This trekking route is home to different ethnic groups like the Limbus, Sherpas, Rai, Gurung, Magars, Newars and Tamangs. The trek runs through Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) in the eastern Himalaya. Trekkers can explore the traditional farming practices and see different birds and wildlife species. It includes the endangered snow leopard and red panda, from the route. There are a number of high mountain lakes in Olangchung Gola. 

Through this route, we explore two of Nepal’s best preserved protected areas. The Kanchanjunga Conservation Area and the Makalu Barun National Park. Through the route, one can also trek to the base camps of Mt Kanchenjunga and Mt Makalu. Similarly, the Tamor and Arun River systems can be the other attraction for tourists. These two rivers are the major tributaries of the mighty Sapta Koshi River. The route encompasses alpine grasslands, rocky outcrops, dense temperate and subtropical forests, and low river valleys. Apart from natural beauty, trekkers can also explore cultural heritage like monasteries, chhortens, temples and prayer walls. And to add to the flavor, the festivals of all of these people living in harmony only serve to make the native culture livelier.

5. Ilam Tea Garden Trek

Ilam Tea Garden Trekking is one of the marvelous trekking destinations in Nepal which is popular for tea products which lie in the Ilam District. The district is considered as one of the richest districts of Nepal. It is situated at the south Himalayan range of Mahabharat and West range of the Shangrila. It is far off and unknown from the Western viewpoints because of its relative unreachability and far away from Kathmandu. Antu (2,328m) Danda is one of the best attractions of this trip and gives a very good view of sunrise and sunset over the Eastern Himalayas. The best time to visit in Illam is between October to December or from February to April. However, the subtropical climate of Illam ensures good weather throughout the year.