Bhutan has announced the opening of the Samdrup Jongkhar gateway on the border of India and the tiny kingdom as a new entry point to explore its eastern region.
Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Director of the Department of Tourism, Damcho Rinzin says, “It is an important milestone in the history of tourism, and it is also great news for tourism”.
“We are thrilled to invite travellers 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 experience, and with the opening of another entry and exit point it will provide our guests more options to explore other parts throughout the year.”
Experiencing the eastern region
Samdrup Jongkhar serves as a gateway to the valleys of the east – Trashigang, Trashi Yangtse, Mongar, Lhuentse, and Pema Gatshe – known for their pristine natural landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage.
In Chorten Kora in Trashiyangtse, travellers can visit a revered pilgrimage site and the 154-foot bronze statue of Guru Padmasambhava in Takila, Lhuentse.
Khoma in Lhuentse is renowned for its intricate Kishuthara weaving, while Radhi in Trashigang is famed for its bura textiles made from fine raw silk, using traditional dyes and a back-strap loom to create some of the most authentic raw silk textiles in the kingdom.
Merak and Sakteng are in the highlands, where guests can stay with locals who live closely aligned with nature.
Here, guests can savour traditional dishes made from yak cheese and experience the local festivals.
For wildlife enthusiasts, there’s an abundance of bird life in the region, and the chance to see the endangered Red Panda in the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in Merak and Sakteng.
For more information, visit Bhutan.
