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Basantapur is set up in an enchanting surrounding of mountains, lakes and greenery. Offering excellent respite from city life, the diverse landscape includes terraced fields as well as the Terai plains covered with the different types of vegetation. The mixed pastures, hills of colorful Rhododendron and jasmines, beautiful sunrise and sunset, friendly people and a rich Limbu culture offer additional appeal. Basantapur also hosts trekkers on the way to Mt. Kanchenjunga in Taplejung and the popular Teenjure Milke-Jaljale Trail. The best time to visit are autumn and spring, between October-December or from Feb-Apr. The weather is cool and temperate here most times of the year, which makes Basantapur ideal for visit anytime. Summers are pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10-20 degree Celsius, while winters are not extreme even though temperatures could sometimes fall below o degree.
Predominant Culture:
As in Kanchenjunga region further, Limbu culture is predominant in the surrounding areas of Basantapur as well. Other ethnic groups that reside in the area are Gurung, Rai, Tamang, Brahmin and Chhettri. Tharu, Newar and Marwadi people also live in some areas. Most of the people here are farmers by occupation. Places to Visit: Tinjure Dada : From Tin Jure(3,660m) edge one can see magnificent views of sunrise and sunset,, and majestic view of the mountains. Thirty four varieties of Rhododendron are found here. Tin Jure Danda is about half-hour away from Basantapur Bazaar. Tinjure Milke Jaljale Trail, also known as the Rhododendron Trail, spreads across Taplejung, Terathum and Sankhuwasabha districts. Hile, north of Dharan, is good place to start out. Alternately, you can start from Phidim at the end of a newly completed dry season dirt road that traverses Ilam's young tea estates. Heading northeast out of Hile, the trail climbs gradually through settlements of recent migrants from the northern Olangchung region, trans-Himalayan yak drivers who live for months on tsampa (roasted barely flour), dried yak meat, and cheese. Gupha Pokhari is a serene lake set on a ridge looking east at the Kanchenjunga massif and west at Makalu and the Khumbu Himal. From here, a shorter trek follows the Milke Danda ridge due north, climbing to 4'700m into the Jaljale Himal, a remote area spotted with lakes and inhabited by mountain people from Tibet. You can then descend east to the Mewa stream and continue to Taplejung's airfield and further to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Milke Danda : On the way to Taplejung is another popular Rhododendron forest known by the name of Milke Danda (2,905). Milke Danda provides a closer view of the Kanchenjunga and Kumbhakarna mountains and offers beautiful sunrise and sunset surprises when weather is clear. It is on the trekking trail between Taplejung and Basantapur Bazaar. Pattek Danda: Pattek Danda (2,500m) is equally beautiful for sunrise, sunset and also offers a wide view of the Himalayas including Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga . Pattek Danda is ideal for short treks and is also a good area for picnics. There is a popular Goddess Kali temple, 2-hour walk from Basantapur Bazaar. Pattek Danda, about 3 km from Basantapur can alo be reached via Chitre that is 15-minute drive away. From here Pattek Danda is a 30-minute trek. Gupha Pokhari us a natural pond that lies on the trekking trail to Taplejung from Basantapur. Picturesque views of mountains, sunrise and sunset can be seen from here. This pond has religious significance and is also a good resting place for Taplejung trekkers. Margh Pokhari (2,600m) is another natural pond on the lap of the hills. The pond holds religious value and has scenic beauty. The pond has contributed to keep the surroundings green. The Margh Pokhari watershed area has a dense forest that habitats popular species of Rhododendron and precious plants. Margh Pokhari is on the way to Basantapur from Sindhuwa, which is 5 km from Basantapur. Panchakanya Pokhari is another popular tourist site. Also known a Chhathar Pokhari, Panchakanya Pokhari is approximately 2-hour walk further down from Sukrabare Bazaar. Among the many ponds here, the largest pond in the area is Panchakanya. A fair known as Sukrabare Bazaar (Sukrabar is Friday in Nepali) is held every Friday in Hammarjung VDC, showcasing the mixed culture of settlements. Majority of the inhabitants here are Limbu. Thus, it is an ideal place and time to experience the rich Limbu culture. The village popular for homespun cloth called Khadi (cotton). The village can be reached via Sindhuwa Bazaar, another popular area of Basantapur. Access:
Getting There Basantapur is in Tehrathum district of Koshi zone. It can be reached via Hile in Dhankuta district. Buses are available at Central Bus Station, Gongabu, in Kathmandu . Another option is to fly to Biratnagar and drive to Hile Bazaar. Buses are available from the Hile Bazaar to Basantapur Tourist Services . Accommodation and Facilities:
Budget hotels and moderate accommodation facilities are available in Basantapur Bazaar. There are many small hotels and restaurants in the area to cater to local passers by. Camping sites are also available for trekkers.
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