Dharan - Greenest City of Nepal
Visit Dharan, a bustling bazaar that is growing rapidly. Make your ways to Dhankuta for good views, a mild climate and plenty of interesting walks in the surrounding area including tea gardens in the region. Go up 13 kilometers north of Dhankuta Bazaar for panorama of the major peaks of the eastern Himalaya including Mt. Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and Kumbhakarna.
Bhedetar (Charles Point)
Dharan is almost 600 KM from Kathmandu. To the north of Dharan lies the famous hill junction called Bhedetar. It has remained the place of relief for the people of Dharan during the summer as the heat begins to rise. In the autumn when the sky becomes clear, one can witness the breathtaking range of mountains. The distinct view of Makalu can be seen from this area. Many fine lodges and the restaurants are now opened up for the tourists and the people coming for the cool and fresh air.  The tower situated on the top of the hill is one of the exciting spot indeed from where one who can see excellent views of Hile – Dhankuta (Kanchenjunga Himal in north and a really large valley with Sapta Koshi river along with Dharan Bazaar very close but really down. You should be careful while climbing up to the top of the Tower and also you can worship goddess Pathivara Mai. A small restaurant situated at the bottom of the tower for refreshing your mind.
Budha Subba Temple
This temple is very unique in its own way, very sacred place for the Kirant (i.e. Rais, Limbus, Gurungs, Magars etc Indigenous people.). It is situated in a peaceful area surrounded by the bamboos, which is about a half-kilometer northeast of the Bijayapur Bazaar. Every day, people come here with the roosters and the pigs along with other necessary worshiping bits and pieces, and they sacrifices these animals here especially when they get inflicted with dire problems aside from other anxieties and sufferings. It is believed that by sacrificing these animals and worshiping the sacred dome of the Subba inside this temple, people can get rid of all their sufferings, crisis etc. This place has the very rare kind of bamboos that grow without the top edges. People are not allowed to cut down the bamboos, as these bamboos are believed to be the symbol of the Buda Subba.
Buddhi Karna Rai succeeded to the throne of Morang Empire in 1769 AD after the long brutal confrontation of the King Kamadutta Sen, It is said that the Buddhi Karna Rai exterminated Kamadutta Sen in-order to become a king. Buddhi Karna Rai then ruled the Morang Empire between 1769-1773 AD. Pratap Singh Shah's Gorkha army took Morang Empire in 1773 AD, but they only succeeded to capture Buddhi Karna Rai after four more years of time. Buddhi Karna Rai was brought to Bijayapur and on accusation of exterminating Kamadutta Sen eight years ago, was given death sentence. Gorkha army tied him to the tree and gave him the tormenting death that took three days. He was buried on the same ground and now what is known as Buda Subba. (Buda means God, and Subba means King)
 
 
Dharan is 41 km north of Biratnagar where the Himalayan foothills and the Terai plains overlap. It is 17 km from the intersection at ltahari on the East West Highway. Dharan was formerly a recruitment center for Gurkha soldiers and most of the populations are ex-army. A huge hospital now stands at the recruiting camp Bijayapur hill contains several sacred sites. The hilltop of Bhedetar (16 km, 1 hour drive) is popular for its views of the Himalaya and the Koshi river. Barah Chhetra, a Hindu holy place is a 30-minute drive plus a two-hour walk.
At the east of Nepal, right at the foot of hills, at an altitude of 1148 ft (349m) lies this beautiful city, Dharan. Beautiful roads, remarkable homes and natural beauty aren't all that makes Dharan. It embraces cleanliness, openness, friendly hill people and their smiles. Dharan grew after British setup the `Gurkha Recruitment Center' in 1953, which helped many Nepalese earn employment. Two ethnic groups namely Rais and Limbus used to constitute the major portion of Gurkah soldiers. These groups came from the eastern region of Nepal, and Dharan was their center for training. Dharan has a tropical monsoon climate with maximum temperature of 35 to 36 Degree Celsius in April, and minimum of 10 to 12 Degree Celsius in January. The maximum rainfall is about 460mm which is usually seen in August. Nepal's one of the largest river, Saptakoshi, runs near Dharan. It is known for having B. P. Koirala Institute of Health and Science, over 25 Temples and holy sites, making it an important pilgrimage destination, and Dharan is the gateway to Nepal's popular tea growing region Bhenetar is located 9 Kilometer away from Dharan. When the sky is clear (especially during Autumn season), one can witness magnificent views of the Himalayan range, and enjoy fresh Himalayan breeze.
