The short answer
Fly to Bhadrapur or Biratnagar and drive 4 to 6 hours, or come by road from the Indian side. It is far from the main circuit, so plan extra days.
Key facts
- Fly
- Bhadrapur or Biratnagar
- Drive
- 4 to 6 hours onward
- Add
- Extra days
How it works
- Choose your entryFly to Bhadrapur or Biratnagar, or cross by road at Kakarbhitta from Siliguri.
- Drive into the hillsFour to six hours depending on the start. The road winds and slows after rain.
- Plan slow daysEverything in the east takes longer than the map suggests.
Insider tip
Ilam works well for travellers coming from Darjeeling or Siliguri side by road.
Avoid this
Do not assume easy connections; check flights and road conditions.
Related questions
Is Ilam close to Darjeeling?
Relatively. Many travellers combine the two by road via Kakarbhitta.
Can I fly into Ilam?
There is no airport in Ilam; use Bhadrapur.
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