The landscapes of southern Bhutan are warmer, greener and distinctly different from the high mountain valleys further north.
From important gateways into the country to quieter towns and subtropical surroundings, Southern Bhutan offers another perspective on the kingdom.
The town provides an important transition between the plains of India and the Himalayan landscape of Bhutan.
Gelephu lies in the southern foothills and is surrounded by a warmer, greener landscape than the mountain valleys further north.
As an important southern gateway, it can form part of overland journeys and provides access to the broader southern region.
The region offers a quieter perspective on Bhutan and can be incorporated into journeys exploring the country's southern foothills and communities.
Southern Bhutan provides a striking contrast to the landscapes many visitors associate with the country.
As you travel south, the altitude decreases and the environment becomes warmer and greener.
For travellers entering or departing Bhutan by land, the southern gateways can become part of the journey rather than simply a point on a map.