Dharan is situated at the east of Nepal, stretched from the edge of northern hills range to the south forest that divides the southern plain land of tarai. Since the development of the township of Dharan started 97 years ago, it has continued to grow and prosper. Although the major earthquake of  1932 did extensive damaged to Dharan and eastern half of Nepal, it was only one year later that Dharan was able to inaugurate its new main street and bazzar. The British aided the growth of Dharan in 1953 by opening the Gurkha Recruitment Center. This added many new development facilities. On Nov.16 1960 the municipality of Dharan was officially established. Fourteen years later the 24-acre Industrial Park opened the door of new industry. In 1989, Dharan was again struck by a devastating earthquake but soon rebuilt and continued its growth. In 1993 B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Science was founded. Today continues to enjoy vigorous growth especially in the fields of health care, education and community. With 39 temples and mandir Dharan is a popular pilgrimage spot for many.
 
 
Pindeshwar, Dantakali and Budha Subba Temples are all located in historically and archeologically important Bijaypur hill. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is the only refuge for wild buffalo and is home for more than 300 species of birds.Dharan is also the gateway for the many north/east hill regions, and starting point for the trekkers to the Kanchenjunga, Solu Khambu and the Arun Valley. Dharan enjoys many fine lodges and the elegant restaurants which serves the good meals but is short of star hotels. Dharan also remaining a educational center for the east Nepal, boost some of the fine colleges, schools and the Medical college. B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Science is not only a major educational center providing medical degrees but its professional staff also provides high quality health care service to the eastern region of Nepal and parts of northern India.
British Camp and B.P. Hospital In 1953 British Government on bilateral agreement with the Nepal Government,  built the transit camp at Ghopa side of Dharan for the transition of Gurkha military personnel on service, and  for the new Gurkha recruitment. In 1990 The British handed over the camp to the Nepal Government. Nepal government in turn transformed the British camp into one of the best hospital in Asia with the help of Indian government. During the 30 years staying of British, they built the camp into what people then recalled as the mini England, two swimming pools, golf pitch with all the 18 holes and the horse stables are some of the few things they have left behind today. For tourist now the camp has become one of worth observing place to visit at.
Dharan Holy Temples
Introduction: There are numerous temples and holy sites in Dharan of which specifically the four that are historically and for their mythological based stories are important and well known. They are Pindeshwar temple, Dantakali temple, Pancha Kanya temple, and Buddha Subba temple. All these temples are located in archeologically important Bijayapur hill (ward no. 14) in separate places. Here is a short description of each temple.
Pindeshwar Temple: It is one of the well known pilgrimages sites in Nepal. This temple is situated approximately 3 kilometers east of the Bijayapur Bazaar. Every year, thousands of Hindu pilgrims (mostly from India) descend upon here to pour the holy water of Sapta Koshi and Ganga River that flows via Chattara River. The people wear simple orange colored garments and walk barefoot from this river (approx. 17 kms. east of Dharan) with the holy water on their shoulders chanting "Bol Bam, Bol Bam" in the name of the Lord Shiva. There is a small natural pond nearby this temple, which is called  "Sarswati Kunda". People take a holy bath here and pay homage to the Lord Shiva. There is a Sanskrit Campus, the only one in the eastern region.
Dantakali Temple: This temple is situated in the heart of Bijayapur hill about 1,572 ft. above sea level. According to the myth, a tooth of the deceased wife of Lord Shiva fell off on this spot while Shiva was outrageously traveling on the earth carrying his dead wife. So, this temple was established here in commemoration of the Lord Shiva's wife. The fallen tooth is said to be very much look alike of a human being itself. today the historical tooth is still believed to be preserved.
 Pancha Kanya Temple: This temple is located in the midst of trees and bushes ("Saal ghari") about a half-kilometer east of the Bijayapur Bazaar. It is said to be named after the five virgin deities namely Dhrupadi, Tara, Kunti, Parwati and Manju. It is also believed that this palace/ temple was set up in the 17th century by the king Mukund Shen during his regime.  Aside from the religious stuff, the surrounding area of this temple is also regarded as one of the most entertaining spot for the youths, lovers of nature, and of course for the pairs. There are lots of bushes around. From here, you can also have a beautiful view of the Dharan Bazaar especially of the northern section.
