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.