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Explore Koshi Province for eastern Nepal’s tea hills, Terai wetlands, Himalayan trekking routes and culturally varied mountain landscapes.

Known officially as Koshi Province since 2023, Nepal’s easternmost province stretches from the humid plains of the Terai to some of the highest mountains on Earth. It includes Biratnagar, Nepal’s major industrial city in the east, the tea-growing hills around Ilam, the historic trading routes of the mid-hills, and the high Himalayan districts of Solukhumbu, Sankhuwasabha and Taplejung. The result is a region of striking geographical variation rather than a single, uniform destination.
Read more about Province No. 1
The southern plains are relatively flat and densely settled, with road links to India and a warm, subtropical climate. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, near the floodplains of the Saptakoshi River, protects important wetland habitats and is known particularly for wild water buffalo, birdlife and riverine scenery. Biratnagar provides an urban and commercial base, while Bhadrapur and the tea country of Jhapa and Ilam offer a gentler introduction to eastern Nepal.
Further north, roads climb through layered hills of forests, cardamom plantations, terraced fields and scattered market towns. Ilam is especially associated with orthodox tea, cool weather and ridgeline views, while Dhankuta and Hile are useful stops on the historic route towards the eastern hills. In Sankhuwasabha, the Makalu-Barun region combines deep valleys, high passes and remote mountain villages. Taplejung is the principal access area for the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, one of Nepal’s most remote trekking landscapes.
Koshi Province also contains the southern approach to the Everest region in Solukhumbu. Trekkers commonly use Lukla as an air gateway before walking towards Namche Bazaar, the Khumbu settlements and Sagarmatha National Park. The province’s Himalayan trails pass through communities including Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, Tamang and other groups, whose languages, architecture, religious practices and food traditions reflect the cultural complexity of eastern Nepal. Buddhist monasteries, Hindu shrines and seasonal festivals form part of everyday life rather than a separate museum culture.
Travel requires realistic planning. Distances on a map can be misleading because mountain roads are winding and conditions vary with the monsoon, while high-altitude journeys require acclimatisation and flexibility. Koshi is best understood through contrasts: wetlands and tea gardens, industrial towns and forested ridges, busy road corridors and remote Himalayan valleys. Its appeal lies in the depth of these transitions and in the opportunity to explore eastern Nepal beyond the country’s most familiar central routes.

When is the best time to visit Province No. 1?

Best: April–May, October · 25–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1510
February1712
March2015
April (best)2520
May (best)2825
June3030
July3035
August3035
September2830
October (best)2525
November2015
December1510

Getting to and around Province No. 1

How to get there

Biratnagar Airport provides the most practical air access to the eastern Terai and the city of Biratnagar, with domestic connections principally linking it to Kathmandu. Bhadrapur Airport, also known as Chandragadhi Airport, serves Jhapa and is commonly used for journeys towards Ilam and the eastern tea hills. Both airports are inside Koshi Province. Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is outside the province but remains the principal international gateway; from there, travellers can continue by domestic flight, private vehicle, bus or connecting service. Long-distance roads, including the East–West Highway and routes north from the Terai, connect the province with the rest of Nepal, although hill and mountain journeys can be slow.

Transportation

The Terai has the simplest road travel, with buses, private vehicles, taxis and local transport linking Biratnagar, Itahari, Dharan, Bhadrapur and other major settlements. Roads become narrower and more winding towards Dhankuta, Hile, Ilam and the highlands, and monsoon landslides or roadworks can cause delays. Private vehicles or organised jeep travel are useful for reaching dispersed hill destinations, while public buses serve many principal corridors but may be crowded and slower. Himalayan areas such as Lukla, the Everest trailheads and remote conservation regions require a combination of domestic flights, local vehicles and walking; transport plans should remain flexible.

