Places to Visit in Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan, Asia

Places to Visit in Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan, Asia

Regarded as little sister of Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar is a town and the seat of power in Samdrup Jongkhar District in the country of Bhutan. Located at 280 meters above sea level, Samdrup Jongkhar town is close to the border of the state Assam in the Indian country. Situated at 26⁰55’ N and 91⁰37’ E, Samdrup Jongkhar has a wonderful mix of Indian and Bhutanese culture with clean and pleasant sceneries. Coal mines present in Samdrup Jongkhar greatly contributes to the economy growth of the country. Most of the areas in Samdrup Jongkhar are occupied by Lhotshampas and Sharchops resulting in an estimated population of 7,510 (as per 2012) throughout Samdrup Jangkhar district. Among all the eastern districts in Bhutan, Samdrup Jongkhar happens to the main trading town. Nepali and Sharchopkha are the languages spoken among the locals.

Food and Shopping Samdrup Jongkhar:

Most of the eateries in Samdrup Jongkhar cater to Indian cuisine. One such restaurant is Hotel Shambhala catering to a wide range of South India dishes. There are bakery shops selling cakes and pastry items.

Tourist Places in Samdrup Jongkhar:

Samdrup Jongkhar Dzong

Samdrup Jongkhar Dzong once a fort now houses various administrative offices of the region. It is one of the most modern Dzongs.

Dratshang

Dratshang is situated besides the Samdrup Jongkhar Dzong and is a famous monk monastery in Samdrup Jongkhar town.

Zangtopelri Lhakhang

Zangdopelri Lhakhang is another Buddhist monastery in Samdrup Jongkhar having architecture difference from the rest of the monasteries in Bhutan. There is also a shop at the starting point of Zangtopelri Lhakhang, selling items used for performing prayers especially by spiritual followers.

Deothang

A hill station by the name Deothang situated at a distance of 17.5 km from Samdrup Jongkhar.

Bhangtar

Bhangtar located towards the east of Samdrup Jongkhar has broad valleys and sparkling running rivers. This is the one place in Samdrup Jongkhar where families can enjoy their picnic. One can also go for a swim in the river.

Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary

Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over the entire Southeastern Samdrup Jongkhar and is regarded as a protected area. Serthi Gewogs, Samrang, Pemathang Langchenphu are the areas falling under the Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary. Many endangered species of animals and varieties of plants are found in this vast sanctuary.

Means of Commutation to Samdrup Jongkhar:

Roadway:

If you plan to reach Samdrup Jongkhar by bus via the northern route you will need to board a bus at Thimpu. From Thimpu, the journey takes minimum three days by bus to reach Samdrup Jongkhar. There are direct bus services available from Mongar and Trashigang every morning. Onward tickets are sold every day at bus stations in Mongar and Trashigang. From these bus stations there are buses moving taking passengers to every corner and place of Samdrup Jongkhar district.

In the year 2008, Samdurp Jongkhar border was once again opened to travelers wishing to cross the borders. Travelers should possess visas or passes to enter either side.

Railway:

The closest railway station to Samdrup Jongkhar is at Siliguri in West Bengal within the Indian country.

Airway:

The airport located at Guwahati is at a distance of 185 km from Samdrup Jongkhar is the only airport located in the near vicinity to Samdrup Jongkhar.

Accommodation Options at Samdrup Jongkhar:

Having a mix of cross country culture, Samdrup Jongkhar has decent hotels with facilities such as 24 hours check in and out, cable TV, saunas, spas, etc. Rental for rooms in hotels located at Samdrup Jongkhar ranges from $ 475 to $ 1690 depending on single room or double room. Decent hotels with rooms rented $ 50 to $70 is also available at Samdrup Jongkhar and the list is as follows: