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Explore Koshi Zone in eastern Nepal for Terai wetlands, hill towns, Kirat culture, river valleys and Himalayan gateways around Makalu-Barun.

Koshi Zone is the former administrative region of eastern Nepal, a geographically varied area stretching from the subtropical Terai around Biratnagar and the Koshi river basin to the hill districts of Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Sankhuwasabha and Tehrathum. Nepal replaced its former zones with provinces in 2015, so Koshi Zone is now a historical and travel-geographical term rather than a current administrative unit. Much of the territory lies within present-day Koshi Province, although the older name remains useful when describing this particular group of districts.

My first-day picks

Treat Koshi Zone as a historical travel area rather than a current administrative unit and check modern provincial and district names when arranging transport.
Allow generous travel time for hill roads, particularly during the monsoon when landslides can disrupt journeys.
Use Biratnagar or Dharan for practical services before travelling into the more remote hill districts.
Arrange permits, guides and accommodation in advance for treks in Makalu-Barun National Park and other remote mountain areas.
Carry both Nepali cash and a reliable payment alternative, as card facilities become limited outside major towns.
Visit wetlands and forest areas with a local guide, keeping a respectful distance from wildlife and following conservation rules.

When is the best time to visit Koshi Zone?

Best: March–April, October · 24–28°C

17° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: 3.5°C, High: 16.5°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 20 mm, High: 30 mm J

19° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: 5.2°C, High: 18.9°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 25 mm, High: 35 mm F

Best 24° Temperature Range for MarchLow: 8.5°C, High: 23.5°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 30 mm, High: 40 mm M

Best 28° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 12°C, High: 28°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 40 mm, High: 50 mm A

32° Temperature Range for MayLow: 16°C, High: 32°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 50 mm, High: 70 mm M

34° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 19.5°C, High: 33.5°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 150 mm, High: 250 mm J

34° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 21.5°C, High: 33.5°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 200 mm, High: 300 mm J

33° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 21°C, High: 33°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 180 mm, High: 280 mm A

31° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 19°C, High: 31°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 150 mm, High: 250 mm S

Best 27° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 14.5°C, High: 26.5°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 50 mm, High: 70 mm O

20° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: 9°C, High: 20°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 20 mm, High: 40 mm N

17° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: 4.5°C, High: 16.5°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 10 mm, High: 30 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	17	25
February	19	30
March (best)	24	35
April (best)	28	45
May	32	60
June	34	200
July	34	250
August	33	230
September	31	200
October (best)	27	60
November	20	30
December	17	20

Getting to and around Koshi Zone

How to get there

Biratnagar Airport, located in Morang District, is the main air gateway within the former Koshi Zone and has domestic connections to Kathmandu, subject to changing schedules and weather. Bhadrapur Airport in neighbouring Jhapa lies outside the former zone and can be useful for eastern Nepal, but onward road travel is required. Biratnagar is also reached by road from Kathmandu, the central Terai and the Indian border. Dharan, Itahari and Dhankuta are connected by long-distance road services, while Tumlingtar Airport in Sankhuwasabha provides a practical air gateway for parts of the middle hills and Makalu-Barun approaches. International visitors normally connect through Kathmandu or travel overland from India.

Transportation

Buses, minibuses, jeeps and taxis connect Biratnagar, Itahari, Dharan, Dhankuta and other principal towns, but services become less frequent and less predictable on hill roads. Private vehicles or hired jeeps are particularly useful for reaching rural trailheads, tea-growing areas and remote settlements. Roads north of the Terai can be rough, narrow and vulnerable to monsoon landslides, so journeys should not be planned solely by map distance. Walking is often part of travel in the hill districts, while cycling is more practical on quieter lowland roads than on steep mountain approaches. Use registered local guides for protected areas and remote treks.

Top city travel guides in Koshi Zone

The cities of Koshi Zone, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Namche Bazaar Explore Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa town in Nepal, and gateway to Everest, offering stunning views, rich culture, and warm hospitality.

Destinations in Koshi Zone

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Koshi Zone

Koshi Zone's attractions follow its dramatic altitudinal range. In the eastern Terai, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve offers wetlands, grasslands and river channels associated with wild water buffalo and rich birdlife; visitors should arrange local guiding and observe that the reserve extends beyond the former zone's boundary in neighbouring districts. Dharan provides access to the eastern foothills and is a convenient urban base for cultural and religious excursions. Farther north, Dhankuta and Hile combine hill scenery, terraced farms and cooler climates, while Bhojpur and Tehrathum offer quieter routes through market towns and ridge villages. Sankhuwasabha is the principal setting for approaches to Makalu-Barun National Park, where trekking landscapes rise from subtropical forest towards glaciated Himalayan terrain. River valleys around the Arun and Koshi add opportunities for rafting or riverside travel where local operators and conditions permit. The region's appeal lies less in a concentration of monumental attractions than in its changing environments, living cultures and demanding journeys between plains, hills and mountains.

