GELEPHU: ‘THE LAND OF THUENPA PUENZHI’
Gelephu under the Sarpang district is one of the ideal winter destinations for many Bhutanese. I have spent most of my childhood days, especially winter vacations in Gelephu mainly because my parents preferred the warm and pleasant tropical weather. Besides the pleasant weather, there are so many things to explore and experience in Gelephu.
While some landmarks such as the giant facelifted Buddha Statue at the entrance of Gelephu are prominent and popular among the locals and regional tourists, little do people know that Sarpang is also a pilgrimage site of Buddhist saint Guru Padmasambhava. It is believed that Guru entered Bhutan through a place named “Retey” under the Sarpang district.
The district is known for the healing powers of the Gelephu hot spring, and people from all over the country visit the hot springs for a variety of aches, ailments, and diseases or for people who are looking for leisure activities, the first-of-its-kind water and recreation park in the country is developed in Samtenling, 5 km away from Gelephu Town.
A wealth of flora and fauna can be found within the district’s borders, which include parts of the Royal Manas National Park and Phibso Wildlife Sanctuary. Exotic and endangered wildlife such as the Royal Bengal Tiger, elephants, one-horned Asian Rhinoceros, and Golden Langur roam its forests, especially in the parks.
Gelephu is also known as the land of ‘Thuenpa Puenzhi‘ the four harmonious friends’. The prevalence of unprecedented harmony in Sarpang can be attributed to the abundant presence of these four friends ‘, an elephant, a rabbit, a monkey, and a bird (partridge). These animals are depicted in Buddhist art as a portrait of harmony.
Dolpani Waterfall is gaining popularity among the weekenders. The trail towards the base of the waterfall takes you to sacred sites of the Hindu Lord Shiva, this trail is a unique nature adventure. The base of the waterfall leads adventure seekers to the main holy site of Lord Shiva. Besides, Gelephu is also home to one of the first and largest Hindu Mandir.
There are numerous Temples (both Buddhist and Hindu) and Monasteries in Gelephu such as Sershong Lhakhang, Padtseling Monastery, Sangkha Lhakhang, Phulari Goenpa, Tali Drasang, Nimalung Dratsang, including Drodul Phendeling Chorten under construction.
During my stay in Gelephu I also experienced a relaxing staycation at Tsachu ecolodge located in the middle of the forest. The welcome drink was Tongba ‘a millet-based local alcoholic beverage’ followed by delightful local cuisines. The next morning I was woken up by the sound of big flap of hornbills wings across the cottage. The place was the perfect spot for bird-watching and other eco-tourism activities including camping, rafting, fly fishing and hiking.
After exploring from Thayerathang to the east of Gelephu to Phibsoo to the west/northwest of Gelephu and bird eye watching the plains of Gelephu that stretches till Assam and beyond, it is commendable to say that Sarpang is indeed the only plain covering the largest foothill area in Bhutan and can only be home to the upcoming World’s First Mindfulness City; an extra-ordinary vision of His Majesty the king for the people of Bhutan .
The city is envisioned as Bhutan’s new economic hub – an opportunity to capitalize on the economic corridor linking South Asia to Southeast Asia.It will be a Mindfulness City, encompassing conscious and sustainable businesses, inspired by Buddhist spiritual heritage, and distinguished by the uniqueness of the Bhutanese identity.
As a citizen first and a traveler second, I cannot fandom but anticipate to witness Gelephu transformation after a decade. For now I shall continue to explore more of southern foothill region because the future looks brighter and hopeful in the plains. The beacon of light shone upon us by our Godly King should be the path every individual should seek.
Things to do
- Cycling & Hiking
- Staycation at Tsachu Ecolodge
- Dip in Hot Spring
- Bhutan’s first water park
- Picnics
- Safari and Parks
- River Rafting and Waterfalls
Place of interest
- Giant Buddha Statue
- Temples/ Monasteries
- Holy Pilgrimage Sites
- Phulahari Viewpoint
- Crocodile Farm
How to reach Gelephu:
Gelephu is served by the domestic airport which was inaugurated in October 2012. This domestic airport helps Gelephu to remain in contact with the other parts of the country. If you are travelling to Gelephu from Jaigoan then you need to travel 215 kilometers via Alipurduar District touching some parts of Assam.
