For travel partners
What changed for Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan and the North East — permits, festivals, roads, flights and trade events — and what it means for your guests.
About 40,000 volunteers raised the outer structures of 108 stupas in a single day on 1 November at Gelephu Mindfulness City, with consecration prayers following. Visiting arrangements for the general public have not been announced yet; Gelephu hotels were fully booked over the gathering.
What it means for your guests: A new stop for spiritual itineraries in southern Bhutan; plan visits once the event crowds have cleared and access is confirmed.
Guests keen on Gelephu? Ask us how to route it →Source: AP, Daily Bhutan, 1 Nov 2026
A Department of Tourism notice says all accommodation providers, including village homestays, need prior clearance, technical approval and certification from the Department before serving tourists.
What it means for your guests: Village stays are still possible, but only at certified homestays; we check this before confirming.
Planning a Bhutan village stay? Ask us for certified homestays →Source: Bhutan Department of Tourism, 22 Oct 2026
India opened a temporary immigration post at Dadgari, Hatisar, in Assam on the Gelephu crossing for the Project 108 gathering. It serves Bhutanese and third-country nationals with valid documents, including e-visa holders. India's notice runs from 24 October to 6 November; BBS reports it open until 7 November.
What it means for your guests: Foreign guests flying into Guwahati can reach Gelephu directly this week; after that, plan on Phuentsholing or Samdrup Jongkhar.
Source: BBS, Northeast News, 27 Oct 2026
Elephant safaris restart on 1 November in the Kohora and Bagori grasslands. Jeep safaris have run in the Kohora, Bagori and Agoratoli ranges since the park reopened on 3 October, with about 22,000 visitors in the first 26 days, more than last year.
What it means for your guests: Elephant and jeep safaris are both on now; demand is running high, so book slots early.
Guests for Kaziranga this winter? Ask us to hold safari slots →Source: The Sentinel, 29 Oct 2026
Nagaland's 27th Hornbill Festival runs at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, about 12 km from Kohima. One North Eastern state will join as partner state, and several countries are expected to take part.
What it means for your guests: Kohima rooms fill early for festival week, so confirm stays now.
Guests for Hornbill? Ask us for a Nagaland plan →Source: DD India (IANS), 14 Oct 2026
We send a short round-up to our travel partners. To be added, message us on WhatsApp or write to [email protected].
Summaries are written by our team and credit the original source. Rules, permits and dates can change, so please check with us before confirming a booking.