
Kathmandu to Ilam bus travel is one of the most beautiful long-distance journeys in Nepal, connecting the capital to the scenic tea gardens, cool climate, and peaceful hills of Ilam. Whether you’re traveling for tourism, family visits, business, or to explore Kanyam and other attractions, GoMyGo makes your Kathmandu to Ilam bus booking simple and reliable.
This guide gives you everything you need to know — bus types, travel time, route details, pickup points, and important travel tips.
Route Overview: Kathmandu → Ilam
- Distance: 620–650 km
- Average Travel Time: 15–18 hours (depending on the route and weather)
- Main Route:
Kathmandu → Bhaktapur → Dhulikhel → Sindhuli → Bardibas → Itahari → Birtamode → Ilam
The journey is long but extremely scenic, especially after reaching the eastern hills.
Bus Types Available on GoMyGo
GoMyGo offers multiple bus options for passengers traveling from Kathmandu to Ilam.
1. Deluxe AC Bus
- Comfortable for long-distance travel
- Reclining seats
- Charging ports
- Smooth suspension
2. Non-AC Standard Bus
- Budget-friendly
- 2×2 comfortable seating
- Good for regular travelers
3. VIP Sofa Bus (When Available)
- Premium sofa seats
- Extra leg space
- Best for overnight comfort
4. Hiace / Microvan (Rare on this route)
Only available seasonally
Faster travel
Limited seats
Pickup Points in Kathmandu
- Koteshwor
- Jadibuti
- Baneshwor
- Kalanki
- Swayambhu
The GoMyGo App shows the exact pickup point based on the operator.
Drop Points in Ilam
- Ilam Bazaar
- Fikkal
- Kanyam
- Pashupatinagar (near India border)
- Charali (for passengers heading toward Birtamode)
You can select your nearest stop during booking.
Travel Time & Road Condition
Kathmandu to Ilam buses usually take 15–18 hours depending on season, traffic, and road conditions.
Road Highlights:
- Smooth highway from Kathmandu to Itahari
- Low traffic past midnight
- Scenic green hills after Birtamode
- Slightly narrow hill roads as you approach Ilam
Ticket Price Information (General Guidance)
Following GoMyGo policies:
“Ticket price may vary depending on bus type, operator, season, and facilities.”
You can check the exact live price directly inside the GoMyGo App.
Why Visit Ilam?
Ilam is known for its tea gardens, peaceful hills, and scenic beauty.
For official tourism information about Ilam, you can visit the Nepal Tourism Board page.
Top Places to Visit
- Kanyam: Nepal’s tea paradise
- Ilam Bazaar: Clean, calm hill town
- Antu Danda: Sunrise viewpoint
- Fikkal: Popular food and tea market
- Mai Pokhari: Freshwater lake & eco-tourism
This makes Ilam one of Nepal’s favorite long-distance travel destinations.
How to Book Kathmandu to Ilam Bus on GoMyGo
Booking is simple and beginner-friendly:
- Open the GoMyGo App
- Select From: Kathmandu
- Select To: Ilam
- Choose travel date
- Select bus type
- Choose seat
- Make payment
- Receive digital ticket instantly
That’s all — your seat is confirmed.
Travel Tips for This Long Route
- Choose VIP or Deluxe AC for long comfort
- Carry a jacket or shawl — nights get cold
- Keep light snacks and water
- Avoid heavy luggage when possible
- Powerbank and headphones recommended
- Try to book front or middle seats for long journeys
- For sunrise in Kanyam, book night departure from Kathmandu
Why Choose GoMyGo for This Route?
- Verified Ilam bus operators
- Real-time seat availability
- Trusted payment system
- Digital e-ticket (no printed copy needed)
- 24/7 customer support
- Clean and comfortable bus listings
- Instant booking confirmation
GoMyGo ensures a safe, smooth, and comfortable long-distance journey.
Ilam is also a rising tourism hub, attracting thousands of travelers every year for tea garden photography, peaceful homestays, cultural exploration, and quiet sunrise viewpoints like Antu Danda. A Kathmandu to Ilam bus journey offers the perfect combination of comfort and scenic beauty, making it an excellent choice for both solo and family travelers.
You can also read our Kathmandu to Chitwan travel guide for more information on long-route bus journeys in Nepal.
Final Words
Kathmandu to Ilam bus travel is long but incredibly rewarding, with beautiful landscapes and lovely hill views. Using GoMyGo, you can book your Kathmandu → Ilam bus quickly, safely, and with complete transparency.
👉 Download the GoMyGo App today
👉 Book your Kathmandu to Ilam bus and enjoy a comfortable journey

