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Basantpur is
set up in the enchanting surrounding of mountains and greenery.
Offering excellent respite from city life, the diverse landscape
includes terraced fields as well as plain land, which are
covered by different types of vegetation. The mixed pastures,
hills of colorful rhododendron and jasmine, beautiful sunrise
and sunset, friendly people and rich Limbu culture offer
additional appeal. Basantpur at 2,200 meters, also hosts
trekkers on the way to Mt. Kanchenjunga in Taplejung and the
popular Teenjure Milke-Jaljale Trail.
Access
Basantpur 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 over to Hile Bazaar. Buses are
available from Hile Bazaar to Basantpur.
Accommodation & Facilities
Budget hotels and moderate accommodation facilities are
available in Basantpur Bazaar. There are many small hotels and
restaurants in the area to cater to local passers by. Camping
sites are also available for trekkers. Other facilities are also
available in Basantpur Bazaar.
When to Visit
The best times to visit are autumn and spring, between
October-December or from February-April. The weather is cool and
temperate here most times of the year, which makes Basantpur
ideal for visit anytime. Summers are pleasant with temperatures
ranging from 10 to 20 degree Celsius, while winters are not
extreme even though temperatures could sometimes fall below 0
degree.
Predominant Culture
Ethnic groups that reside in the area are Gurung, Rai,
Tamang, Brahmin and Chhettri, Tharu, Newar and Marwadi people
also live here. Most of the people are farmers by occupation. In
the surrounding areas of Basantapur, Limbu culture is
predominant.
Places to Visit
Teen Jure Danda is at 3,066 meters from where one can see
magnificent views of sunrise and sunset, and majestic view of
mountains. 34 varieties of rhododendron are found here. Teen
Jure Danda is about half hour away from Basantpur Bazaar.
Milke Danda on the way to Taplejung is another popular
rhododendron forest. At 2,905 meters, Mikle Danda prodvides a
closer view of the Kanchenjunga and Kumbhakarna mountains in
addition to the scenic beauty of sunrise and sunset. It falls on
the trekking trail between Taplejung and Basantapur Bazaar.
Pattek Danda at 2,500 meters, is equally beautiful for
sunrise, sunset and a wide view of the Himalayas including Mt.
Everest and Mt. Kanchanjunga. Pattek Danda is ideal for short
trek and is also a good area for picnics. There is a popular
Kali temple 2 hour-walk west from Basantapur Bazaar. Pattek
Danda, about 3 kilometers away from Basantapur can also be
reached via Chitre that is 15-minutes drive away. From here
Pattek Danda is 30-minutes trek away.
Gupha Pokhari is 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
is culturally significant and is also a good resting place for
trekkers to Taplejung.
Marg Pokhara is another natural pond on the lap of the
hills. The pond holds religious value and scenic beauty. It is
situated at a height of about 2,600 meters. The pond has
contributed to keep the surroundings green. Marg Pokhari
watershed area has a dense forest that habitats popular species
of rhododendron and precious plants. Marg Pokhari is on the way
to Basantapur from Sindhuwa, which is 5 kilometer from Basantpur
Bazaar.
Sukrabare Bazaar in Hammarjung VDC, a weekly fair is
showcasing mixed culture of the settlements. Majority of the
inhabitants here are Limbus. Thus, it is an ideal place and time
to experience the rich Limbu culture. The village is popular for
traditional weaved Khadi. The village can be reached via
Sindhuwa Bazaar which is another popular area of Basantpur.
Panchakanya Pokhari is another popular tourist site. Also
known as Chhathar Pokhari, Panchakanya Pokhari is approximately
2-hour walk further down from Sukrabare Bazaar. Among the many
ponds the biggest pond that lies in the area is Panchakanya.
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