Dharan (349m), the popular hill station of the eastern part of Nepal, is a gateway to Makalu Base Camp Trek and the eastern hilly districts such as Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Terathum. The geographical location, climate, religious shrines, and places of religious and historical values make Dharan an important destination for national and international visitor. Until 1989, there used to be a British Gurkha Camp in Dharan which was used to recruit Gurkha soldiers from the eastern hills. Rais and Limbus from eastern Nepal used to constitute the major portion of Gurkha soldiers. Dharan is now a bustling bazaar town that has grown rapidly. The hill station embraces cleanliness, openness, and friendly hill people. Dharan is basically reputed for having over 25 Temples and holy sites like Pindeshwar temple, Dantakali temple, Pancha Kanyan temple, Buddha Subba temple etc., making it an important pilgrimage destination.
Besides, the spot is the gateway to beautiful tourist attractions of the eastern hills of Nepal: Dhankutta, Taplejung, Kumbhakarna Himal, Kanchenjunga, Makalu-Varun National Park, Arun Valley, Tinjure-Milke, Hyatrung Fall, and Sabha Pokhari. Other interesting point in Dharan is the Bhedetar which is located 9 km away where the British Prince Charles had climbed. There is even a Charles Tower on the peak, from where you can see a panoramic view of the fort, hills, waterfalls, forests, and high Himalayan range. Beyond Bhedetar, you can further travel to Dhankuta, Raja Rani Hill, Hile Bazaar, and Basantapur. Basantapur, another hill top station located about 90 km from Dharan, is the starting point for trekking to Kanchanjunga Base Camp.
