Dhankuta
A tidy hill town of stone-paved lanes and old houses on a ridge between the Tamor and Arun rivers.
Dhankuta was for decades the regional headquarters of the eastern hills, and it still has a calm, orderly feel: clean streets, orange and pear trees, and a mix of Rai, Limbu, Newar and Brahmin–Chhetri communities. It is well known for its oranges and the Dhankuta Museum's collection of local culture.
Just north, the bazaar of Hile is famous for tongba (millet beer) and has a Tibetan settlement and fine views of Makalu. The drive up from Dharan via Bhedetar is one of the prettiest in the east.
