Gelephu

Gelephu is a large town in Sarpang District in Central Bhutan, on the Indian border and close to the Royal Manas National Park.

Understand
The town serves as an entry point for Bhutanese and Indians entering and leaving the country - other nationalities are not allowed to enter Bhutan at Gelephu except in exceptional situations and after receiving permission from the central government. Unlike other Bhutanese towns, which are either crammed in a valley or squashed on a hilltop, Gelephu lies on a vast plain. As a result, it's very spacious, with pleasant villas and apartment blocks next to tree-lined streets and surrounded by green spaces. Like its sister town of Phuentsholing, Gelephu serves as a winter residence for people escaping the cold weather of Thimphu, and a winter relocation site for a number of Bumthang-based monasteries. The town has a population of around 10,000 (2017).



By plane
Gelephu has a small domestic airport, though flights are irregular and schedules need to be checked and rechecked.

By train
The nearest railway station is New Bongaigaon in the neighboring Indian state of Assam, around 50 km from Gelephu, and takes about one and half hours to reach by car.

By bus
There are daily buses from Thimphu, departing at 7, 8 and 8:30AM, and the journey takes around 7 hours.

Get around
The compact town centre can be covered on foot, but a taxi or personal vehicle will be required to travel around the suburbs.

Monasteries

 * Nimalung Monastery - a small, quaint monastery in front of Kuku Grand Hotel. It is the winter residence for the monks of the more famous Nimalung Monastery in Chhumey.
 * Pema Yoedling Monastery (locally known as Phurba Lhakang/Monastery), Pelrithang. A monastery in the lineage of the late yogi HH Kyabje Chadral Sangye Dorji Rinpoche. Known for taking care of sick animals and saving the lives of animals destined for slaughter through its charitable arm, Jangsa Animal Trust.
 * Shivalaya Mandir. A Hindu Temple constructed under the command of HM the King, and inaugurated in 2018. The complex is a twenty minute drive from the centre of town.
 * Tali Monastery - ten minutes drive from the center of town. Founded in 1971, the monastery is home to statues of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Buddha Shakyamuin, and Guru Rinpoche.
 * Zangtopelri Monastery - Located in a three-storey building, the monastery houses statues of Guru Nangsi Zilnon, Guru Rinpoche, Lhacham Mendral Rawn, and Khando Yeshi Tshogyel

Wildlife
The Gelephu area is home to a plethora of wildlife, such as elephants, peacocks, leopards, and even the occasional tiger.

Buy

 * Incense - Kuengacholing incense (https://www.facebook.com/kuengacholing/) are made in Gelephu and sold locally.
 * Oranges - like most of southern Bhutan, the Gelephu area is known for sweet and juicy oranges.

Coffee




Sleep
The streets of the main town are lined with budget walk-in hotels.

Go next

 * Gelephu Tsachu (hotsprings) - a number of five tub wells serve for communal, mixed bathing (swim wear or similar must be worn) at the site, which is 15 km from Gelephu Town. Crowded in the winter months,
 * Royal Manas National Park - a 1,000-km² park. Home to elephants, leopards, and tigers and wide range of sub-tropical flora.