Samdrup Jongkhar Travel Guide
Samdrup Jongkhar is a town in southeastern Bhutan, serving as the administrative headquarters of the Samdrup Jongkhar District. It is one of the few entry points into Bhutan from India, making it a significant hub for trade and travel. The town is known for its lush landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and proximity to wildlife sanctuaries.
How to get to Samdrup Jongkhar?
By Air
Paro International Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan. To reach Samdrup Jongkhar by air, you should book flight tickets to this airport. However, since there are certain flying restrictions, not all the airports in India offer flights to Paro. You can book your flights only form Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, Bodhgaya Airport in Gaya (Bihar), Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri (West Bengal), and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (Assam).As you land in Paro, you can take local transportation, and embark on a drive through Samdrup Jongkhar.
By Road
Travelers can take a flight till Guwahati which is approximately 110 km away from Samdrup Jongkhar and then you can take a taxi or private car to reach Samdrup Jongkhar, crossing the border into Bhutan via the Darranga border gate which is about a 3-hour drive Make sure you have all the necessary travel documents, including your visa and permits for Bhutan.
Best Time to Visit Samdrup Jongkhar
The best time to visit is March to May (spring) when it’s neither too cold nor too hot. And September to November during the fall season is a pleasant time to visit this lovely town. The temperature ranges from 5-25 degree Celsius.
Top attraction in Samdrup Jongkhar
Samdrup Jongkhar Dzong
The Samdrup Jongkhar Dzong represents the harmonious balance between Bhutan’s governance and spiritual heritage. It is an essential site for anyone wanting to understand the cultural and administrative functions of the region, as well as Bhutan’s deep connection to Buddhism. Administration of Trashigang Dzongkhag.
Zangtopelri Lhakhang
The three-storied Zangdo pelri is located in the heart of the town. Zangdo Pelri means celestial abode of Guru Rinpoche. The complex serves as a spiritual refuge of the locals where they can pray perform religious offerings to Guru Padmasambhava. The exterior architecture is something to marvel over, after all, it is replications of Guru’s paradise. The interior, however, is equally marvelous as the walls and ceilings see explosions of intricate frescos and fine Buddhist statues are a pleasure to the visitors.
Mithun Breeding Farm
The Regional Mithun Breeding Farm, Arong, is situated on a pleasant hill at an elevation of 1400. It is 31 km from Samdrup Jongkhar along the Trashigang/Samdrup Jongkhar highway. The vegetation is temperate broad-leaved and is quintessential for mithuns.The Mithuns are considered the finest breed of bison in Bhutan and it will be worthwhile to stop for a while to observe and photograph magnificent animals. The Mithuns raised here are supplied to the farmers of the six eastern districts.
Dewathang
Dewathang is a town in southeastern Bhutan, located in Samdrup Jongkhar District. It is known for its historical significance, as it was the site of a battle between Bhutanese forces and the British in the 19th century. Today, Dewathang is home to Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC), which is part of the Royal University of Bhutan. The town has a peaceful atmosphere, with a mix of educational institutions, small businesses, and beautiful natural surroundings.Dewathang also has religious importance, being the location of the Chokyi Gyatso institute which started as a small temple. The institute was founded by Jamyang Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, a revered spiritual leader and world-renowned filmmaker.
Activities
Cultural Tours: Explore the local culture by visiting temples, attending festivals, and interacting with the friendly locals.
Nature Walks: The surrounding areas offer numerous trails for hiking and bird watching, providing opportunities to experience Bhutan’s pristine natural beauty.
Shopping: The town has several markets where you can buy traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, textiles, and other souvenirs.
Accommodation at Samdrup Jongkhar
Samdrup Jongkhar offers a range of accommodations, from budget guesthouses and comfortable hotels to authentic homestays for a cultural experience, while dining options include traditional Bhutanese dishes such as Ema Datshi and Phaksha Paa, as well as Indian and international cuisine due to its proximity to India. Some of the recommended hotels are:
Weather and Temperature in Samdrup Jongkhar
Samdrup Jongkhar, located in southeastern Bhutan, has a subtropical climate characterized by warm temperatures, high humidity, and significant rainfall, especially during the monsoon season. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the weather and temperature throughout the year:
Spring (March to May): The weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Flowers bloom, and the landscape turns lush and vibrant, making it a great time for outdoor activities.
Summer (June to August): This is the monsoon season, bringing heavy rainfall, especially in July and August. Temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), making it warm and humid. Travel can be challenging due to occasional landslides.
Autumn (September to November): The skies are clear, and the weather is cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F). This is an ideal time for trekking and sightseeing, as visibility is excellent.
Winter (December to February): Winters are cool, with daytime temperatures between 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). Nights can be chilly, sometimes dropping below 5°C (41°F). Snowfall is rare but possible in higher elevations.
Bhutan Travel Information
Bhutan Tour Package
Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and spiritual experiences. Tour packages to Bhutan are designed to cater to different interests, budgets, and durations. Bhutan offers a variety of tour packages tailored to different interests, including cultural and heritage tours to explore iconic dzongs and monasteries, trekking and adventure tours for scenic hikes like the Druk Path and Jomolhari Treks, spiritual and wellness tours featuring meditation and traditional hot stone baths, festival tours to experience vibrant cultural celebrations, luxury tours with premium stays and private guides, family-friendly tours with kid-friendly activities, short tours for a quick introduction to Paro and Thimphu, and birdwatching and wildlife tours in places like Phobjikha Valley. Most packages include accommodation, meals, transport, guides and permits. The best time to visit is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) for pleasant weather and clear skies.
Some of the important Information
