Shree Antu is a small village in Ilam, surrounded by cultivated tea fields and beautiful gardens, and with the third-highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga (8586 metres) to the north. The people living in this area are ethnic Limbu, Tamang, Rai, Lepcha, and Magar. Staying at the Shree Antu Community Homestay is an opportunity to learn about these Nepali cultural groups, some of whom are spread throughout the country, but others live mainly in the eastern regions.

The homestay accommodation at Shree Antu Community Homestay are homes made of wood. Each has its own beautiful little garden growing flowers, especially orchids that grow in the nurseries beside the gardens. Bathroom facilities are simple but adequate: some homestays have toilets inside, while others have them separate from the room but not far away. Hot water can be provided in buckets for bathing.

Meals are prepared by your host family from local ingredients. As well as the expected roti, rice, and curries, you may be served local eggs, honey, milk, and of course, lots and lots of delicious Ilam tea.

ABOUT SHREE ANTU, Ilam

Eastern Nepal sees far fewer travelers than central and mid-western areas, but those who do make it there are treated to scenic tea fields, nature hikes with a lot of birdlife, and views of the eastern Himalaya, including Kanchenjunga. 

The hosts of the Shree Antu Community Homestay are mostly farmers, and will be busy for certain periods of the year with their planting, tending, and harvesting. They will be happy to let you join in and learn about their way of life and livelihood.

While Darjeeling—just over the border in India—is a household name in tea, Ilam tea is less well-known outside of Nepal. Whether or not you’re a tea afficionado, while traveling to Ilam you can learn more about this important and popular crop. You’ll see it growing in the fields all around, have the chance to try picking some, learning about its production at a tea factory, and have plenty of chances to drink a hot cup at your homestay.

Other activities around Shree Antu revolve around the beautiful nature and rural way of life. You can take a horse trek through the countryside, visit the Chiya Baari National Park, and go pedal-boating on beautiful Antu Pokhari Lake.

Best Time to Visit

The cooler, drier months between October and March are generally the best times to travel around the hills of Nepal, including the Shree Antu Community Homestay. Note that tea factory visits, which are a major drawcard of visiting the area, aren’t available between mid-November and mid-April, as this is out of season for the crop. Ilam is best avoided during the monsoon (June-September) as humidity is high, and views won’t be clear.

Climate and Weather

While Ilam district has a large altitude range--from the plains to very high mountains--Shree Antu is located in the hills, at around 2300 metres, with a moderate climate. Winters (December-February) are cold, and the monsoon season (June-September) is very wet. In between these extremes, spring and autumn provide warm and generally dry weather. Due to the altitude, Shree Antu is generally cooler than Kathmandu.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Authentic Beauty in a Tea pot