Hile
Hile is situated about 13 km north of Dhankuta Bazaar. The
panorama of the major peaks of eastern Himalaya including Sagarmatha (Mt.
Everest), Makalu, Lhotse and Kumbhakarna can be enjoyed from Hile.
Hile sits on a ridge and is basically rows of houses on
either side of the road. There are however dingy settlements on the slope on
one side of the road. Surprisingly this little town has quite a few hotels and
at least one of them is solid though furnishing and service leaves much to be
desired. The Tongba (Alcoholic drink made from millet) is great if you can
digest it.
If you turn left from Hile approaching from Dhankuta, the
road leads on to the Arun valley and Makalu treks. Pushing straight up the road
leads on to Basantapur, Taplejung and the Kanchenjunga trek. A few Tibetan
families still remain as does the two Gompas. The rest of the inhabitants are a
mixture of Chetris, Magars, Rais, Tamangs, Brahmins, Limbus and people of
Indian stock. There are good views of the Makalu massif from here. Walk up from
the town and go past the army barracks until you see a path cut out on the left
side opposite a few houses. Climb up over a grassy ridge and you will see the
Himalayas, weather permitting. There are many pleasant walks around Hile. A
walk to the Pakhribas agricultural center built by the British many years ago
is interesting.
Hile is only a half hour drive uphill from Dhankuta. There
are also direct buses to Hile from Kathmandu.
Hile is a town that you might come to when beginning or
ending a trek. It is possible to get trekking supplies here. It is where treks
to Arun Valley and to Makalu begin. There are some nice day walks in the area.
Hile is 15km past Dhankuta.
There are some great views of the mountains about a
half-hour walk from Hile, especially the Makalu range. To get there you walk to
the north end of the bazaar and bear left onto a dirt bath and after around
300m go up a set a steps to get to the Hattikharka trail. You then walk pass
the army base and then pass the army check point. You then go left get to a
grassy plateau from where there is a fantastic view of the mountains.
There are many porters here. There people living here are
Rais, Newar and Bhotiyas.
Getting There:There are plenty of bus services operating between Dhnkuta and Hile. In fact
most buses to Dhankuta continue as far as Hile.
Accommodation:Hile is facilitated with a number of hotels and lodges for average to luxurious
accommodations.
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