With Samdrupjongkhar becoming the second land-based entry and exit point for tourists – regional and international, the initiative, small as it may be, will bring big benefits to the six eastern dzongkhags.

The Darranga Immigration Check Post (ICP) in Assam, would allow international tourists to enter and exit from eastern Bhutan, Samdrupjongkhar, opening unexplored eastern Bhutan to tourists.

For decades, our policy makers had been talking about balanced socio-economic development. Tourism was seen as a potential, but restrictions for many reasons, could not open eastern Bhutan to tourists, thereby stemming the vast opportunities the six eastern dzongkhags had.

If the region was not explored, the Covid-19 pandemic and the aftermath stymied growth to the extent that once the buzzing commercial hub of eastern Bhutan became a ghost town. Eastern Bhutan offers so many things, some unique to the region. International tourists talk about popular landmarks in west Bhutan like the Tiger’s nest or the majestic Punakha dzong. Many didn’t get to explore both tangible and the intangible tourist attraction that eastern Bhutan offers.

Whether it is trekking to Merak and Sakteng to see the nomadic life or experiencing local hospitality with free ara(locally brewed alcoholic)  and  the simplicity of the locals, eastern Bhutan offers a different experience. While many in western Bhutan thrive on homestays or handicrafts, the opportunity was deprived because of the distance from the nearest entry point- Paro and Phuentsholing.

With dzongkhag administrations in the east trying to create a difference to the people, many are trying to sell their dzongkhag for tourism. From eco- tourism, to hiking and bird watching, the protected parks and the unique culture of Sharchok Khorlo tsibgyed (eight regions of eastern Bhutan), offers immense potential for tourism. The new development opens the door for the people to reap benefits and let tourists enjoy a unique experience.

To start with, the bordering town of Samdrupjongkhar is already a hotspot for regional tourists. The nature and the tranquility is an attraction even for day tourists from the bordering towns. The potential could not be reaped because of restriction, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic.  The inauguration of the ICP opens a vast potential for eastern Bhutan.

Most tourists or tour operators plan a trip until Bumthang. Given the distance and the conditions of the road, not many want to venture beyond Bumthang. Letting international tourists enter Bhutan from the east is letting them experience real Bhutan. Eastern Bhutan is different in many ways, and not many get to experience it.

If tourism is seen as the leveler in balanced economic development, eastern Bhutan should get its fair share. We need not target dollar-paying tourists alone. With a growing population of Indians with huge disposable income, Bhutan is a tourist destination for our friends in Assam, Guwahati, Meghalaya and many in the northern eastern states. 

Meanwhile, the Guwahati airport is being redeveloped to handle 13.1 million passengers per annum from 3.4 million passengers today. The plan to upgrade the airport is to make Guwahati international hub for South East Asia. Letting international tourists enter Bhutan from Samdrupjongkhar is opening a new window of opportunity.