Samtse

Samtse is located on the fringes of an almost invisible international border between Bhutan and India, a testimony to the agreement that the two countries will live in peace and harmony together. The absence of a border wall is what gives rise to that unique experience of existing in two countries at the same time. Covering an area of 1,582 square kilometers with altitudes ranging between 600 to 3800 meters, Samtse dzongkhag is located in southern Bhutan and shares an international border with the Indian states Sikkim and West Bengal to the west and and with the Bhutanese districts of Haa and Chukha to the east. Geographically, Samtse district a transition spot where the hills of Bhutan slope away gradually to give way to the vast plains of India. The population of Samtse is divided into two main ethnic groups, the Lhotshampas and the Doyas. Smaller groups of Bumthaps, Tshanglas, Ngalongs, Khengpas and Kurtoeps have also started inhabiting the region in recent years. Samtse is a religiously diverse district where both Buddhism and Hinduism are widely practiced. Visitors will find temples belonging to both religions all over the beautifully forested district. The main festivals celebrated in the region include Losar (New Year), Thrue and Lomba by the Buddhists and Diwali and Du...