Chukha – The Gateway to South Bhutan

Chukha or the ‘Gateway to the South’ is the home to the indigenous ‘Ngalops’ and ‘Lhotshampas’ groups. Camouflaged by dense subtropical thickets, this region is naturally very rich. Chukha also showcases a mix of cultural diversity; the region hosts a number of no-Buddhist festivals and rituals.

Chukha holds a prominence in Bhutanese history as the locality has been the dwelling of many renowned Buddhist master and religious gurus. Among all the masters from this region, Lama Drakpa Jamtsho is considered as one of the most devout among all the masters.

Jabar Goemba Monastery and Tshamdrak Goemba Monastery are two of the most sacred monasteirs in Chukha. While the former was built by Lama Drakpa Jamtsho, the latter was built by Lama Ngawang Drakpa in the 17th century.

Best Time to Visit Chukha: Spring (April to June)

How to Reach Chukha

By Air

Since Paro International Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan, you can book flights to this airport from several Indian airport to reach Chukha by air. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (Assam), Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, Bodhgaya Airport in Gaya (Bihar), and Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri (West Bengal) are some of the airports that have both direct and connecting flight to Paro International Airport.

From Paro, you should drive around 45km (1 hour) by road to reach Chukha.

By Train

As West Bengal is the closest Indian state to Bhutan, railway stations within this state would be best options to reach Chukha by train. New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri Town, New Alipurduar, and Hasimara are some of the nearest railway station that would serve your purpose.

Upon arriving at any of these railway stations, you should take a road journey to Jaigaon town, which lies adjacent to Phuentsholing in Bhutan. Here onwards, you can take a quick drive to reach Chukha.

By Road

Jaigaon is a town that shares its borders with Phuentsholing. From Jaigaon, you can make your Bhutan entry through Phuentsholing, and reach Chukha easily as the region is located next to Phuentsholing town.

Places to Visit in Chukha

Jabar Goemba Monastery

Tshamdrak Goemba Monastery

Kharbandi Goenpa

Zangto Pelri

Phuentsholing

Things to Do in Chukha

Local sightseeing

Heritage tour

Monastery visits