Panchthar is one of 14 districts in Nepal's Province No. 1 in the eastern hilly zone. It is an eastern Nepalese hill district and has 1,241 km2 (479 sq mi). The 2011 census revealed a population of 191,817 people. Phidim is the administrative centre of the district.
Pancthar district stretches from south to north and is bordered on the east by India's Sikkim and Darjeeling, on the west by Terhathum and Dhankuta, on the north by Taplejung, and on the south by Ilam and Morang.
History of Panchthar District
During the Rana period and until 1962, Panchthar was a part of the Old Dhankuta District. Chhathum and Terhathum were the two subdivisions of the Dhankuta district. The Terhathum subdivision included Panchthar as a thum (county). When the old 32 traditional districts were split into 75 districts in 1962, it became a new province.
Places to Visit in Panchthar District
Phidim is the administrative centre of the Panchthar district, and it is easily accessible by public transportation. Panchthar District is located in the hilly zone of Nepal's eastern region and has many places to visit. This district is known for its natural beauty and the many religious sites that can be found there.
Panchthar is 1,241 square kilometres in size. Pallo Kirat is another name for the Pallo Kirat. The Limbu once dominated this area, and the Rai and Limbu communities now make up the bulk of the district's population.
Other faiths, such as Magar, Sunuwar, and Sherpa, are also represented. In Panchthar District, there are several places to visit. They are:
- Phidim
- Sadhutar
- Chiba Bhanjyang
- Timbu Lake
- Milkajung
- Jorpokhari
- Chhalasukka
Phidim
It takes six hours to travel from Birtamod to Ilam through a winding road. Phidim has tin-roofed houses and small concrete structures, and the town is surrounded by the Phewa and Hewa rivers. It also serves as a commercial hub for the district's rural residents. Phidim is located in eastern Nepal, in a valley at the foot of the Himalayas.
Phidim has a temperate climate in the summer and snowy, misty weather in the winter. In the summer, the mean temperature reaches 25 degrees Celsius, and in the winter, it drops to 2 degrees Celsius. Phidim is approximately 130 kilometres from Kakarvitta and roughly 160 kilometres from Siliguri.
It's a stunning hill station with a one-of-a-kind panorama and scenic surroundings that make it so appealing. This location is also well-known for its unique socio-cultural arrangement and cultural diversity. Tourists begin to arrive in March and April to go fishing. The Khewatham River is a popular fishing spot.
The Khewatham River is a haven for many fish and features three falls. These declines are essential in terms of biology, climate, and tourism. Various species of birds and wildlife can be seen wandering the riverbank and a variety of plants and uncommon trees.
Sadhutar
Sadhutar is a newly discovered travel destination in Nepal's Panchthar District, situated in the Phidim Municipality. Sadhutar offers a spectacular view of the Kanchanjunga and Kumbhakarna Mountains. Any visitor will be drawn in by the image of the mountain reflected in the lake.
Meanwhile, visitors from Phidim and other nearby areas have been flocking to Sadhutar in Panchthar. A calm blue pond surrounded by bare hills has become a popular place for locals to see the Himalayan ranges reflected in the water. Kanchenjunga and Kumbhakarna are among the Himalayan peaks. People have fun admiring and photographing the breathtaking landscape.
They used to eat snacks by the side of the pond in Sadhutar in the warm light. Sadhutar is located on the Mechi Highway near Pauwa Bhajyang. On Saturday, there will be a larger audience than on other weekends.
Chiba Bhanjyang
Since Chiba Bhanjyang is near the Sikkim border, both Indian and Nepalese tourists can come here. Chiba Bhyanjang has also developed into a business hub due to the shared border between Nepal and India. It is also common to see bureaucrats from both sides doing official duties.
Because of the area's high elevation and dispersed population, visitors have fewer reasons to visit Chiba Bhanjyang. For nature lovers, the platform is an ideal stopover. As the name implies, there are two ponds within a short distance of each other.
Jorpokhari is one and a half hours away from Phidim. There are also several Kirat and Hindu temples in the region. However, the locality is reportedly concerned about the pond's water level being reduced.
Nonetheless, the residents are trying to find a way to keep the wetlands' ecosystem alive. Due to its proximity to the Mechi Highway, the place also has a convenient hospitality centre.
Timbu Lake
Timbu Lake is situated in the Himalayan foothills, between Panchthar and Taplejung. The destination also has a chance to become one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Its main attractions are:
- Sightseeing.
- Yak watching.
- The appearance of several ponds.
- The magnificent view of Kumbakarna Himal.
Visitors can take pleasure not only in the pond's sightseeing but also in the experience of seeing floras such as Kenzo and Microphylla while hiking. Timbu Lake, located at an elevation of 4448 meters above sea level, is accessible via the Chyangthapu highway.
Locals have built several resthouses along the road to offer comfort to travellers. The Sidingba Rural Municipality is planning a fair to support the region's lake tourism.
Milkajung
Miklajung has many potentials to become a tourist destination because it is nestled among the stunning hills of the Panchthar district. The city is surrounded by creeks that flow between the mountains, creating a breathtaking landscape. Fog dances in a fascinating hide-and-seek game among the valleys, emerging from the gorges and vanishing into the sky. The houses in this village are neat and thin.
This area's residents work in agriculture and animal husbandry. Tourists flock to Miklajung to take a break from their hectic schedules and de-stress amid nature.
Visitors can see spectacular sunrises, mountains peeking out from behind hills, different districts of the country's eastern area, and traditional mountain settlements, all of which provide opportunities for tourism development. This location is ideal for those interested in exploring nature and studying the natural environment.
Jorpokhari
Since you'll be in Jorpokhari, the windy climate will offer relief from the summer sun. The weather in Jorpokhari is ideal for outdoor activities. Apart from the peace and beauty of the surroundings. Jorpokhari is also well-known because of its religious and cultural significance. For nature lovers, the platform is an ideal stopover.
As the name implies, there are two ponds within a short distance of each other. This lake is about a one-and-a-half-hour drive away from Phidim. There are also many temples of Kirat and Hindu importance in the region. However, the locality is reportedly concerned about the pond's water level being reduced.
Nonetheless, the residents are trying to find a way to keep the wetlands' ecosystem alive. Their restoration efforts have prompted construction in the area. Due to its proximity to the Mechi Highway, the place also has a spacious hospitality centre.
Chhalasukka
The location is spread over a lovely hammock with a beautiful view of mountains, rivers, and narrow valleys. This location is fascinating because it is surrounded by myths and stories about the site and its people. There are also several natural wonders and mysteries to be seen there, giving the location sacred significance.
