Basantapur 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. Basantapur at 2,200 meters, also hosts trekkers on the way to Mt. Kanchenjunga in Taplejung and the popular Teenjure Milke-Jalijale Trail.
ACCESS:
Basantapur is in Tehratum district of Koshi zone. It can be reached via Hile in Dhankuta district. Buses are available at Cebtral Bus Station, Gongabu, in Kathmandu. Another option is to fly Biratnagar and drive over to Hile Bazaar. Buses are available from Hile Bazaar to Basantapur.
ACCOMMODATION & 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. Other facilities are also available in Basantapur 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 Basantapur 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 DANDE:
It is at 3.066 meters from one can see magnificent views of sunrise and sunset, and majestic view of mountains. 34 varities of rhododendron are found here. Teen Jure Danda is about half hour away from Basantapur Bazaar.
Milke Danda on the way to Taplejung is another popular rhododendron forest. At 2,905 meters, Milke Danda provides 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.Kanchenjunga. Pattek Danda is ideal for shirt 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 minute drive away. From here Pattek Danda is 30 minute trek away.
GUPHA POKHARI:
is a natural pond that lies on the trekking trail to Taplejung from Basantapur. Picturesque views mountains, sunrise and sunset can be seen from here. This pond is culturally significant and also a good resting place for trekkers to Taplejung.
MARG POKHARI:
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 surrounding 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 Basantapur Bazaar.
SUKRABARE BAZAAR:
in Hammarjung VDC, a weekly fair is showcasting mixed culture of the settlements. Majority of the inhabitants here are Limbus. Thus, is 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 Basantapur.
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.
