Eastern Bhutan

Eastern Bhutan is one of the best kept secrets of Bhutan or one of the least explored regions in the Last Himalayan Kingdom! A treasure trove of unspoiled natural beauty, an untouched canvas with towering cliffs as the backdrop, and evergreen landscapes with lush forests, this is the region in Bhutan where you can find tranquility, serenity, spirituality, and cultural values existing together with eternal bliss.

Extending from Lhuentse and Mongar, Eastern Bhutan comprises of other major Bhutan tourist destinations like Trashigang, Trashi, Yangtse, Pema Gatshel, and Samrdrup Jongkhar. This region has a mix of terrains; from exhilarating terrains to scenic landscapes and fascinating Himalayan slopes. Apart from Samdrup Jongkhar, which is almost a flat valley, all the other towns in Eastern Bhutan sits along breath-taking slopes.

Adding to this, the rich biodiversity in this region attracts nature and wildlife lovers form different corners of the globe. Also, this is the region that has its own unmatched reputation when it comes to artistry and craftsmanship. Locals in Eastern Bhutan are bestowed with unique weaving and embroidery skills; silks produced in this region are to be found nowhere in the world!

While the untouched beauty of Eastern Bhutan makes it for an ideal holiday destination in Bhutan, its towering cliffs, enthralling settings, and topography also makes it an ideal destination for the thrill seekers. The region has an ample of adventure spots that hosts a list of adventure activities. Hiking, trekking, adventure camping, and mountain biking are some of the most commonly enjoyed activities among the visitors to Eastern Bhutan.

Eastern Bhutan is also considered as an acclaimed destination among the religious and cultural enthusiasts. The region is a home to some of the most prestigious and famed Buddhist monasteries and gompas; it also hosts a number of cultural festivals that are attended by one and all in this region.

Best Time to Visit Eastern Bhutan

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (August to October) are the two best seasons to visit Eastern Bhutan. During these two seasons, the region showcases a pleasant ambience with moderate temperature. With greeneries blooming all around, Eastern Bhutan slowly turns into a magical land during spring and autumn. Besides these two seasons, fall season (September to November) could also be an ideal time to visit Eastern Bhutan; fall is the best time to visit Lhuentse in Eastern Bhutan.

How to Reach Eastern Bhutan

By Air

Since Paro International Airport is the sole international airport in Bhutan, visitors planning for flight journeys to Eastern Bhutan should opt for a direct or connecting flight to Paro. Visitors flying from India, can book direct Druk Air or Royal Bhutanese Airlines flights from Delhi, Guwahati (Assam), Kolkata, Gaya (Bihar), and Bagdogra (West Bengal).

Foreign nationals, who wish to fly directly to Paro International Airport, can book their flights to Paro International Airport from Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Kathmandu (Nepal), and Dhaka (Bangladesh).

Upon arrival in Paro, visitors can opt for local buses or private vehicles to reach Eastern Bhutan by road.

By Train

Visitors from India can enter Bhutan through three entry points: Phuentsholing (Western Bhutan), Gelephu (Sarpang in Central Bhutan), and Samdrup Jongkhar (Eastern Bhutan). For those, who are planning for a train journey to reach Eastern Bhutan, can opt for either Gelephu or Samdrup Jongkhar.
For an entry through Gelephu, visitors should book train rides to Bongaigaon Town Railway Station in Bongaigaon (Assam). From Bongaigaon, one can take a 50km (or 1 hours’ drive) to reach Gelephu, and further take a road trip through Bhutanese terrains to reach Eastern Bhutan.

To enter Eastern Bhutan through Samdrup Jongkhar, one should book train rides to Guwahati Railway Station in Assam. From Guwahati, visitors can enter Eastern Bhutan directly by driving through Samdrup Jongkhar.

By Road

For an exciting road journey to Eastern Bhutan, one should opt for the Guwahati-Samdrup Jongkhar route or the NH-27. The roadway journey from Guwahati to Samdrup Jongkhar is of around 150km and takes almost 3 hours.