The town is located at the south – eastern part of Bhutan and borders the Indian state of Assam. Though there is no clear historical record of the development of the town, it is said to have developed as a result of the construction of the Samdrup Jongkhar – Tashigang national highway in the 1960s. In the past the Sharchops of Tashigang, Dundsan, Orong and Yangtse used to trade in a small Indian border town in Assam called Gudama (current day Daranga or Darranga Mela, better known as Mela Bazar). Today it is one of the most important trading towns for the eastern districts of Bhutan. Near the border is Hanumaan Mandir in NK Darranga, a temple run by Hanumaan Mandir Charity in which there are both Bhutan and Indian people member. After 2003, due to insurgency problems, much of the business was halted, causing a ripple effect on the developmental and socio-economic life of the people of most of eastern Bhutan.

Samdrup Jonkhar Dzongkhag has a mix of population largely dominated by the Sharchops and by Lhotshampas in Bangtar. It is also an important economic center of the country where coal mining is an important contribution to the country’s economy.

SOME OF THE TOP ATTRACTIONS ARE :

  MITHUN BREEDING FARM

Located in Orong, this is the only Mithun breeding farm in eastern Bhutan. Mithuns are considered to be the finest breed of bison in the country.

  SAMDRUP JONGKHAR DZONG

This is one of the newest Dzongs in Bhutan, and is built on a plane in an open area. It serves as the office for the district administration.

  Chokyi Gyatso Institute

The Chokyi Gyatso Institute (CGI) is situated in Dewathang Gewog, which is about 18 kilometers from the main town of Samdrup Jongkhar in Bhutan. This location offers a serene and spiritually uplifting environment, allowing people to experience a unique sense of spirituality and dharma. The institute originally began as a small temple constructed by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche’s maternal grandfather, Lama Sonam Zangpo. After a ten-year renovation process, the monastery entered the final stage of reconstruction in 2015. While maintaining a traditional program, it also serves as a testing ground for some of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche’s innovative approaches to monastic education. From this location, one can enjoy panoramic views of Dewathang town and the Jigme Namgayal Engineering College.