Top city travel guides in Province No. 1

The cities of Province No. 1, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Province No. 1

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

Best attractions in Province No. 1

Koshi Province offers an unusually broad range of attractions, beginning with the wetlands and grasslands of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the southern plains. Birdwatching, river excursions and the chance to see wild water buffalo provide a very different experience from the high mountains. Around Ilam, tea gardens, processing areas and cool hill scenery create a slower agricultural itinerary, while Dhankuta and Hile combine viewpoints, market-town life and access to forested ridges. Dharan and Biratnagar provide urban culture, commerce and gateways to nearby hills. In the north, Sagarmatha National Park opens onto the Everest trekking landscape, Makalu-Barun offers demanding trails through an extraordinary vertical range of habitats, and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area provides remote routes in the far east. Buddhist monasteries, Hindu pilgrimage sites, village homestays, terraced fields and community forests add cultural depth. These attractions are widely dispersed, so the province is better explored through focused itineraries than by attempting to cover every district from one base.

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Best landmarks in Province No. 1

The province’s most recognisable landmarks range from Himalayan summits to lowland river landscapes. Mount Everest forms the symbolic centre of Sagarmatha National Park in Solukhumbu, although viewpoints and trekking approaches rather than the summit itself define most visitor experiences. The mountain skyline around the Khumbu gives the region its most internationally known image, while Makalu and the Kanchenjunga massif represent equally important eastern Himalayan landscapes in Sankhuwasabha and Taplejung. In the hills, the tea estates and ridgelines around Ilam are distinctive cultural landscapes shaped by plantation agriculture. The Saptakoshi River and its broad floodplain are defining geographical features of the south, particularly around Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Biratnagar’s industrial heritage, including the historic Biratnagar Jute Mill, recalls the province’s role in Nepal’s modern economic development. Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, traditional houses and old hill settlements complete a landmark landscape that is cultural as well as geological.

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Explore Province No. 1 on the map

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Best restaurants in Province No. 1

Dining in Koshi Province changes markedly between the Terai, hills and mountain trails. Biratnagar, Itahari and Dharan offer Nepali staples alongside Indian-influenced Terai cooking, while local eateries and family kitchens commonly serve dal bhat, tarkari, pickles, momo and noodle dishes. The eastern hills are associated with tea, cardamom, ginger and other crops, and Ilam is the natural place to explore Nepalese orthodox tea through estates, cafés and small producers. Limbu and Rai food traditions include fermented and smoked preparations, millet-based drinks and regional pickles, although recipes vary between households and communities. In trekking districts, menus are shaped by altitude, supply chains and teahouse cooking, with soups, Tibetan-influenced breads, noodles and simple rice meals being practical choices. Markets and roadside stalls provide seasonal fruit, sweets and savoury snacks; hygiene, water treatment and food freshness deserve more attention in remote areas than in established urban restaurants.

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Best bars in Province No. 1

Evening life in Koshi Province is concentrated in Biratnagar, Dharan, Itahari and other larger towns rather than in a single province-wide nightlife district. Restaurants, cafés, live-music venues and modest bars provide the main urban options, while Dharan is known for a comparatively active evening social scene within eastern Nepal. In smaller hill towns, evenings generally centre on teahouses, family restaurants, local gatherings and hotel cafés, with limited late-night transport. Trekking areas offer convivial teahouse evenings, but these are early-closing mountain communities rather than nightclub destinations. Local beer, spirits and tea may be available, yet visitors should follow the tone of the place, particularly near religious sites and in villages. Commercial venues and opening arrangements change, so current local information is more reliable than assuming that a town has a permanent club circuit.

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Best nightclubs in Province No. 1

Evening life in Koshi Province is concentrated in Biratnagar, Dharan, Itahari and other larger towns rather than in a single province-wide nightlife district. Restaurants, cafés, live-music venues and modest bars provide the main urban options, while Dharan is known for a comparatively active evening social scene within eastern Nepal. In smaller hill towns, evenings generally centre on teahouses, family restaurants, local gatherings and hotel cafés, with limited late-night transport. Trekking areas offer convivial teahouse evenings, but these are early-closing mountain communities rather than nightclub destinations. Local beer, spirits and tea may be available, yet visitors should follow the tone of the place, particularly near religious sites and in villages. Commercial venues and opening arrangements change, so current local information is more reliable than assuming that a town has a permanent club circuit.

