Tinjure, Milke & Jaljala (TMJ) Conservation Area lies in the eastern part of Nepal. This area is also known as the ‘Capital of Rhododendrons” where 28 species of Rhododendrons are reported. It covers an area of 585.26 sq. km. Spring season is the best time to visit this place to look for the rhododendron flowers, everywhere you can see colourful forest full bloom wildflowers.
TMJ area represents middle and high mountain landscapes between two protected areas of Nepal, in between Kangchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) and Makalu Barun National Park (MBNP) and is a popular tourist destination for trekking, bird watching, research and many more, especially for nature exploration.
Tinjure, Milke & Jaljala (TMJ) Area lies in the eastern part of Nepal. This area is also known as the ‘Capital of Rhododendrons” where 28 species of Rhododendrons are reported. It covers an area of 585.26 sq. km. Spring season is the best time to visit this place to look for the rhododendron flowers, everywhere you can see colourful forest full bloom wildflowers.
TMJ area represents middle and high mountain landscapes between two protected areas of Nepal, in between Kangchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) and Makalu Barun National Park (MBNP) and is a popular tourist destination for trekking, rafting and many more, especially for nature exploration.
TMJ offers panoramic views of above 8,000m peaks, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Mt. Makalu (8,463m) and other smaller peaks of Nepal and Sikkim. It is itself a paradise for visitors. The tourist destinations in this region are Tinjure, Myanchyyam Hill and Cave, Sanghu, Giddey Hill, PanchPokhari, Sabhapokhari, etc. Hiking and Birdwatching tours can be done in this region.
Highlights of Trek
| Duration | 09 Nights/10 Days |
| Grade | 2 |
| Maximum Elevation | 2,890m/9,480ft (Guphapokhari Bazaar) |
| Mountains | Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m) |
| Forests | Rhododendron Forests |
| Flights | Kathmandu (KTM) – Biratnagar (BIR) - Kathmandu (KTM) |
| Landscapes | Hills and Mountains, Grasslands Plateau, Basins, Valleys |
| Accommodation | Star Category hotels in Kathmandu, Tourist standard lodges/teahouse lodge in Trekking |
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to the hotel. After some refreshments, there will be a short briefing about the trek regarding the schedule, required trekking gear, services, and facilities we provided during the drive and trekking areas.
The rest of the time is free for trekking preparation.
Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour and Trek Preparation.
In the morning, proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City including the World Heritage Sites. It includes a tour of two sites below:
- Pashupatinath Temple - the Temple of Lord Shiva situated on the bank of the holy Bagmati River. The temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square) - an ancient durbar (palace) with numerous old palaces, temples, and pagodas, the Temple of Living Goddess “Kumari”, and the Kasthamandap Temple, which is believed to be constructed from the wood of a single tree from which Kathmandu derives its name.
- Bouddhanath Stupa- an ancient colossal stupa and the centre of Tibetan Buddhism in the world
- Swayambhunath Stupa - the oldest Buddhist stupa of Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises. It is also known as the “Monkey Temple”!!
- Patan City - a city of 55 major temples, 136 Buddhist monasteries, and famous for the production of Thangka and Paubha Paintings.
- Narayan Hiti Palace Museum
- National Museum
The rest of the day is free for trekking preparation, such as trekking gear shopping, packing on a duffle bag, etc.
Eve: Trip briefing followed by welcome dinner at an authentic Nepali restaurant with a cultural program.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu. (B, D)
Day 03: Fly to Biratnagar & Drive Basantapur Bazar, Dhankuta (2,200m/7,216ft) – 130Km/5 hours
Timely transfer to Kathmandu Domestic Airport to board an onward flight to Biratnagar. Upon arrival at Biratnagar Airport, meet awaiting vehicle and drive to Dhankunta via Itahari and Dharan Bazar. From Dharan Bazar, we will drive uphill to Bhedetar Bazar. If the weather gets clear, we will visit Charles Clock Tower at Bhedetar to see Snow-capped Mountains, the Hilly region and the plain Terai region. From Bhedetar, the downhill drive leads to Tamor River, a tributary of the Saptakhoshi River. Crossing the Tamor River, we will ascend to Hile Bazar via Dhankuta. Taking the right side road from Hile, we will reach Basantapur Bazar.
Overnight at lodge in Basantapur Bazar. (B, L, D)
Day 04: Drive to Guphapokhari Bazar (2,890m/9,480ft) – 42 Km/ 3 hours and explore the beautiful lake with Rhododendron Forest.
