Shree Antu, Ilam – A One-Day Camp That Deserves a Longer Stay
There are places you visit... and then there are places that leave a permanent impact. For me and my group of 10 friends, Shree Antu was a spontaneous one-day getaway — but by the end of it, we wished we had stayed longer.
Tucked away in Eastern Nepal’s beautiful hills, Shree Antu isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience filled with sunrise views, misty tea gardens, mouth-watering local food, and some of the most Instagrammable landscapes you’ll find in Nepal.
🚐 The Journey Begins: Biratnagar to Shree Antu (via Kanyam)
We began our journey from Biratnagar in a Rijab Gadi (private jeep). The cost? NPR 14,000 for 10 people — just NPR 1400 per person.
On the way, we passed through the iconic tea fields of Kanyam. We made a quick stop to stretch, sip some local tea, and enjoy the view. The landscape already felt like a movie set.
But the real magic started once we reached Shree Antu.
🌊 Welcome to Antu Pokhari – Where Most Lodges Are
Most of the lodges and homestays in Shree Antu are located around the peaceful Antu Pokhari, a serene pond surrounded by tea gardens and walking trails.
This area is the heart of the village — where locals gather, tourists relax, and every morning feels like a scene out of a travel documentary.
Our camp-style one-day stay was right near the Pokhari, giving us quick access to everything — the View Tower, tea trails, and chill zones.
🌄 Sunrise That Silences Everyone
We woke up around 4:30 AM and walked towards the Antu View Tower, just a few minutes away from our lodge.
It was cold. Quiet. Peaceful.
As the sky slowly turned from black to pink to gold, Mount Kanchenjunga revealed itself in the distance, glowing under the morning light. The tea hills lit up like layers of green velvet.
For a while, even the loudest among us had nothing to say. The view did all the talking.
📸 Tea Gardens & Reels That Write Themselves
After sunrise, we explored the tea gardens — they’re not just for show; they’re perfect for creating reels and TikToks.
Whether it’s slow-motion walking through the mist, panoramic drone shots, or chill scenes by the Pokhari, Shree Antu is a creator’s dream.
📶 Bonus? Wi-Fi is available at most lodges, so you can upload your content right from the hills.
🍢 The Food – Local, Smoky, and SO Good
Now let’s talk about the real highlight — the food.
We skipped the usual dal bhat and instead indulged in local Ilam-style dishes, and everything was just chef’s kiss.
Here’s what we devoured:
- 🍜 Thukpa (hot, flavorful, and perfect for the cold)
- 🍚 Fried rice with local veggies and spices
- 🔥 Barbecue — especially braised pork, juicy and smoky!
- 🌶️ Chatpate by the fire
- 🍺 And yes... Nepal’s Gorkhali Beer to top it off!
It wasn’t just a meal — it was a campfire-style feast with laughter, music, and stories under the stars.
💸 Real Budget Breakdown
We were a group of young adults — meaning we knew how to enjoy without overspending.
Our Group Camp Cost:
| Category | Cost per person | |--------------------|-----------------| | Jeep (Rijab Gadi) | NPR 1400 | | Lodge Stay | NPR 1200–1300 | | Food + Drinks | NPR 600–800 | | Total | ~NPR 3300–3500 |
For Budget Travelers (Minimal Spend):
| Category | Cost per person | |--------------------|-----------------| | Jeep Share | NPR 1400 | | Budget Lodge | NPR 1000 | | Simple Meals | NPR 500 | | Total | ~NPR 2000–2300 |
It’s rare to find a destination that’s this scenic, peaceful, affordable, and content-creator-friendly.
🧭 What to Explore (If You Stay Longer)
Since we only stayed for a day, here’s what we wish we had time for:
- 🥾 A longer tea trail hike
- 🪴 Visit a local cardamom farm
- 🏞️ Explore more of Antu Pokhari
- 🧑🌾 Spend time with locals to learn their way of life
- 🍛 Taste more regional delicacies
If you’re planning your trip — make it at least two days. Shree Antu has more to give if you stay long enough.
🎒 What to Pack
- 🧥 Warm clothes (early mornings are cold)
- 📸 Phone, tripod, extra battery/power bank
- 💵 Cash (most shops and homestays don’t accept digital payment)
- 🧴 Sunscreen + shades for the daytime
- 🍫 Snacks for the ride
🧘 Final Thoughts: Short Trip, Lasting Memory
Our one-day camp trip to Shree Antu wasn’t long, but it was worth every second.
It gave us a break from deadlines, screens, and the noise of everyday life. Whether you’re a:
- Burned-out office worker
- TikToker/Instagrammer
- Solo backpacker
- Student group
Shree Antu is your peaceful corner of Nepal.
You’ll go for the views, but you’ll come back with stories, laughter, and a full heart