Along the Indian border with Bhutan, Jaigaon serves as the entry point to the enchanting Eastern Himalayan kingdom via Phuentsholing. This small but bustling town in West Bengal has its own charm surrounded by thick green vistas, forests, valleys, and hills.
Bhutan is known for its uniqueness and its approach to nature, easy to reach from Jaigaon in India. This little South Asian country on the Eastern Himalayan edge features subtropical plains, lush valleys, and steep mountains. With the most trusted Jaigaon tour operator, enjoy a customized Jaigaon-Bhutan holiday.
This is your go-to travel guide for your travel and stay in Jaigaon and Bhutan.
Why Go to Jaigaon?
Jaigaon is located in Northern West Bengal, a beautiful census town. This settlement in the Alipurduar district makes it easier to reach Bhutan from India by road via Bhutan’s Phuentsholing.
The region of Jaigaon is not only a transit centre. Due to its proximity to Phuentsholing in Bhutan, Jaigaon has a unique cultural blend of Indian and Bhutanese traditions.
This census town provides a wonderful introduction to Bhutan and a deep dive into local culture with its bustling marketplaces and serene Buddhist monasteries. Also, Jaigaon is a gateway to some of the iconic forests in West Bengal like Chilapata Forest, and Jaldapara National Park and Forest.
How to Get to Jaigaon
By Air: Approximately 160 kilometres away, the nearest airport is at Bagdogra. From Bagdogra, you may get to Jaigaon via bus or taxi.
By Train: The closest train stations are Hasimara and New Alipurduar. For convenience, Hasimara is only 18 km away; however, you can travel to NJP and then, hire a taxicab to reach Jaigaon.
By Road: One of the primary transit centres in North Bengal, Siliguri, is easily accessible by road from Jaigaon. Both regular buses and private taxis use this route.
Best Time to Visit Jaigaon
The settlement of Jaigaon is perfect for any season. And, every season appears beautifully in Jaigaon, West Bengal. However, the ideal time is late February to June and late September to December.
The climate here is dry, warm, and temperate with an average humidity of 19%. The average temperature is 35°C in summer in Jaigaon, while winter months experience a temperature of 10-20°C in Jaigaon. A trusted Jaigaon tour operator ensures a proper seasonal guide based on the time you want to set up your travel plan.
Best Time to Visit Bhutan from Jaigaon
The spring and autumn seasons (March to May and September to November) are the best times to travel to Bhutan from Jaigaon because these months provide pleasant weather, better views, and colourful landscapes that are perfect for trekking and sightseeing in Bhutan. These seasons are also regarded as Bhutan's busiest travel times (peak seasons).
The Best Activities to Enjoy in Jaigaon
- Explore the Bhutan Gate
The entrance of Phuentsholing, Bhutan, is marked by this famous gate – Bhutan Gate. It is a must-see in Bhutan, which Jaigaon makes it easy to spot. Because of the elaborate Bhutanese architecture and vivid colours, it's a fantastic site or location for photography as well.
- Go to Local Markets
Jaigaon's markets are just excellent. Here, you can find unique things like Bhutanese handicrafts and Indian textiles and spices so don't miss the colourful Bhutanese fabrics and traditional antiques.
- Experience Local Cuisine
Enjoy the tastes of Bhutanese and Indian food at Jaigaon. Sample street sellers' momos, Indian chaats, Bengali Thali, and ema datshi, a fiery cheese delicacy from Bhutan.
- Visit Karbandi Monastery
This monastery is within a short drive or walk from the Bhutan Gate, despite being officially in Bhutan. It provides stunning views of Jaigaon and the surrounding plains from its hilltop location. This beautiful Buddhist temple was established in 1967, some 300-400 meters above sea level. Also known as Karbandi Gompa, this monastery is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan easy to reach from Jaigaon.
- Enjoy Cultural Experiences
Jaigaon is a cultural melting pot. Engage with people, discover Bhutanese traditions, and take part in festivals if you're there around holidays like Losar (Bhutanese New Year).
- Forest Tours
Some 40 min from Jaigaon is an excellent forest location – Chilapata. It’s a national forest in Dakshin Barajhar Forest. Chilapata is a thick forest, which is a main corridor between Jaldapara National Park and Buxa Tiger Reserve.
It takes about 1 hour and 10 min to reach Buxa Tiger Reserve from Jaigaon by car. This national park is famous for elephants, birdwatching, and tigers. Jungle safaris give you a perfect chance to spot a vast species of wildlife.
On the other hand, the distance between Jaigaon and Jaldapara is about 35 minutes. The national park of Jaldapara is famous for one-horned Indian and Asiatic rhinos.
Best Places to Visit in Bhutan from Jaigaon
- Phuentsholing
The entry point to Bhutan is Phuentsholing by road from India. Among the main draws in the center of the town are the tranquil Zangto Pelri Lhakhang shrine, Kharbandi Gompa, Torsa River Side, etc. You can customize your Jaigaon-Bhutan trip with the best travel agency in Jaigaon.
- Thimphu (Phuentsholing is five to six hours away from Thimphu)
Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is a city that combines modernism with heritage at its incredible best. The following attractions are a must-see:
- Buddha Dordenma Statue
- Tashichho Dzong
- National Memorial Chorten
- Simply Bhutan
- Royal Takin Preserve
- Folk Heritage Museum
- Weekend Market
- Paro Valley (Thimphu is about 50 km from Paro Valley)
Paro is a valley town famous for its pristine nature and sacred and heritage sites, specifically for Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Some of the highlights in Paro Valley are the Airport View, Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Rinpung Dzong, National Museum of Bhutan, Kyichu Lhakhang, Chele La Pass, Zuri Dzong, etc. At a distance of about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Thimphu located this incredibly scenic valley town.
- Punakha (Two to three hours from Thimphu is Punakha)
Punakha is a must-see location in Bhutan because of its beautiful scenery and milder climate. At the meeting point of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers is the magnificent fortification known as Punakha Dzong, the most popular attraction in Punakha. Suspension Bridge is also a spectacular site to explore that provides breathtaking valley views. Chimi Lhakhang is another must-visit spot in Punakha located near Lobesa.
- Dochula Pass (on route from Thimphu to Punakha)
At 10,171 feet, this mountain pass provides breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayan peaks covered in snow in Bhutan. A sight to behold, the 108 chortens (stupas) at Dochula are a memorial to Bhutanese troops, which deserves a must-visit.
With the convenience of Jaigaon tour packages, explore the best of Jaigaon Bhutan holidays from India. Meet the best travel agency in Jaigaon at Dooars Bhutan for a secure, fulfilling trip.