Gelephu is a small town in Bhutan lying across the borders of Assam’s Chirang district. Gelephu Picnic Spot situated along the Assam-Bhutan border is one of the most beautiful places for picnics in lower Assam. Even though it is situated in Bhutan, it is easily accessible from the Kokrajhar district of Assam. The Manas River, originating from the Himalayas, adds to the charm of Gelephu with its clear waters and scenic banks. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the river, picnics by the water, or even engage in activities like fishing or boating. This blog will explain every detail about Gelephu Picnic Spot, how to reach Gelephu, activities to do and other details.
How To Reach Gelephu
Gelephu, located in Bhutan’s Sarpang District, can be reached via the Kokrajhar district of Assam. The nearest railway station to New Bongaigaon Junction and the nearest airport is Guwahati Airport. From Bongaigaon Railway Station, Gelephu is 51 km via NH 27 and NH 127C. You can easily reach in 2 hours. If you travel from Guwahati, you would take more than 5 hours of road journey.
Govt. of India is planning to build rail links between Kokrajhar – Gelephu and Banaras-Samste and water navigation on the Brahmaputra river. It is to be completed by 2030.
Documents Needed to Enter Gelephu, Bhutan
If you are an Indian citizen, you need government-approved ID cards like Voter ID, Aadhaar Card etc. For citizens, except those from India, you would need a passport to enter Bhutan. Visa can be applied at the Assam-Bhutan Border Checkpost without any hassle. For Indian citizens, there is no need to apply for visa. The entry is of course free of cost.
If you are an Indian citizen and you fail to provide any govt. ID proof, you still can enter Bhutan. It would help if you visited the Indian Embassy office situated at the border, the officials will issue a permit after verifying your credentials.
Picnicking and Activities Near Gelephu Picnic Spot
The Gelephu town offers various picnic spots to spend time with your family and friends. Some of these picnic spots are inside India and some of them are located within the territory of Bhutan. The Assam-Bhutan border is a neutral zone because of the friendly relations between the two countries. So, we can expect a hassle-free travel experience without any checking and frisking.
Mwnabill Picnic Area
It is situated near the Manas River and you can reach this spot via the Gate of Mwnabili picnic spot which is situated on NH 127C. The area is secluded and very peaceful. There are no food outlets nearby, so feel free to bring your food and drinks. Enjoy sipping a beer while seated beside the pebbles and cold waters of the Manas River. For safety reasons, it’s advisable to avoid visiting this picnic spot after dark.
Goldfish Resort & Waterpark
In addition to providing quality accommodation and dining options, the resort’s surroundings offer tranquillity for relaxation. You can conveniently explore the Gelephu area. The nearby Manas River flows gently, its soothing sounds audible from your window or balcony. Consider requesting a riverside dinner or lunch from the resort owner for a memorable experience. It’s truly the finest experience near Gelephu.
Activities Near Gelephu Picnic Spot
While exploring the market, you’ll find traditional woollen items and apparel at affordable prices. Bhutan’s local oranges, renowned for their quality, are also available at a reasonable cost. Additionally, there are numerous viewpoints near Gelephu offering breathtaking vistas of the Bhutan Himalayas.
Guideline Before You Plan Your Picnic
- Choose a picturesque area near Manas River for your picnic. You would find many places along the border.
- If travelling in a group, consider bringing a packaged lunch to enjoy at this scenic spot.
- Outdoor enthusiasts can prepare food on-site, accompanied by drinks, music, and dancing.
- It’s advisable to picnic within the territory of Assam for a better experience.
- Bhutan prioritizes ecology and conservation, so avoid ecologically insensitive acts like littering or using plastic near the riverside. Fines may apply if caught.
- Respect Buddhist customs and laws; locals are sensitive to Buddhism and its traditions.
Lately, the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan is planning to build a smart city at Gelephu. The project aims to build Gelephu Mindfulness City “as a part of a broader vision to create an economic hub by inviting foreign investment into the country”. The project will develop the area as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) that would run under different laws to facilitate more international investment.
