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Often referred to as Phuentsholing's little sister due to the similarity in architectural style and the fact that both towns are on the border with India, Samdrup Jongkhar has, in fact, little of interest to tourists. Even the dzong is new and lacks the charm and artistic treasures of the traditional dzongs. However, the town is a very clean and pleasant place with an eclectic mixture of Bhutanese and Indian shops, restaurants and hotels, so it is worth a look around if visiting the area.

  • Shopping. Just past the border gate is an Indian market called Mella Bazaar. Here, there are an array of stalls selling goods at much lower prices than in S/Jongkhar and some specializing in Assamese and northern Indian food. The chaos and noise is quite a contrast to the peace and harmony that exists just the otherside of the gate in Bhutan.
  • S/Jongkhar is a four day bus ride from Thimphu, and the nearest direct services terminate in Trashigang and Mongar, where travelers will need to spend the night before departing on a different bus the next morning (consider purchasing an onward ticket on arrival as buses on the final leg of the journey are often full). Prior to that, there is a one night stop in Jakar, but it is the same bus that continues the next morning. The most comfortable buses are the small Japanese Coaster buses, which operate as far as Mongar and Trashigang. As it is a long journey, if there are no seats available on the Coaster buses to either Mongar or Trashigang, consider taking one as far as Jakar (to where there is a more frequent service), and then purchase an onward ticket on an ordinary inter-district bus from there.
  • This compact little town is easily covered on foot.
  • If you are staying long term in Bhutan, S/Jongkhar is the place to purchase Indian made clothes and dry food items. However, these things will be of little interest to tourists. The town does not have any gift shops, even in the hotels.
  • South Indian cuisine. Hotel Shambhala on the main street offers a simple but authentic selection of South Indian dishes - dosa are a speciality.
  • Cakes and pastries. Pema Bakery located in the bazaar area has a small, but good selection of bakery items.