Bhutan Entry from Samdrupjongkhar
Foreigners can enter and exit Bhutan from Samdrupjongkhar starting 1st November 2024. Entering Bhutan through Samdrup Jongkhar provides a unique and lesser-known gateway into the country. Located on Bhutan’s southeastern border with India, Samdrup Jongkhar connects to the Indian state of Assam, making it convenient for travellers from India to access Bhutan by road. Here’s what you need to know about entering Bhutan through this route:
Key Points for Entry through Samdrup Jongkhar update on 1st November 2024
Border Formalities:
- Indian Citizens: Indian nationals can enter Bhutan visa-free but need to obtain an entry permit, which is issued at the border. A valid passport or voter ID is required.
- Other Nationals: International tourists require a visa to enter Bhutan, which must be arranged in advance through a Bhutanese tour operator. The visa will be pre-arranged and issued upon arrival. With the recent opening of the Indian Immigration office now Foreign nationals and enter and Exit from Daranga without hassle. On 1st November the Government of New Delhi appointed the Chief Immigration Officer, Bureau of Immigration as the Civil Authority for the said order for the Daranga Land ImmigrationCheck post located in Tamulpur District of Assam state with effect from 1st November 2024. This office 5 years suspension of immigration office suspension has come to an end making the flow of tourists easy from eastern Bhutan to Assam.
Getting There:
- The nearest Indian city to Samdrup Jongkhar is Guwahati, about 3 hours away by car. Guwahati has an international airport with flights connecting major Indian cities, making it a convenient entry point.
- Travelers can reach Samdrup Jongkhar by taxi or private vehicle from Guwahati. Buses are also available. Check Bhutan Tour Packages from Guwahati.
Advantages of Entering through Samdrup Jongkhar:
- Scenic Route: The journey from Samdrup Jongkhar through eastern Bhutan to the central regions is incredibly scenic, passing through lush forests, traditional villages, and less-travelled regions like Trashigang and Mongar.
- Unique Cultural Experience: Eastern Bhutan has its own distinct cultural practices, dialects, and festivals. Travelling through this route offers a unique perspective on Bhutan’s diverse regional heritage.
- Extended Travel Options: From Samdrup Jongkhar, visitors can explore eastern Bhutan before heading to popular destinations like Bumthang, Thimphu, and Paro.
Permits and Travel Restrictions:
- Special Permits for Restricted Areas: Traveling beyond certain points in Bhutan may require additional permits, especially for international travellers. These are typically managed by Bhutanese tour operators.
Best Time to Enter:
- The best times to enter Bhutan through Samdrup Jongkhar are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the landscape is lush.
Entering Bhutan through Samdrup Jongkhar is ideal for travellers seeking a more immersive journey through Bhutan’s lesser-known eastern regions before arriving in the country’s central and western cultural hubs.
Bhutan Tour Packages from India