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Best landmarks in Koshi Zone

The Koshi River and its broad floodplain are the region's defining natural landmarks, marking the transition from the eastern Terai's agricultural landscape to the hill country beyond. Koshi Tappu's wetlands are significant not only for their scenery but also for the conservation of wild water buffalo and migratory birds. In the north, the Arun River valley forms one of the great geographical corridors of eastern Nepal, cutting through increasingly elevated country on the way towards Makalu-Barun. Makalu itself lies within the protected mountain landscape of the former zone's Sankhuwasabha district and is the most imposing natural symbol of its Himalayan edge. Dharan's Dantakali Temple and the hilltop religious complex at Baraha Kshetra in Sunsari represent important Hindu sacred sites, while the older market-town landscapes of Dhankuta and Hile express the region's hill history through terraces, ridges and traditional settlement patterns. These landmarks are valued as living places, ecological systems and travel corridors as much as for visual drama.

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Explore Koshi Zone on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Koshi Zone

Dining in Koshi Zone changes markedly between the Terai, the hill towns and remote mountain settlements. Biratnagar, Itahari and Dharan have the broadest choice, including Nepali, Indian and regional South Asian food alongside familiar urban dishes. Local staples include dal bhat with seasonal vegetables, tarkari, achar, sel roti and varieties of momo; hill communities also contribute distinctive preparations based on millet, maize, fermented greens and locally available herbs. In the Terai, rice-based meals, lentils, fish and vegetable dishes reflect the warmer agricultural plains and close connections with northern India. Tea-growing areas around Dhankuta and Hile provide locally produced tea, while rural markets are useful for seasonal fruit, greens and snacks. Small eateries and family-run lodges are often more dependable than formal dining outside the main towns. Food hygiene standards vary, so choose busy establishments, drink treated water and take care with raw foods when travelling into remote districts.

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Best bars in Koshi Zone

Nightlife in Koshi Zone is concentrated in Biratnagar, Itahari and Dharan, where restaurants, cafés, hotel bars and small live-music venues provide the main evening options. Dharan has a particularly active urban restaurant and café culture relative to the hill districts, while Biratnagar's long-established commercial character supports a wider range of places to eat and meet. Outside these centres, evenings generally revolve around tea shops, family restaurants, local gatherings and hotel dining rather than dedicated clubs. Some larger towns have modern lounges and occasional live entertainment, but opening arrangements and venue status can change. In rural areas and near protected landscapes, quiet evenings are the norm; visitors should respect community customs, avoid excessive noise and arrange transport before going out. Alcohol availability varies by establishment and community, and drinking is not necessary to participate in local social life.

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Best nightclubs in Koshi Zone

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Best shops in Koshi Zone

Shopping is most varied in Biratnagar, Itahari and Dharan, where busy bazaars and commercial streets sell clothing, household goods, electronics, Indian imports and everyday Nepali products. Dhankuta, Hile, Bhojpur and other hill markets have a more local character, with seasonal produce, woven goods, traditional foods and practical supplies for surrounding villages. Tea from the eastern hills is a useful regional purchase, while small producers and market stalls may offer orthodox and local-style teas, spices, pickles, honey and dried foods. Handicrafts, textiles and goods associated with Rai, Limbu and other communities should be bought respectfully and with attention to provenance rather than treated as generic souvenirs. In rural bazaars, cash remains important and bargaining can be expected for some goods but not all. The strongest shopping experience is often the market itself, where agricultural products from the hills and plains meet imported goods moving through the border economy.

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Koshi Zone essentials

Currency and Payment

The currency is the Nepalese rupee, coded NPR, and the same national currency is used throughout Nepal. Banks, ATMs and card-enabled businesses are concentrated in Biratnagar, Itahari, Dharan and other larger towns. Cash is important in hill settlements, rural markets, transport hubs and trekking areas, where internet connections and electronic payment facilities may be unreliable. Carry small denominations for local buses, snacks, permits and modest accommodation, while keeping money discreetly secured. Exchange facilities are more limited away from the Terai and principal urban centres.