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Best shops in Province No. 1

Shopping in Koshi Province is strongest in its market towns and agricultural centres rather than in large, specialised retail districts. Biratnagar, Itahari and Dharan have the broadest selection of clothing, household goods, electronics and food, while local markets in Ilam and Dhankuta are useful for regional produce. Tea is the defining purchase of the eastern hills, with packaged orthodox varieties from Ilam making a practical gift when bought from a reputable producer. Cardamom, ginger, honey, pickles, millet products and seasonal fruit may also be available through cooperatives and local shops. In hill and mountain areas, textiles, woven items, handmade baskets and small craft products can provide more meaningful souvenirs than imported trekking merchandise, though quality and provenance vary. Bargaining is common in informal markets but less appropriate in established shops; ask before photographing stalls or craftspeople and carry cash outside the main urban centres.

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Province No. 1 essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Nepalese rupee, abbreviated NPR, as throughout Nepal. Cards and contactless payments are increasingly accepted in established hotels, larger restaurants and businesses in Biratnagar, Dharan, Ilam and other main towns, but connectivity and acceptance are less reliable in villages and trekking areas. Carry sufficient cash in small denominations for local transport, modest guesthouses, food stalls, permits, guides and trail services. Exchange facilities and reliable cash machines are easier to find in major towns than in rural hills, and high-altitude routes may have limited financial services.
Safety
Ordinary precautions are appropriate in cities, bus stations and busy markets: keep valuables secure, use reputable transport and avoid displaying large amounts of cash. Road travel deserves particular care because traffic, weather, winding hills and changing road surfaces can make journeys unpredictable. In the mountains, altitude illness, cold, dehydration, river crossings and rapidly changing weather are more significant risks than urban crime. Use established trails, obtain local weather and route advice, and do not continue ascending when symptoms of altitude sickness worsen. In wildlife areas, follow ranger instructions and keep a respectful distance from animals.
Emergency Situations
Nepal’s national emergency arrangements apply in Koshi Province; police, fire and ambulance access can be reached through the commonly used emergency number 100, although mobile coverage and response times vary outside towns. Ask hotel staff, guides or local authorities for the most effective local contact where reception is weak. Trekkers should register where required, carry travel insurance that covers evacuation and retain details for their trekking agency or guide. Mountain rescue is logistically complex and may depend on weather, aircraft availability and location, so prevention, acclimatisation and route planning are essential.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when visiting villages, monasteries, temples and family homes, and ask before photographing people, ceremonies or religious objects. Remove shoes where local practice requires it, walk clockwise around Buddhist monuments when appropriate and follow signs at protected sites. In homes and teahouses, accept local guidance on seating, food and interaction rather than assuming that customs are identical across Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, Newar, Madhesi and other communities. Do not litter on trails or in wetlands, and seek permission before entering farmland or private compounds. Tipping is not a universal legal requirement, but modest gratuities for guides, porters and good service are generally appreciated.
Local Tips
Plan the province as a series of smaller journeys: the Terai, tea-growing hills, mid-hill market towns and Himalayan trekking districts each require different weather assumptions and travel times. Ilam and the surrounding eastern hills are rewarding for tea landscapes and rural walks, while Koshi Tappu is best approached with a wildlife-focused itinerary rather than a rushed stopover. For Everest, Makalu or Kanchenjunga routes, choose a season suited to both visibility and trail conditions and allow contingency days. Local guides can add practical value through language, accommodation knowledge and information about changing roads or trail access.
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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
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloनमस्ते[Namaste]
Goodbyeअलविदा[Alvida]
Yesहो[Ho]
Noहोइन[Hoin]
Please/You're welcomeकृपया/स्वागत छ[Kripaya/Swagat cha]
Thank youधन्यवाद[Dhanyabad]
Excuse me/Sorryमाफ गर्नुहोस्[Maaf garnuhos]
How are you?तिमीलाई कस्तो छ?[Timilai kasto cha?]
Fine. And you?राम्रो। र तिमी?[Ramro. Ra timi?]
Do you speak English?के तिमी अंग्रेजी बोल्छौ?[Ke timi angrezi bolchau?]
I don't understandम बुझ्न सक्दिन[Ma bujhna sakdina]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मीनु देखाउनुभयो[Kripaya menu dekhaunuhos]
I don't eat meatम मासु खाँदैन[Ma masu khandaina]
Cheers!स्वास्थ्यको लागि![Swasthyakko lagi!]
I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया म तिर्न चाहन्छु[Kripaya ma tirna chahanchu]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!मद्दत गर्नुहोस्![Maddat garnuhos!]
Go away!फर्कनुहोस्![Pharkunuhos!]
Call the Police!पुलिसलाई फोन गर्नुहोस्![Pulislai phone garnuhos!]
Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई फोन गर्नुहोस्![Daktaralai phone garnuhos!]
I'm lostम हराएको छु[Ma harayeko chu]
I'm illम बिरामी छु[Ma birami chu]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...म किन्न चाहन्छु...[Ma kinna chahanchu...]
I'm just lookingम केवल हेरिरहेको छु[Ma keval heriraheko chu]
How much is it?यो कति हो?[Yo kati ho?]
That's too expensiveयो धेरै महँगो हो[Yo dherai mahango ho]
Can you lower the price?के तपाईँ मूल्य घटाउन सक्नुहुन्छ?[Ke tapai mulya ghatauna saknuhunchha?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?यो कति बजे हो?[Yo kati baje ho?]
It's one o'clockयो एक बजे हो[Yo ek baje ho]
Half past (10)साढे (10)[Sadhay (10)]
Morningबिहान[Bihan]
Afternoonबेलुका[Beluka]
Eveningसाँझ[Sajh]
Yesterdayहिजो[Hijo]
Todayआज[Aaja]
Tomorrowभोलि[Bholi]
1१[1]
2२[2]
3३[3]
4४[4]
5५[5]
6६[6]
7७[7]
8८[8]
9९[9]
10१०[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay 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 तपाईँ मलाई देखाउन सक्नुहुन्छ (नक्सामा)?[Ke tapaai malai dekhauna saknuhunchha (naksama)?]
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 Province No. 1