Early morning, continue the drive to Guphapokhari Bazar. Upon arrival at Guphapokhari, check into the teahouse lodge. After refreshments, meet the trekking support team and interact with the team. In the daytime, explore the lake and hike to the nearby rhododendron hill to enjoy nature.
Overnight at teahouse lodge in Guphapokhari. (B, L, D)
Day 05 – Day 06: Hike Around the Rhododendron Hill.
These two days are free to walk and explore the Rhododendron forest and observe different kinds of Rhododendrons.
Overnight at teahouse lodge in Guphapokhari. (B, L, D)
Day 07: Drive to Biratnagar – 170 km/7 hours.
Early morning, checkout from the hotel and start to drive back to Biratnagar via Hile, Basantapur Bazar. Upon arrival in Biratnagar, transfer and check into Hotel.
Day 08: Fly back to Kathmandu – 40 mins
Timely checkout from the hotel and transfer to Biratnagar Domestic Airport to board an onward flight to Kathmandu to about 45 mins with a pleasant view of the Himalayan Ranges including Makalu-Everest-Rolwaling-Langtang massif.
Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. (B, L, D)
Day 09: Contingency Day
If the plan goes smoothly with the flight on the required day/time, this day will be free in Kathmandu for leisure activities or sightseeing tours (on your own), last-minute shopping, bag packing, etc. On request, we will arrange a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu.
Eve: Group Farewell dinner at an authentic Nepali Restaurant in Kathmandu.
Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Final Departure
Timely transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport to board an onward flight to home country 3 hours earlier than the scheduled flight departing time. We wish you a happy journey during your flight from Nepal to your home country with the hope to see you on your next visit to Nepal.
(Meals Included: Breakfast)
Team Member
- All arrival and departures transfer will be assisted by the Tour Escorts.
- All the sightseeing tours in Kathmandu will be accompanied by an experienced English Speaking Tour Guide or any other language specialist on demand.
- During the trekking, a government-certified Trekking Guide will be with the group for the trek arrangements.
- One local guide to interpreting languages with the local community.
Transportation
- All arrival and departure transfers, and ground transport will be provided in an A/c private vehicle.
- Round Trip of Kathmandu/Biratnagar/Kathmandu on a domestic flight.
- Drive from Biratnagar-Guphapokhari-Biratnagar will be on a private 4WD Jeep.
- (If you wish to use the local transport, there will be changes in the time and the stopover location mentioned above. This will be a customized trek, so the final itinerary will be prepared according to the demand of trekkers.)
Accommodation & Food
- For four nights in Kathmandu, there will be star-categorized hotels depending upon the choice of guests.
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- During trekking, we provide accommodation service on-mountain teahouse lodges. During the season, the local community operates small huts for catering services at all the stop-over points. Timing for breakfast, lunches, and dinner can be more or fewer changes due to the availability of lodges or guest preferences.
- There will be a fixed menu for meals i.e. Nepalese Meal Set (Dal Bhat) in some places.
- Guests having any specific meal dietary requirements should inform us in advance.
- Meals are listed above in Itinerary. (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Itinerary
We request you view the Itinerary and information herein as a guideline. The information provided in the itinerary is to the best of our knowledge, marginal variances in the actual distances and altitudes are possible. Weather conditions, roadblocks, local political conditions, flight cancellations, mechanical breakdowns, or other unforeseeable circumstances can lead to a change in itinerary or means of transport.
Insurance
It is important to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy against illness, hospitalization, flight delays, loss of luggage, cancellations, and amendments due to weather conditions, political disturbances, or natural calamities as well as emergency helicopter evacuation. Before purchasing Travel Insurance, please ensure that the policy covers adventure activities and or trekking activities at around 3,000m.
Fitness
The trek is easy and suitable for beginners as well as good for the botanical researcher. Previous walking experience at high altitudes is beneficial. The highest altitude that we attained on this trek is 2,890m/9,480ft (Guphapokhari Bazaar). Physical fitness is essential & previous walking experience outdoors is essential.
Basic infrastructure
The trekking area will lack an electricity facility and telephone network. We recommend you carry additional batteries for Cameras, or a Solar power bank to charge smartphones. The trek leader will carry a Satellite phone to communicate at offices in Kathmandu in case of any emergencies.
Best time to Visit
Spring Season (March and April) is the best time to visit this region as this time is the season of blooming rhododendron.