Safety

Ordinary precautions are appropriate in towns, markets and transport terminals, particularly with belongings in crowded places. The main regional hazards are road accidents, landslides, river crossings, heat in the Terai, and altitude-related illness on high mountain routes. Monsoon rain can change travel conditions quickly, while winter fog may affect lowland roads and flights. Use helmets where available on motorbikes, avoid travelling on unfamiliar mountain roads after dark, and obtain local weather and trail information before entering Makalu-Barun or other remote areas. Respect wildlife boundaries in Koshi Tappu and do not approach large animals.

Emergency Situations

Nepal's national emergency numbers generally include 100 for police, 101 for fire and 102 for ambulance services. Coverage and response times vary considerably between the Terai, hill towns and remote mountain areas, so travellers should keep their accommodation's contact details and inform someone of longer journeys. Tourist Police assistance is available in major tourist centres, although facilities are more limited in rural Koshi districts. Trekkers should use an established guide or agency, carry travel insurance covering evacuation where appropriate, and check local arrangements before entering high or isolated terrain. In an emergency, ask hotel staff, local authorities or park offices to help coordinate assistance.

Do's and Don'ts

Dress modestly when visiting Hindu temples, Buddhist sites and communities where local customs are more conservative, and ask before photographing people, ceremonies or private religious spaces. Remove shoes where requested and avoid touching shrines or ritual objects without permission. In rural landscapes, stay on accepted paths, do not enter cultivated plots without consent and take litter away from forests and wetlands. Bargaining is common in some markets but should remain courteous. Tipping is not governed by a single regional rule; small gestures for guides, porters and service staff are appreciated when the service warrants it. Follow all protected-area instructions.

Local Tips

Dharan is a useful base for exploring the eastern foothills and visiting nearby religious sites, while Dhankuta and Hile offer cooler hill climates and access to ridge settlements. Biratnagar is best treated as a transport and commercial centre rather than a base for highland excursions. For Koshi Tappu, early starts improve wildlife and birdwatching opportunities, but sightings are never guaranteed. Hill itineraries should include buffer days because road conditions and domestic flights can change. Learn a few Nepali greetings, and ask locally about the current road, bridge and trail conditions before committing to a remote journey.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	नमस्ते	[Namaste]
Goodbye	अलविदा	[Alvida]
Yes	हो	[Ho]
No	होइन	[Hoin]
Please/You're welcome	कृपया / स्वागत छ	[Kripaya / Swagat cha]
Thank you	धन्यवाद	[Dhanyabad]
Excuse me/Sorry	माफ गर्नुहोस्	[Maaf garnuhos]
How are you?	तिमीलाई कस्तो छ?	[Timilai kasto cha?]
Fine. And you?	ठिक छ। र तिमी?	[Thik cha. Ra timi?]
Do you speak English?	के तपाईं अंग्रेजी बोल्न सक्नुहुन्छ?	[Ke tapaai angrezi bolna saknuhunchha?]
I don't understand	म बुझ्दिन	[Ma bujhdina]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	कृपया म मेनु देख्न चाहन्छु	[Kripaya ma menu dekhna chahanchhu]
I don't eat meat	म मासु खाँदैन	[Ma maasu khandaina]
Cheers!	Cheers!	[Cheers!]
I would like to pay, please	कृपया म भुक्तान गर्न चाहन्छु	[Kripaya ma bhuktan garna chahanchhu]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	सहायता!	[Sahayata!]
Go away!	फर्कनुहोस्!	[Pharkanu hos!]
Call the Police!	पुलिसलाई फोन गर्नुहोस्!	[Pulislai phone garnuhos!]
Call a doctor!	डाक्टरलाई फोन गर्नुहोस्!	[Daktar lai phone garnuhos!]
I'm lost	म हराएँ	[Ma harayen]
I'm ill	म बिरामी छु	[Ma birami chu]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	म ... किन्न चाहन्छु	[Ma ... kinna chahanchhu]
I'm just looking	म केवल हेरिरहेको छु	[Ma keval herirahi ko chu]
How much is it?	यसको मूल्य कति हो?	[Yasko muly kati ho?]
That's too expensive	त्यो धेरै महँगो हो	[Tyo dherai mahango ho]
Can you lower the price?	के तपाईं मूल्य घटाउन सक्नुहुन्छ?	[Ke tapaai muly ghataun saknuhunchha?]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	कति बजेको छ?	[Kati bajeko cha?]
It's one o'clock	यो एक बजेको छ	[Yo ek bajeko cha]
Half past (10)	साढे (१०)	[Saadhe (10)]
Morning	बिहान	[Bihan]
Afternoon	मध्याह्न	[Madhyahn]
Evening	बेलुका	[Beluka]
Yesterday	हिजो	[Hijo]
Today	आज	[Aaj]
Tomorrow	भोलि	[Bholi]
1	१	[1]
2	२	[2]
3	३	[3]
4	४	[4]
5	५	[5]
6	६	[6]
7	७	[7]
8	८	[8]
9	९	[9]
10	१०	[10]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	कहाँ छ ...?	[Kahaan cha ...?]
What's the address?	ठेगाना के हो?	[Thegana ke ho?]
Can you show me (on the map)?	के तपाईं मलाई देखाउन सक्नुहुन्छ (नक्सामा)?	[Ke tapaai malai dekhau na saknuhunchha (naksamaa)?]
When's the next (bus)?	अर्को (बस) कहिले छ?	[Arko (bus) kahile cha?]
A ticket (to ....)	एक टिकट (....को लागि)	[Ek ticket (....ko lagi)]

