Near the Bindu Dam, a handful of makeshift stalls operated by Bhutanese traders sell goods from across the border. The most coveted items are Bhutanese fruit preserves (Druk brand jams and squashes are well-known and much cheaper here than in Indian towns), imported chocolates, dried ‘yak’ meat preparations, woven fabric, incense, and occasionally small handicrafts. The stalls operate informally and are seasonal, with peak reliability occurring from November to March. Bargaining is expected and the prices are modest.
Note that purchasing items is entirely separate from crossing the border. Bindu is not an official Indo-Bhutan immigration checkpoint; Indian and Bhutanese nationals have local crossing rights for trade and daily life, but international tourists cannot enter Bhutan from this point. To enter Bhutan officially, proceed to the Jaigaon–Phuentsholing checkpoint, about 75 km south of Jhalong.
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