Early Kirata and Himalayan Cultures

Eastern Nepal has long been associated with Kirata peoples and with the Rai and Limbu communities whose histories, land traditions and ritual practices remain important in the hills. The region’s geography encouraged numerous local settlements linked by footpaths rather than one dominant urban centre. Oral traditions, clan histories, sacred landscapes and distinctive languages preserve aspects of this past, while archaeological evidence and early political records show that the eastern hills were connected to wider Himalayan and South Asian networks. These cultural foundations continue to shape festivals, architecture and community life across Koshi Province.

Medieval Hill Principalities and Trade Routes

Before the consolidation of modern Nepal, eastern Nepal was divided among local principalities and political territories, including Limbuwan areas and the Sen kingdoms of the eastern Terai and hills. Market routes connected the plains with Tibet-facing valleys and with settlements farther west. Fortified positions, religious sites and old trading paths reflect a period when local rulers, merchants and agricultural communities negotiated influence across difficult terrain. The region’s later incorporation into the expanding Gorkha state did not erase these identities; land, language and customary institutions remain central to the historical character of eastern Nepal.

Unification and the Eighteenth-Century Kingdom

The Gorkha expansion led by Prithvi Narayan Shah and his successors brought much of eastern Nepal into the kingdom that developed into modern Nepal. Campaigns and political agreements altered the balance between hill principalities, local elites and the central court. The eastern frontier was also shaped by relations with Sikkim and British India, making the area strategically significant. Although the process created a wider Nepali state, it also produced long-running debates over land rights, representation and the political status of Limbuwan and other eastern communities.

