A special heritage trekking program will be organized along Ilam’s historic ‘Nishan Padmarg’ (Nishan Trail) from Poush 23 to 26, aiming to promote tourism while reviving an important chapter of Nepal’s military and unification history. The four-day trek will begin from Mechi Bazaar, Suryodaya Municipality-4, and conclude at Maisthan Temple in Ilam Municipality.
According to Suryodaya Municipality Mayor Ran Bahadur Rai, the trek will follow the 41-kilometer route passing through Purne Danda, Suntale, Hattitar of Maijogmai Rural Municipality, Maibeni, and several culturally significant settlements before reaching Maisthan on the final day.
A 41-Kilometer Trail Rooted in National History
The Nishan Padmarg traces the route used by the Shreenath Battalion of the Nepali Army during the era of national unification. The trail marks the path along which military flags (Nishan) were installed after Nepal’s eastern territorial victories. Following the Sugauli Treaty, these historic Nishans were relocated and preserved at Maisthan Temple, making the route a symbol of Nepal’s military heritage and sovereignty.
The trekking program is being organized along this historically identified route by the Ranshardul Battalion of the Nepali Army in Ilam, which has been actively involved in documenting and restoring the trail.
Coordinated Efforts to Promote Heritage Tourism
Maijogmai Rural Municipality Chairperson Kush Bahadur Thebe stated that the trek will be joined by Nepali Army officials, elected representatives, tourism entrepreneurs, and heritage stakeholders, turning the event into a collective campaign for tourism promotion.
Local communities are also preparing for the event with traditional welcome programs, cultural processions, and indigenous displays across Suryodaya Municipality, Ilam Municipality, and Maijogmai Rural Municipality. Residents are organizing cultural receptions at multiple points along the route to welcome trekkers and highlight the region’s ethnic traditions.
A Carefully Mapped Heritage Route
The Nishan Padmarg was formally identified two years ago under the initiative of the Ranshardul Battalion, with support from the three municipalities. The route connects Nagarigadhi in Mirik (India) through the Nepal–India border, Mechi River source, Siddikhola, Gairigaun, Ramphok, Nayachok, Jogmaikhola, Hattitar, Maibeni, and Tilkeni, finally reaching Maisthan Temple.
This mapped trail now serves as a cultural corridor linking historical war routes with living settlements, religious sites, and scenic landscapes.
Driving Ilam’s Tourism and Cultural Identity
Mayor Rai emphasized that the Nishan Padmarg trek is expected to significantly boost Ilam’s tourism sector. “The trail was developed by tracing nearly 200-year-old war history. With proper promotion, it will attract both domestic and international tourists and contribute to the overall development of tourism in Ilam,” he said.
Ilam Municipality Mayor also highlighted that the trail has played an important role in identifying, preserving, and promoting the district’s historical, religious, and cultural heritage.
Legacy of the Sugauli Treaty and Maisthan Temple
After the Sugauli Treaty, the Shreenath Battalion was relocated from Nagarigadhi of Mirik to Purnedanda in Karphok, Suryodaya Municipality. Due to security concerns near the Indian border, the battalion later moved through Hattitar of Maijogmai and finally stationed the Nishan at Maisthan Temple in Ilam-7.
Maisthan Temple, believed to have been established around 1880 B.S., continues to preserve the historic Nishan to this day, serving as a powerful symbol of Nepal’s sovereignty and military pride. To promote tourism and preserve historical heritage in eastern Nepal, the Nisaan Padmarg Trek will be organized from Poush 23 to 26 this year. The 41-kilometer heritage trail will begin from Mechi Bazaar of Suryodaya Municipality–4 and conclude at Maithan Temple in Ilam Municipality, following a historically significant route used by the Nepali Army during Nepal’s unification era to transport royal insignias.
A New Chapter for Heritage-Based Tourism
With the return of the Nishan Padmarg trek, Ilam is set to strengthen its position as a heritage tourism destination. By blending military history, spiritual landmarks, local culture, and scenic beauty, the trail offers visitors a unique journey through time, connecting Nepal’s past victories with its future tourism ambitions.
