Travelers generally explore calm monasteries, majestic Eastern Himalayan scenery, and the cultural ardour when they imagine visiting Bhutan, the mythical Land of the Thunder Dragon. But before entering this realm in South Asia, you must choose where to start your adventure. By booking a personalized Bhutan tour package from Jaigaon, you can make the best of your travel experiences.
Most Indian road travelers find that Jaigaon, a busy area in North Bengal town, is the ideal place to start their journey to Bhutan. With its handy location, hassle-free access, and strategic opening to Phuentsholing, Bhutan's border town, Jaigaon creates the most comfortable environment for an unforgettable journey by road.
This blog will discuss how to organize your trip, why Jaigaon is regarded as the best entry point to Bhutan, and what makes it a great option for tourists.
It Is Located on the India-Bhutan Border
Jaigaon is located directly on the Indo-Bhutan border in Northern West Bengal's Alipurduar district. Phuentsholing, one of the most significant gateways to Bhutan from India by road, is located on its shared border. The elaborate Bhutan Gate, which marks the cultural shift from India into Bhutan, is the only thing separating the two towns.
Major Indian Cities Nearby: Jaigaon has excellent road and rail connections to Siliguri, Bagdogra, and Hasimara. The closest airport, Bagdogra Airport, is easily accessible for domestic travelers at a distance of roughly 160 km.
Smooth Border Crossing: After completing the immigration procedures in Phuentsholing, you can easily pass throughthe Bhutan Gate. The procedure is simple, and the proximity to Jaigaon guarantees that you won't waste time on lengthy detours.
Getting Permits is Easy at Phuentsholing
Before entering Bhutan, both Indian and foreign nationals must finish specific immigration and permit requirements. One of the main locations where visitors can apply for and obtain their entry permits is Phuentsholing, situated beside Jaigaon.
- Travelers from India are not required to have a visa in order to enter Bhutan, but they do need to have a valid passport or voter ID. And, only a short distance from Jaigaon, at Phuentsholing, the entry permit is granted.
- Though Phuentsholing is still a major entrance point, non-Indians usually apply for a visa in advance through a registered Bhutanese tour operator.
- Starting your trip in Jaigaon guarantees that you will be close to the permit office, which will speed up and ease the documentation process.
Affordable Stays and Food Options
In contrast to many Bhutanese towns where lodging can be a little pricey, Jaigaon in India provides visitors with a range of reasonably priced places to stay.
- Hotels and Guesthouses: Jaigaon offers lodging alternatives for all budgets, from mid-range hotels to low-cost lodges.
- Food Options: As an Indian town, Jaigaon offers a wide variety of reasonably priced food, including Bengali, Bhutanese, and North Indian thalis.
Budget-conscious tourists can cut expenses without sacrificing comfort by staying in Jaigaon before visiting Bhutan.
Simple Transport Access
There are excellent air, train, and road links to Jaigaon:
Rail: Hasimara, which is only 17 km distant, is the closest train station, while another well-liked railhead for long-distance passengers is New Jalpaiguri (NJP).
Air: The nearest airport, Bagdogra Airport (approximately 160 km), links Jaigaon with important Indian cities, including Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati.
Road: Siliguri, Jaigaon, and other towns in the Dooars region are frequently served by buses and private taxis.
You can easily enter Bhutan by hiring a taxi or using a shared taxi once you're in Jaigaon. Hence, the location of Jaigaon is an excellent transportation hub because of its connectivity.
A Concoction of Indian and Bhutanese Culture
Wandering around Jaigaon provides a fascinating look into the cultural influence of Bhutan. Due to the town's proximity to Phuentsholing, Bhutanese products, handicrafts, and food are always accessible.
- Marketplaces: The vibrant Bhutanese goods seen in Jaigaon's marketplaces include traditional clothing, incense sticks, and prayer flags.
- Food Culture: Foods that show cross-cultural interactions include ema datshi, a Bhutanese chili-cheese dish, and momos and thukpa.
Jaigaon serves as both a gateway and a preview to what Bhutan has in store because of this blending of cultures.
The Iconic Bhutan Gate
The Bhutan Gate at Jaigaon, one of the area's most photographed monuments, is both an architectural wonder and a border marker. The gate marks your admission into a new cultural realm with its elaborate woodwork, brilliant colors, and traditional Bhutanese design.
Taking a photo here is practically a common activity for tourists, marking the start of their journey in Bhutan. Create your dream tour plan with the best travel agency in Bhutan.
Safety and Convenience
- Both residents and tourists in the busy but secure town of Jaigaon feel secure. The town is well-equipped to accommodate visitors because it is the gateway to Bhutan.
- Before crossing the border, Indian cash can be withdrawn from ATMs and banks.
- You may arrange for Bhutan tours, guides, and cars with the assistance of numerous local operators.
- In the event of an emergency, basic medical assistance is provided.
Because of this, Jaigaon is not only a place to start but also a safe and practical place to stop.
Exploring Jaigaon and Surroundings
Although many tourists consider Jaigaon to be only a transit town, it does have certain unique charms and attractions.
- Local marketplaces: Excellent for purchasing handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Close by Dooars Region: Known for its biodiversity, the Dooars is home to tea gardens, woods, and wildlife sanctuaries. If you have time, explore these areas (especially the Alipurduar district).
Therefore, there is a lot to experience in Jaigaon, even if you only stay for one night.
Scenic Routes to Explore
The drive from Jaigaon/Phuentsholing to Thimphu or Paro is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You are accompanied by rivers, verdant woods, and winding mountain roads as you ascend into Bhutan's higher elevations. This enchanted overland trip is yours if you begin at Jaigaon.
Jaigaon is, without a doubt,a top-notch place to start if you're thinking about visiting Bhutan. It is an unequaled option for tourists due to its advantageous position, reasonable cost, cultural fusion, and convenient access to Phuentsholing.
Thus, starting your trip to Bhutan from Jaigaon guarantees ease, budget savings, and a seamless entry into the Himalayan kingdom. You can plan a trip here for family holidays, honeymoons, and solo traveling. Avail of the best Bhutan tour package from Jaigaon from a reliable travel agency at Miles With Bhutan Travel World.