The Anglo-Nepalese War and the Eastern Frontier

The Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814–1816 had important consequences for Nepal’s eastern frontier. The Treaty of Sugauli required Nepal to cede substantial territories, including areas east of the Mechi River that became part of British India. The resulting border helped define the modern relationship between Nepal and neighbouring India and divided communities with older cultural and trading connections. Later frontier settlements and cross-border commerce continued to influence the Terai districts, while the hills retained their role as a meeting point between Nepali, Himalayan and South Asian worlds.

Biratnagar and the Growth of Industry

Biratnagar developed into one of Nepal’s principal industrial and commercial centres during the twentieth century. Its location in the eastern Terai, close to the Indian border and connected to agricultural hinterlands, supported mills, manufacturing and regional trade. The city also became associated with labour organisation and political activism; the Biratnagar Jute Mill, established in the 1930s, is particularly important in Nepal’s industrial history. Although the economy has diversified and industrial fortunes have changed, Biratnagar remains a major gateway and an urban counterpoint to the province’s hill and mountain districts.

Tea Cultivation in Ilam and the Eastern Hills

Commercial tea cultivation transformed parts of the eastern hills, especially around Ilam, during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Nepal’s first tea plantation was established at Ilam in the 1860s, and later estates and smallholder production helped establish the area’s reputation for orthodox tea. Tea shaped land use, seasonal work and local commerce while adding a distinctive agricultural identity to the hills. Today, gardens, processing facilities and tea culture form an important part of Koshi’s visitor economy, alongside cardamom, ginger and other highland crops.

Protected Landscapes and Conservation

Late twentieth-century conservation efforts created a connected set of protected landscapes across Koshi Province. Sagarmatha National Park, established in 1976, protects the Everest region’s high mountain ecosystems and was later recognised by UNESCO for its natural and cultural significance. Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area protects an exceptional range of elevations, while Kanchenjunga Conservation Area safeguards remote eastern Himalayan habitats. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, established in the Terai in 1976, centres on wetlands and floodplain ecology. Together these areas illustrate Nepal’s attempt to conserve environments ranging from subtropical grasslands to glaciated peaks.

Koshi Province and Federal Nepal

Nepal’s federal restructuring created Province No. 1 under the 2015 Constitution, with Biratnagar as its capital. In 2023 the province was officially renamed Koshi Province, reflecting the importance of the Koshi River system and eastern regional identity. The change formed part of continuing discussions about history, representation and provincial identity in Nepal. For travellers, the administrative label matters because it groups very different destinations under one government but does not imply that they are close together or easily visited on a single short itinerary.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Province No. 1, Nepal

Discover Province No. 1 like never before with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
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Evendo is the ultimate travel guide to Province No. 1, Nepal. Our free app offers comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more, helping you make the most of your trip.

  • History of Province No. 1
  • Travel essentials and tons of good local advice
  • Easy navigation through the app and the city/destination
  • 'Near Me' feature to easily see what is around you
  • Curated local tips to experience the city/destination like a local
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Welcome to Evendo, your go-to travel guide for exploring Province No. 1, Nepal. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a culture enthusiast, or a foodie, our app ensures you experience the best this beautiful region has to offer.

With Evendo, you can dive into the history and allure of famous landmarks like Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and the breathtaking Arun Valley. Discover the spiritual essence of Pathibhara Devi Temple and enjoy the serene beauty of Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale (TMJ) Rhododendron Forest. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve offers an unforgettable experience.

Food lovers can explore top-rated restaurants such as the 'Everest Steak House' in Biratnagar, known for its delectable local cuisine, or 'Bhojan Griha' in Dharan, offering authentic Nepalese dining experiences. With detailed descriptions, images, and local tips for each location, Evendo makes it easy for you to plan and organize your trip.

Our app also allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly, saving you time and effort. With features like 'Near Me,' curated local tips, and easy navigation, you can seamlessly explore Province No. 1 like a local. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free, with no hidden costs or in-app purchases.

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