Gateway to eastern Bhutan: Samdrupjongkhar gate opens to international tourists

official opening of the Integrated Check Point (ICP) of Darranga, Tamulpur, Assam, India. With this official opening, all tourists can enter and exit via Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan to explore the hidden gems of the eastern region. Situated in the east, Samdrup Jongkhar serves as a gateway to the beautiful valleys of eastern Bhutan - Trashigang, Trashi Yangtse, Mongar, Lhuentse, and Pema Gatshel. These valleys are known for their pristine natural landscapes,

vibrant cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, promising a truly enriching experience for travelers seeking authenticity and adventure.

The eastern region of Bhutan offers excellent opportunities for cultural exploration, featuring spiritually significant sites in beautiful settings. Visitors can visit Chorten Kora in Trashiyangtse, a revered pilgrimage site, and the 154-foot bronze statue of Guru Padmasambhava in Takila, Lhuentse. Exploring these locations provides a deeper understanding of Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and invites travelers to connect more closely with the country's traditions.

“It is an important milestone in the history of tourism and it is also great news for tourism. As we officially open the Samdrup Jongkhar entry and exit point to all tourists, we are thrilled to invite travelers to discover the unique and enriching experiences of this region. Eastern Bhutan offers breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, exquisite textiles, traditional food, and warm hospitality. We believe this new gateway will make travel to the east more accessible and provide visitors with a truly memorable experience. Bhutan is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique opportunities and experiences, and with the opening of another entry and exit point it will provide our guests more options to explore other parts of Bhutan throughout the year,” says Mr. Damcho Rinzin, the Director of the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE).

One of the most authentic experiences in the eastern region is staying in a homestay, where visitors can immerse themselves in the daily lives of Bhutanese people, their religion, culture, ceremonies, and traditional cuisine. Village homestays are available in many areas in the east, offering guests to join the daily rituals of the people living in the villages and participate in cultivation and harvesting alongside other farmers, pick seasonal fruits and vegetables, and eat authentic Bhutanese dishes unspoiled by restaurant recipes.

Khoma in Lhuentse is renowned for its intricate Kishuthara weaving, while Radhi in Trashigang is famous for bura textiles made from fine raw silk, utilizing traditional dyes and a back-strap loom to create some of the most authentic raw silk textiles in Bhutan. Guests visiting these valleys are presented with a unique and exciting experience, where they can watch local artisans craft handwoven textiles, a tradition passed down for generations. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs.

Merak and Sakteng in the east are the lands of highlanders with unspoiled natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Venturing into this highland, travelers are introduced to the unique lifestyle of the highland people. With their woolen hats, yak hair dresses, and strong connection to the mountains, they live a life closely aligned with nature. It is also known for its ancient trails, where enthusiasts can hike and enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. Beyond the trails, visitors can delve deeper into the highland’s culture by mingling with locals, savoring traditional dishes made from yak cheese, and witnessing festivals celebrated in honor of their local deities.

Adventure enthusiasts can engage in a range of activities in different parts of the eastern regions. Wildlife enthusiasts and Naturalists can see the endangered Red Panda in the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary located in Merak and Sakteng. It is created to protect the mythical and mysterious Migoi (Yeti), the abominable snowman. Visitors can explore the Jomo-Panda trail spot this endangered species and explore the myth of yeti.

Moreover, visitors can spot the national butterfly of Bhutan in Trashi Yangtse in the east. Trashiyangtse is considered a butterfly paradise with a rich variety of species. The Bomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary in Trashiyangtse is home to one of the rarest species of butterfly, the

Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory has been considered extinct since it was first seen in the 1930s. Rediscovered 75 years later in Bomdeling valley through a chance sighting, the species, became Bhutan’s National Butterfly in 2012.

Bird watching is another activity that visitors can enjoy in eastern Bhutan, providing a unique opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. They can spot a variety of bird species along the high-end birding trail connecting popular birding hotspots in Asia (Sengor to Yongkola bird trail) to the ancient Bhutanese trail (Latongla to Zhongar), located in Mongar district. The trail is home to more than 300 species of birds, offering a wonderful opportunity to explore the avian world.

Applying for a visa (or permit) to Bhutan is simple. All visitors must have a visa and permit before traveling to Bhutan (except for tourists from India who can obtain a permit on arrival and those from Maldives and Bangladesh who can also obtain a visa on arrival). Visitors apply online for a visa or permit or seek assistance from a licensed Bhutanese provider. It takes around five days to process a visa. It is highly recommended to use a Bhutanese service provider.