Edition of 13 Nov 2026
In 30 seconds
- Bhalukpong entry into Arunachal is clear: the economic blockade was withdrawn on 12 November, so Bomdila and Tawang drives can go ahead.
- Bhutan festival season: Phuentsholing and Mongar tshechus on 17–19 November, Druk Wangyel at Dochula on 13 December.
- New Taj hotels planned for Ghum, Siliguri and Lataguri; Sikkim's Green Lake trek open again; Thai AirAsia back on Guwahati–Bangkok from 16 November.
Updates to earlier stories
- Bhutan: glacial lake flood damages the Punakha–Gasa road; Gasa hot springs washed away — Laya still has no road access: two bridges were washed away and the Gasa–Laya road is damaged. The Department of Surface Transport will restore the road to Gasa first and the Gasa–Laya stretch after that; no timeline has been given.
- Sikkim
Sikkim's Green Lake trek open again after four years
- Where Green Lake trek, North Sikkim (Kanchenjunga region)
- When Reported 10 November 2026
- Who it affects Partners with serious trekking guests
Sikkim has reopened the Green Lake trek in the Kanchenjunga region after a gap of four years, and a group of Russian trekkers has completed the route. Permit rules and season details were not given in the reports we saw.
What it means for your guests: A classic high-altitude trek is possible again; ask us about permits and the right season before promising dates.
Trekking clients asking about Green Lake? Ask us what is possible →Source: India Today NE; The Sentinel, 10 Nov 2026
- Darjeeling
New Taj hotels planned for Ghum, Siliguri and Lataguri in a ₹2,700 crore IHCL–Ambuja Neotia push
- Where Ghum, Siliguri, Lataguri (Dooars) and Kalimpong
- When Announced 12 November 2026; opening dates not stated
- Who it affects Partners selling premium Darjeeling and Dooars stays
IHCL and Ambuja Neotia announced ₹2,700 crore of hotel projects in West Bengal with a focus on North Bengal: Taj Himya Kutir in Ghum (57 rooms and 10 villas), Taj Terai Kutir in Siliguri (140 rooms), Taj Vanya Kutir in Lataguri (30 rooms), plus AltAir House hotels in Kalimpong and Lataguri. Opening dates were not stated.
What it means for your guests: Nothing new to book yet; more luxury choice in Darjeeling, Siliguri and the Dooars in coming years.
Source: TravelBiz Monitor, 12 Nov 2026
Bhutan festival season: Phuentsholing, Mongar and Trashigang tshechus next week, Thimphu's Druk Wangyel on 13 December
- Where Phuentsholing, Mongar, Trashigang, Bumthang, Thimphu (Dochula), Trongsa and Lhuentse
- When 17 November to 26 December 2026 (tentative dates)
- Who it affects Partners selling Bhutan trips for the next six weeks
The Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators' tentative 2026 calendar lists Phuentsholing and Mongar Tshechus on 17–19 November, Trashigang Tshechu on 18–20 November and Nalakhar Tshechu in Bumthang on 24–26 November. In December come Druk Wangyel Tshechu at Dochula on 13 December and Trongsa and Lhuentse Tshechus on 17–21 December.
What it means for your guests: A festival day can be added to many itineraries; Phuentsholing Tshechu is an easy add-on on the way in or out via Jaigaon.
Guests heading to Bhutan in the next few weeks? Ask us to fit in a tshechu →Source: Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators
Bhalukpong entry into Arunachal: student bodies withdraw economic blockade; West Kameng and Tawang drives can go ahead
- Where Bhalukpong (Assam–Arunachal entry point) and Zero Point, Nechiphu, West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh
- When Blockade started 11 November 2026; withdrawn 12 November 2026
- Who it affects Partners with guests driving from Assam to Bomdila, Dirang or Tawang
ANSU and ANYA withdrew their economic blockade at Bhalukpong in West Kameng on 12 November after assurances from the Arunachal government. The blockade began on 11 November and was paused that evening for talks; no date or condition for any resumption was announced.
What it means for your guests: Road trips from Assam to Bomdila, Dirang and Tawang via Bhalukpong can run as planned; we still check the latest before each drive.
Source: Arunachal24; The Arunachal Times, 12 Nov 2026
Guwahati–Bangkok: Thai AirAsia flights resume from 16 November
- Where Guwahati (LGBIA) – Bangkok Don Mueang
- When From 16 November 2026
- Who it affects Partners handling Thai and Southeast Asian guests for the North East
Thai AirAsia resumes flights between Guwahati and Bangkok Don Mueang from 16 November 2026, after suspending the route in April. It joins IndiGo's Guwahati–Bangkok Suvarnabhumi service that started on 27 October. Days and fares were not stated.
What it means for your guests: A second direct option between Bangkok and Guwahati for North East trips.
Guests flying in from Bangkok? Ask us for an Assam and Meghalaya plan →Source: The Sentinel, 26 Sep 2026
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Summaries are written by our team and credit the original source. Photos are our own, of the places mentioned. Rules, permits and dates can change, so please check with us before confirming a booking.