History of Koshi Zone

Early Kirat and Himalayan Cultural Landscapes

The eastern hills of Koshi Zone have long been associated with Kirat peoples, particularly Rai and Limbu communities, whose histories, oral traditions and sacred landscapes remain important across the region. Settlement developed around forested ridges, river valleys and terraced agriculture rather than a single urban centre. Kirat religious practice, often connected with ancestors, nature and distinctive ritual specialists, continues to influence local identity alongside Hinduism and Buddhism. The Arun, Tamor and Koshi river systems helped shape routes between the hills and the plains, while trade and migration connected the area to wider Himalayan networks.

Hill Principalities and the Gorkha Expansion

Before the consolidation of modern Nepal, eastern Nepal was divided among numerous small principalities and local political territories. The Gorkha state expanded eastwards during the eighteenth century, gradually bringing the hill districts and adjoining plains into a larger Himalayan kingdom. This process altered systems of taxation, administration and military recruitment while leaving local languages, customary practices and landholding traditions in place. Fortified ridges, old routes and settlements around present-day Dhankuta, Bhojpur and the eastern hills reflect the strategic value of the region, which linked the central kingdom with the far eastern mountains and the Indian plains.

The Anglo-Nepalese War and the Sugauli Settlement

The Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814–1816 affected Nepal's eastern frontier and its relationship with the British East India Company. The conflict ended with the Treaty of Sugauli, through which Nepal ceded substantial territory, including areas east and south of the later Koshi Zone. The settlement fixed a political boundary that encouraged continuing trade and movement across the Terai while placing the Himalayan hills within the expanding Nepali state. The region's later importance as a corridor towards Sikkim, Darjeeling and northern Bihar was shaped partly by this new border geography.

Biratnagar and the Growth of Modern Industry

Biratnagar became one of Nepal's leading industrial and commercial centres during the twentieth century. Its position near the Indian border, connection with surrounding agricultural districts and access to road and rail networks across the frontier encouraged the development of mills, factories and trading houses. The city was also associated with the labour movement and political activism that challenged the Rana regime. The growth of Biratnagar marked a significant contrast with the subsistence farming and market-town economies of the hills, creating an enduring economic relationship between the eastern Terai and upland districts.

Democratic Movements and Political Change

Eastern Nepal played an important role in the country's modern political history. Biratnagar's industrial workforce and political organisations were prominent in the democratic movement of 1950–51, which ended the Rana oligarchy and restored the monarchy to a more constitutional framework. The region later experienced the wider political changes that brought the Panchayat system, the restoration of multiparty democracy in 1990, the civil conflict and the republican transition of 2008. These changes affected local government, land relations, migration and expectations of representation among the many ethnic and linguistic communities of the eastern hills and plains.

Koshi Tappu and the Conservation Era

The establishment of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in 1976 created a protected area around important wetlands and grasslands on the Koshi floodplain. Its principal conservation significance includes habitat for wild water buffalo, locally known as arna, and a wide range of resident and migratory birds. In the north, Makalu-Barun National Park, established in 1992, protected an exceptionally broad altitudinal range from tropical forests to high Himalayan landscapes. Together these protected areas represent a modern shift from seeing the Koshi basin mainly as an agricultural and transport corridor to recognising its international ecological importance.

Federal Nepal and the End of the Zone System

Nepal's 2015 Constitution replaced the former system of development regions, zones and districts as the main framework for federal government, creating seven provinces and new local structures. The six districts formerly grouped in Koshi Zone now form part of present-day Koshi Province, although districts remain important for administration and travel planning. The change explains why older maps and guidebooks may use Koshi Zone while current signs and official documents use provincial terminology. For visitors, the former zone remains a coherent geographical idea because its landscapes, roads and economic links run from the eastern Terai through the hill country towards Makalu.