Pokhara to Illam via Dharan - 4 Days Road Trip Itinerary for 28 People by Bus

Day 1: Departure from Pokhara and Arrival at Dharan

Morning: Depart early from Pokhara by bus and enjoy scenic views along the Prithvi Highway. Stop for breakfast en route at a local eatery.

Afternoon: Arrive in Dharan. Check into your accommodation and explore Buddha Park and the vibrant local market.

Evening: Relax with a stroll around the Koshi Tappu Reservoir or enjoy dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant in Dharan. Prepare for the next day’s journey.

Day 2: Exploring Dharan and Travel to Illam

Morning: Visit Budha Subba Temple and Mandre Hills for panoramic views of Dharan before boarding the bus to Illam.

Afternoon: Travel to Illam by road, enjoying lush tea gardens and picturesque landscapes. Check into your hotel upon arrival.

Evening: Visit the nearby Ilam Tea Gardens for a peaceful evening walk and tea tasting experience.

Day 3: Full Day in Illam

Morning: Explore the famous Ilam Tea Estates and learn about tea processing with a guided tour. Visit Maipokhari Lake, a serene natural spot.

Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Sandakpur viewpoint for incredible panoramic mountain vistas.

Evening: Return to Illam town for a cultural program or relax at your hotel with local cuisine specialties.

Day 4: Return Journey to Pokhara via Dharan

Morning: Depart Illam early and stop again in Dharan for a quick refreshing break and some souvenir shopping.

Afternoon: Continue your journey back to Pokhara, stopping for lunch along the way.

Evening: Arrive in Pokhara by late evening. End of the trip and farewells.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Pokhara to Dharan Bus Travel: 7-8 hours, Cost: NPR 3,500 per person
• Dharan Accommodation & Meals: Overnight stay and food, Cost: NPR 2,000 per person
• Dharan Sightseeing (Buddha Park, Budha Subba Temple): 3-4 hours, Cost: NPR 500 per person
• Dharan to Illam Bus Travel: 4-5 hours, Cost: NPR 2,000 per person
• Illam Accommodation & Meals: Overnight stay and food, Cost: NPR 2,200 per person
• Illam Tea Garden Tour & Maipokhari Visit: 5 hours, Cost: NPR 700 per person
• Sandakpur Viewpoint Visit: 3 hours, Cost: NPR 300 per person
• Illam to Pokhara via Dharan Bus Travel: 10-11 hours (with stops), Cost: NPR 3,500 per person

Total Estimated Cost per Person: NPR 14,700

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding an extra day in Illam to explore more tea gardens, local villages, or arrange a trek around Sandakpur for nature lovers. For those looking to reduce the duration, you could skip the return stop in Dharan and take a direct route back to Pokhara from Illam to save time, reducing the trip to 3 days.