Eastern Region

EASTERN REGION INTRODUCTION:

Not many trekking options into this region as it covers only fa ew trekking destination. The main trekking routes are Makalu Base Camp, Kanchenjunga and Arun Valley, Rolwaling. The eastern region with a variety of culture, the enormity of kanchenjunga and a trek over high passes to makalu, the mountain called the throne of the gods. From Makalu and the Arun valley to the tea estates of Ilam and the border with Sikkim, the lush, densely forested hills of eastern Nepal are mysterious, complex and thoroughly alluring. Visiting middle Hill villages inhabited by rai, Limbu and sherpa people whose traditions are rooted in ancient animistic practices. Close up views of kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain and one of the largest mountain masses on earth. The region has covered over 4 trekking destination and treks here tend to be expensive, since you and the gear must travel by bus or plan to eastern Nepal and trekking are fully organized. The treks here also require two weeks to travel from most trailheads to the high mountains. A trek to this region explores a mix culture, high altitude/passes, glaciers, glacial lakes, close up mountain views and rivers valleys. The main trekking routes and other facts fro trekking to this region are given here.

PERMIT AND FEE:

To trek to this region also no requires a trekking permit except Kanchenjunga area but need a conservation and Makalu Barun National Park entry permit fee.

ACCESS:

Access for trekking to the Eastern region can be made by road or air. By road, the only practical roads ahead at this time are Basantpur or Hile a twenty hrs bus ride from the Kathmandu with local bus as there is no tourist bus service available. Private Jeeps could be used and would reduce the traveling time considerably but obviously at an extra cost. By air there are three options, the most convenient for trekking to this region is Tumlingtar and other airport are Biratnagar and Taplejung.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE:

The main ethnic group in the part of this region Rai, Limbu and Sherpa. Their religion practices, language and dress are likely to those of middle hills inhabited people and some similar to highland people like Sherpa and some like Chettri. There are some other casts as well like Chhettri, Brahman in the lower part of the region.

FLORA AND FAUNA:

The flora and fauna to be seen are from bamboo to lush forest and chirr, pine, rhododendrons, larch and some wildflowers like gentians, primroses, epiphytic orchids etc. The birds commonly seen here are owls, barbets, cuckoos, hoopoe, laughing thrushes, nightjars, sibias, billed etc and the wildlife langrus, pikas, snow leopard, mountain goats, deer etc.

TRAIL AND FACILITIES:

All the trekking routes require fully organize camping style trek because there are no or little teahouse facility on the trail for the trekkers. So a trekking to this region certainly requires the use of camping, necessary trekking staff and equipment.

SEASON:

The peak season for trekking to this region are autumn (Sep-Nov) and spring (March-May are obviously the most popular. At these times the weather is mild and generally dry, making the walking conditions good. The spring season is good for wild flowers, particularly the rhododendrons, while the autumn season generally gives the best mountain views, as the air at this time is crystal clear.