Buda Subba Temple:  This temple is very unique in its own way, very sacred place for the Kirant (i.e. Rais, Limbus, Gurungs, Magars etc Indigenous people.). It is situated in a peaceful area surrounded by the bamboos, which is about a half-kilometer northeast of the Bijayapur Bazaar. Everyday, people come here with the roosters and the pigs along with other necessary worshiping bits and pieces, and they sacrifices these animals here especially when they get inflicted with dire problems aside from other anxieties and sufferings. It is believed that by sacrificing these animals and worshiping the sacred dome of the Subba inside this temple, people can get rid of all their sufferings, crisis etc. This place has the very rare kind of bamboos that grow without the top edges. People are not allowed to cut down the bamboos, as these bamboos are believed to be the symbol of the Buda Subba.
 
 
History Behind Buda Subba Temple Buddhi Karna Rai succeeded to the throne of Morang Empire in 1769 AD after the long brutal confrontation of the King Kamadutta Sen, It is said that the Buddhi Karna Rai exterminated Kamadutta Sen in-order to become a king. Buddhi Karna Rai then ruled the Morang Empire between 1769-1773 AD. Pratap Singh Shah's Gorkha army took Morang Empire in 1773 AD, but they only succeeded to capture Buddhi Karna Rai after four more years of time. Buddhi Karna Rai was brought to Bijayapur and on accusation of exterminating Kamadutta Sen eight years ago, was given death sentence. Gorkha army tied him to the tree and gave him the tormenting death that took three days. He was buried on the same ground and now what is known as Buda Subba. (Buda means God, and Subba means King) You may pass through this uninteresting town while traveling eastern Nepal. Dharan is 16km north of the Mahendra Highway.Dharan is where the British Army used to have a Gurkha Camp. It is possible to visit the old British Gurkha Camp. It is a quiet place, but there is not much to see.The Nepal Bank changes money.Outsiders can use the facilities at the Dharan Country Club, which include a golf course, swimming pool, tennis court and squash court, for a fee.
Where to Stay Shristi Guest House (20569), a five-minute walk from the bus stand, has well-maintained rooms for Rs 150/175. There are several other basic places in town.BAPSO Guest House (20978) is a nice place with clean rooms for Rs. Hotel Family Inn (20848), near the bus park, is fairly quiet and clean. Rooms are Rs 400. Hotel Aagan (20640) has clean, well furnished rooms with for Rs 600. Some rooms have hot water and TV.Bamboo House, at the Hotel Gurans east of Bhanu Chowk, is has good Indian and Nepali food. Chimal Restaurant is a good place.There is an airport one-hour south in Biratnagar from where there are several daily flights to Kathmandu.Buses departing in the afternoon to Kathmandu should be booked ahead. There are buses twice an hour to Biratnagar and regular buses to Kakarbhitta and Hile. You connect with buses to other places at Biratnagar or Itahari, the junction of the two highways. There are crowded local buses to Dhankuta. It is also possible to get a jeep to Dhankuta.If you know of information that is not listed here, or if you would like to help update our listings, please e-mail us at: Dharan is a happening bazaar town at the foot of the Chure Hills. There is not much to do here. It is 50km from Dhankuta. If you taking a trek, this is a good chance to get some supplies. Trekkers may pass through this town going to Hile (12km), a starting point for treks and Basantapur and while coming from Chatara, 15km west, which is where rafting trip on the Sun Kosi end.There is an annual religious festival at Baraha Chhetra, which is 5km north of Chhatra in late October or early November.
Where to Stay: There are several places to stay here. The Hotel Navayug is not such a good place.Hotel Family Inn (20848), near the bus stop in the middle of town, near Bhanu Chowk, has decent doubles with common bath for Rs 250 and Rs 400 with bath.Hotel Aangan, close to Bhanu Chowk, is a decent place with clean double rooms with bath for Rs 400 and A/C rooms for Rs 600.
Travel: The scenery on the road to Hile is excellent. There are buses to Dhankuta (3 hr, Rs 50), Hile (between 5.30 am to 3 pm). There is a direct night bus to Kathmandu (12 hr, 3 pm, Rs 300).need a car service you can click www.carhirenepal.com