Sarpang (Gelephu)
Sarpang District is one of the 20 dzongkhags (districts) comprising Bhutan. Much of Sarpang District consists of environmentally protected areas. Far western Sarpang District (the gewog of Senghe) contains part of the uninhabited Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary along the India border; northern Sarpang District (the gewog of Jigmechhoeling) is part of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park; eastern and southeastern Sarpang District (the gewogs of Jigmechhoeling, Tareythang and Umling) lie within Royal Manas National Park.
Gelephu
Gelephu is a region of the Dzongkhag of Sarpang. Gelephu is in South Bhutan and the climate is warm, sub-tropical and humid and remains fairly unchanging all year around. In summers the temperature may cross 30 degrees centigrade.
Gelephu is a warm, fertile region with plenty of rainfall. Gelephu is one of the areas through which visitors can enter Bhutan overland through the Indian state of Assam and it is also a gateway to the Royal Manas National Park, the oldest nature preserve in the Kingdom of Bhutan. It’s incredible biodiversity includes hundreds of rare animal and plant species that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world such as Golden Langurs, Gangetic Dolphins and the Asian One-horned Rhinoceros. The park is the most biologically diverse protected area in the kingdom as well as one of the most outstanding nature preserves worldwide.
This national park is lovingly called the “conservation showpiece of Kingdom” and it is the oldest natural reserve of the country. In terms of bio-diversity, this park is the richest. The Park has been opened for tourist visits only recently and many of its facets are yet undiscovered
Gelephu Tshachu
This Hot Spring is mainly frequented by the local residents but in winter people from all over Bhutan journey here to cure themselves of diseases.
Visitors can also try out the ancient Bhutanese tradition of ‘Menchu’ or Hot Stone Baths. In this method water is heated by submerging red-hot stones into the bath and then used it to bathe and soak. This is a popular curative method that is used throughout the country.
Gelephu Airport
This is one of the new domestic airports that have recently been opened in the country.
The inaugural flight was launched on 25th of October 2012. This airport is one of the major keys to the strengthening links with and opening up more rural areas of the country.