New Immigration Post Opens in Samdrupjongkhar

Email

International tourists can now enter and exit through the eastern border town of Samdrupjongkhar, following the official inauguration of the highly anticipated Darranga Immigration Check Post (ICP) in Assam, India on the 7th November 2024.

New Immigration Post Opens in Samdrupjongkhar (Source: Kuensel)

The ceremony was attended by Bhutan’s Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay and Assam’s Governor, Lakshman Prasad Acharya.

Located within the Darranga ICP complex and managed by India’s Land Ports Authority, this new immigration facility is a significant step in strengthening cross-border tourism and connectivity.

With this addition, Bhutan now offers two land-based entry and exit points for tourists.

Operating 24/7, the Darranga ICP will facilitate the entry and exit of third-country nationals across the Bhutan-India border, with the goal of boosting tourism in Bhutan’s eastern regions.

Samdrupjongkhar serves as a gateway to key towns in eastern Bhutan, such as Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Mongar, Lhuentse, and Pemagatshel. While these areas are less frequented, they are celebrated for their unique culture, stunning natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.

 

During the inauguration, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya highlighted the enduring ties of cooperation and friendship between Bhutan and India, emphasizing a shared commitment to improving connectivity, developing border infrastructure, and strengthening people-to-people connections.

He also noted India’s dedication to expanding mutually beneficial partnerships across various sectors.

Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay remarked that the operationalization of the ICP at Darranga will drive tourism and economic growth in eastern Bhutan, adding, “This initiative will also help establish a tourism circuit between Bhutan and Assam.”

Eastern Bhutan is home to some of the country’s most spiritually significant sites, including Chorten Kora in Trashiyangtse, a renowned pilgrimage site, and the 154-foot bronze statue of Guru Padmasambhava in Takila, Lhuentse. These destinations provide visitors with an immersive experience in Bhutan’s rich cultural traditions, set against breathtaking landscapes.

 Damcho Rinzin, Director of the Department of Tourism, described the opening of the Darranga ICP as a major advancement for Bhutan’s tourism sector. “As we open the Samdrupjongkhar entry and exit point to tourists, we are thrilled to invite travelers to explore the unique experiences this region has to offer,” he said.

Rinzin highlighted eastern Bhutan’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, exquisite textiles, traditional cuisine, and warm hospitality, expressing confidence that the new gateway will make travel to the east more accessible and provide visitors with a truly memorable experience.

He also emphasized Bhutan as a year-round destination, with each season offering unique experiences. “This new entry and exit point will give travelers more options to explore different parts of Bhutan throughout the year,” he added.

At the inauguration, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay became the first to have his passport stamped at the new ICP, though no tourists crossed the border on the day of the ceremony.

The ICP’s opening followed some delays, as it was initially slated to open by the end of September. Some tour operators had to make last-minute itinerary adjustments, redirecting tourists from Paro to Yonphula rather than through Samdrupjongkhar, resulting in financial losses for some.

The inauguration was attended by Opposition Leader Dasho Pema Chewang, Bhutan’s Consul General in Guwahati, and other senior government officials. Also present were senior ministers from India’s Central Government, the Indian Ambassador to Bhutan, and officials from Assam’s state government.



Related Posts

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future: Bhutan's Tourism Turns...

Bhutan is set to commemorate the golden jubilee of its tourism industry, marking 50 years since the nation first...

Jun 03, 2024 20:34

Changi Airports International and BIG Team Up for Bhutan’s Next...

Changi Airports International (CAI) of Singapore has been chosen to collaborate with the renowned architectural firm...

Oct 08, 2024 10:49

Bhutan Reduces SDF for the First 15,000 Bangladeshi tourists

This special scheme will be valid until 2027.

Jun 05, 2024 10:09

Bhutan Removes Mandatory Travel Insurance for Tourists

Bhutan's Department of Tourism has announced the elimination of the compulsory travel insurance obligation for tourists.

Apr 26, 2024 10:03

Alii Palau Airlines Inaugural Flight From Singapore to Palau via...

On November 23, 2023, Alii Palau Airlines made history with its inaugural flight to Palau.

Dec 04, 2023 10:32

Singapore to Palau: Alii Palau Airlines Launches Historic Route...

You can now visit the Palau Paradise directly from Singapore!

Oct 27, 2023 16:17

Latest

News

Drukair Expands International Network with New Dubai-Paro Route

Drukair officially launched its new twice-weekly flights to Dubai on the 28th October 2024, marking a significant step in expanding the...

Nov 04, 2024 14:46

The Consecration of Jangchub Chorten At Bhutan’s Highest Point

Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema and His Royal Highness Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck graced the auspicious consecration ceremony of Jangchub Chorten...

Oct 22, 2024 11:15

Features

Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck Receives Inaugural Smile Asia Philanthropic Visionary Award

Over 230 children in Bhutan have received free surgeries for facial deformities through a partnership between Smile Asia, a Singapore-based...

Aug 19, 2024 14:15

Rifles and Rituals: Satire and Societal Shifts in Bhutan as Portrayed in 'The Monk and The Gun

Pawo Choyning Dorji, whose film "The Monk and the Gun" offers insight into the Himalayan nation's modernization process.

Feb 20, 2024 11:04

Business

Brand Bhutan: Karma Yangchen

Karma Yangchen, a distinguished artisan from Bhutan exemplifies a profound commitment to the art of handwoven textiles.

Dec 14, 2023 10:22

Brand Bhutan: Bhutan Herbal Tea

Bhutan Herbal Tea is the brainchild of two Bhutanese individuals who first crossed paths in New York during a Bhutanese New Year gathering...

Nov 25, 2023 13:56

Sports

Bhutan Cricket's New Milestone: The Inaugural Indoor Cricket Academy

The Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) inaugurated its inaugural indoor cricket academy on 20th December, with the objective of ensuring...

Dec 21, 2023 14:57

Paro FC Clinches Third Consecutive Victory in BOB Bhutan Premier League

Paro FC has once again claimed the BOB Bhutan Premier League championship, marking their third consecutive title victory during the season's...

Dec 12, 2023 10:26

Travel

New Immigration Post Opens in Samdrupjongkhar

International tourists can now enter and exit through the eastern border town of Samdrupjongkhar, following the official inauguration of the...

Nov 08, 2024 15:10

Changi Airports International and BIG Team Up for Bhutan’s Next Regional Hub

Changi Airports International (CAI) of Singapore has been chosen to collaborate with the renowned architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group...

Oct 08, 2024 10:49

Lifestyle

Chunipa Losar: Bhutan's Timeless Celebration of Traditions and Offerings

Chunipa Losar is a day of offerings, a moment when communities come together to express gratitude, seek blessings, and strengthen bonds.

Jan 12, 2024 12:31

Bhutan's Time-Honored Tradition: Exploring the Nyilo Season and the Lolay Ritual

Approximately 750 children recently took part in the traditional practice known as "lolay" in Bhutan, marking the beginning of the Nyilo...

Jan 04, 2024 14:18

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app