Mechi Highway
मेची राजमार्ग
The far-eastern north–south highway, through the tea hills of Ilam.
- Code
- NH02
- Length
- ≈280 km
- From
- Bhadrapur / Kakarbhitta (Jhapa)
- To
- Taplejung (via Ilam)
- Status
- Operational; upgrading toward Taplejung
- Provinces
- Koshi
The Mechi Highway runs north from the eastern Terai up through the famous tea-growing hills of Ilam toward Taplejung and the Kanchenjunga region.
It is the principal road into Nepal's far-eastern hills.
From plan to highway
- Over decades
Built in stages
The road pushes north from the Terai through Ilam toward Taplejung over many years.
- Now
Extension & upgrading
Sections toward the Kanchenjunga region continue to be improved.
The Mechi Highway highlighted, from OpenStreetMap road data.
More highways
Mahendra Highway (East–West Highway)
Nepal's longest and most important road, the Terai spine that ties the country together east to west
Tribhuvan Highway (Tribhuvan Rajpath)
Nepal's first highway, the original road link between Kathmandu and India
Araniko Highway
The road to Tibet, Nepal's historic overland link to China
Mechi Highway: frequently asked questions
How long is the Mechi Highway?+
The Mechi Highway (NH02) is approximately 280 km long.
Where does the Mechi Highway go, what does it connect?+
It runs from Bhadrapur / Kakarbhitta (Jhapa) to Taplejung (via Ilam), passing through Koshi Province.
Is the Mechi Highway open and what is it known for?+
Status: Operational; upgrading toward Taplejung. It is known as The far-eastern north–south highway, through the tea hills of Ilam.
Sources & data note
Length, route and dates are approximate, from the Department of Roads and standard references. The mapped route is real road geometry from OpenStreetMap, matched by highway code.