Samdrupjongkhar
Samdrupjongkhar district is located in the southeastern corner of the country. This dzongkhag shares its northern and southern borders with the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. With an area of 1877.94 sq. km, which is approximately 4% of the country’s total, more than three quarters of its area is under forest cover. This forest coverage is higher than the national coverage. This district extends from an elevation of 200 meters to 3600 meters with major portion of the land within 600 meters to 1200 meters.
Samdrupjongkhar serves as a hub of business for the five other eastern Dzongkhags of Pemagatshel, Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Lhuentse and Mongar and is also a gateway to the eastern districts. British Political Officers stationed in Sikkim took the route from Samdrup Jongkhar to enter into Bhutan. Historically, the region was administered by the Gyadrung stationed at Dewangiri. Today, the road from Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar, completed in the 1960s, connects the eastern and southern regions of the country. This allows them to benefit from trade, especially through trade across the Indian border. Samdrup Jongkhar used to be the main trading centre for the Bhutanese and it is still a convenient exit town for tourists who have arranged to visit the neighbouring Indian state of Assam. Samdrupjongkhar is one of the oldest towns in Bhutan
Places of interest in Samdrupjongkhar
Samdrupjongkhar Rabney Dratshang
Samdrupjongkhar Dratshang was recently constructed to house the monk body. The dratshang has many apprenticeships looked after by the religious functionaries. Bhutanese Art and architecture, Buddhist pilgrimage, interactions with monks could be a few experiences this dratshang could offer among many others.
Mithun Breeding Farm
The Mithuns are one of the finest breed of Bison in Bhutan. These castles are highly prized and productive for the farmers.
The Mithun breeding farm is located in Orange village along the highway reroute to Samdrupjongkhar near Dewathang Town. This is the only Mithun Breeding farm in eastern Bhutan. The Mithuns raised in this farm are supplied to the farmers of the six eastern dzongkhags.
As you travel to Samdrupjongkhar from Trashigang a short stop on the way and visit to the farm shall definitely add on the your experiences and memories in Bhutan.
Dewathang
Dewathang town is located 18 km from Samdrupjongkhar. Dewathang is a place of historic importance in Bhutan. it is at this place Jigme Namgyal , the father of Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk led the Bhutanese troops in a final battle against the British in 1884. The Bhutanese people had put up a strong resistance against the British under the leadership of Jigme Namgyal, however, Jigme Namgyal ultimately signed the Treaty of Sinchula the following year in 1865.
Before the current administrative system, The office of the Gyadrung, the district administrator was once located in this small town. This town is also the home to the JIgme Namgyal Engineering College.
Zangtopelri
Located in the Heart of Samdrupjongkhar town, Zangtopelri is a three storied temple adorned with the work of master Bhutanese craftsmen. Its intricate frescos and beautiful statues are truly a sight to behold. Due to its religious significance and convenient location, Zangdopelri is at the heart of the spiritual lives of the people of this area.