One day trip to Bhutan || Visit in Phuntsholing Bhutan Gateway || Bhutan Travel guide 2023 ||

Phuntsholing, also spelled as Phuentsholing is a border town in southern Bhutan and is the administrative seat of Chukha District. The town occupies parts of both Phuentsholing Gewog and Sampheling Gewog.
Phuentsholing adjoins the Indian town of Jaigaon, and cross-border trade has resulted in a thriving local economy. The town had the headquarters of the Bank of Bhutan previously but shifted to Thimphu.
The gateway of the land of thunder dragons, Phuentsholing is often regarded as the abode of kings and queens of the Himalayan Kingdom. Time moves at a slow pace here and the simplicity of the inhabitants complements the serenity of nature. At an altitude of only 300 meters, this commercial center in Bhutan lies adjacent to Indian town Jaigaon on the Himalayan foothills. There are a number of places to visit in Phuentsholing where you can catch a glimpse of the diversity of Bhutanese, Nepalese and Indian cultures.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Phuentsholing
The frontier town serving as the corridor to Sikkim, West Bengal and Assam is certainly worth a visit when you are exploring Bhutan. Here are 10 places to visit in Phuentsholing:

Bhutan Gate
Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre
Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
Zangto Pelri Park
Karbandi Monastery
Torsa River Side
Phuentsholing Market
Phuentsholing Viewpoint
Phuentsholing Park
Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra

One of the most photographed places to visit in Phuentsholing, the Bhutan Gate is the main entrance and exit from and to India. In terms of orderly planning, municipal cleanliness, and architecture, the difference between the two cities is evident. Located beside the Regional Immigration Office, the gate looks beautiful with exquisite woodcraft and the well-maintained flower beds in close vicinity create a beautiful setup. The entrance and exit gates are manned by Shashastra Seema Bal (SSB) paramilitary force and Bhutan Police to ensure that the vehicle passes in an orderly fashion, without unnecessary honking, which is deemed as a punishable offense in Bhutan.

Location: The entrance or exit point of Bhutan, on the Bhutan Jaigaon (India) border

Timings: 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Border Town of Bhutan"
Phuentsholing Tourism
The second largest town in Bhutan, Phuentsholing shares its borders with the Indian State of West Bengal. Serving as an entry point for travellers from Kolkata and Siliguri, it is an important economic hub of Bhutan. An urban centre, it is more developed than most of the towns of Bhutan, yet it has a perfect amount of nature's touch. It offers an experience like nothing else. Home to different communities, it's a must-visit place in Bhutan.

Phuentsholing is a town on the southern border of Bhutan, known for its modern architecture. It is a valuable trading centre of Bhutan, where Indians, Nepalese and Bhutanese all come together to live and trade harmoniously in this town.

On your trip to Phuentsholing, you must visit Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, Karbandi Monastery, Bhutan Gate and Kharbandi Goemba. Zangto Pelri Lhakhang is a small temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. An exquisite example of the traditional Bhutanese architecture, Bhutan Gate is the main gateway for entry from India. The Amo Chuu, which is the Crocodile Breeding Centre, breeds almost extinct species like Ghariyals and alligators. Karbandi Monastery or Karbandi Goemba is a temple with giant statues of Shabdrung Ngawang, Guru Rinpoche and Shakyamuni Buddha. The temple has a rich history and offers a fantastic view.

The market of Phuentsholing is quite good and sells all kinds of products ranging from electricals to footwears to eatables. If you long for a peaceful and serene walk, then Torsa riverside is the place for you. No vehicles are allowed on the riverside, and the view and natural beauty leave you awestruck. This town is a must-visit if you want to experience a day or two of solidarity and peace.