25-03-20259 Top Places to Visit in Phuentsholing in Bhutan
Bhutan is a land where business and peace coexist, where one can indulge in prosperous traditions and find wildlife in its most natural form. Here, you will be welcomed by Tshanglas in the eastern regions, Ngalops in the west, and Lhotshampas in the southern fertile foothills, along with Bumthaps, Khengpas, Brokpas, Bramis, Kurtoeps, Doyas, and Monpas. Nineteen dialects are spoken across the region, including English, which serves as the medium of instruction in the Bhutanese educational system. In this TripzyGo guide, you will explore the places to visit in Phuentsholing in Bhutan.
9 Best Places to Visit in Phuentsholing in Bhutan
Bhutan’s second-largest town, Phuentsholing, borders the State of West Bengal. It serves as an entry point for tourists from Kolkata and Siliguri, making it one of the country’s major economic centers. Although it is an urban center, which means it is more developed than many other towns, it has just the right amount of natural features. Everything is splendid and unforgettable. Here are the best places to visit in Phuentsholing in Bhutan:
- Bhutan Gate
- Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
- Zangto Pelri Park
- Karbandi Monastery
- Torsa River Side
- Phuentsholing Market
- Phuentsholing Viewpoint
- Phuentsholing Park
- Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra
Bhutan Gate
Phuentsholing boasts one of the most photographed attractions: the Bhutan Gate. This gate marks the country’s main entrance and exit from and to India. It is located next to the Regional Immigration Office. The flower beds around it and the delicate woodwork on the gate make this place stunning. It is one of the must-see places to visit in Phuentsholing.
| Address: | R737+HXR, Bhutan Rd, Chapna N.C., Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan |
| Review: | Good place to hang out with family on the weekend.”- Ankita Khanal |
| Timings: | 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM |
Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
For people searching for spiritual devotion or want to see the Buddhist monks in the early morning hours reciting hymns from prayer books, the Zangto or Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang is highly recommended for his purpose. Guru Rinpoche’s sculpture, eight other large life-sized idols, and numerous paintings showcasing the life of Buddha are located in the basement. It is one of the must-visit places to visit in Phuentsholing.
| Address: | V96M+P3W, Phuentsholing, Bhutan |
| Review: | “Zangtopelri temple is located in Phuentsholing town, the India and Bhutan border and the gateway to Bhutan. The temple is small but very photogenic with lovely Bhutanese architecture.”- Aniket Ankam |
| Timings: | Open 24 Hours |
Zangto Pelri Park
After spinning the prayer wheels, visitors to Zangto Pelri Lhakhang can see the accompanying Zangto Pelri Park. Adults read books, sip coffee, and go for budget-friendly strolls while kids dash towards the large ball fountain, small pond, and prayer wheels. Monks chanting in the background only adds to the relaxing vibe. The park’s peace sets it apart from Zangto Pelri itself, making it one of the most serene places to visit in Phuentsholing.
| Address: | V95P+W7F, Phuentsholing, Bhutan |
| Review: | “A good park to just roam around and sit in the evening.”- Jisnudeep Mandal |
| Timings: | 8 AM – 6 PM |
Karbandi Monastery
The Rinchending Goemba or Karbandi is a must-see site on your Phuentsholing trip since it provides a breathtaking sight of life-sized statues of Shabdrung Ngawang, Shakyamuni, and Rinpoche. While walking around the well-designed garden, you will also find 8 stupas set in the Tibetan-Buddhist style, which gives you an astonishing view of the Bengal Plane and Phuentsholing town.
| Address: | V92Q+3F4, AH48, Phuentsholing, Bhutan |
| Review: | “We visited this monastery on the last day of the trip. Offers fantastic sunrise/sunset view of the entire Indian district Jaigaon.”- Ankit Timbadia |
| Timings: | 9 AM – 6 PM |
Torsa River Side
Torsa River Side is one of the most beautiful places you will encounter. It is easily reachable by walking and is one of the most scenic places for Phuentsholing sightseeing. The location is not restricted, so it offers a different vibe. You can view the town conjoined with green hillocks and two streams of Torsa, a perfect backdrop if you wish to set up a tent.
| Address: | On the upward path from Phuentsholing to Thimphu or Paro. |
| Review: | “Beautiful and ideal place for relaxation and cleansing your negative energy.”- Lhapchu Tshering |
| Timings: | Open 24 hours |
Phuentsholing Market
For those who love shopping, one of the renowned places to visit in Phuentsholing is the Phuentsholing Market, which is slightly away from the center of town. Do not worry if you are not keen on spending big bucks on home decor or bronze and brass idols in the primary market; this market offers necessities ranging from uncooked and affordable food to household items.
| Address: | V97H+PQF, Phuentsholing, Bhutan |
| Review: | “If you are looking for fresh organic fruits and vegetables, this is the place. Starting from all varieties of vegetables, fruits, dried vegetables, incense sticks, etc are available here with the facility of car parking.”- Sherab Zangpo |
| Timings: | 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM |
Phuentsholing Viewpoint
Other places to visit in Phuentsholing, Bhutan, include the Peeple Drangra or Phuntsholing viewpoint, which is almost at the same elevation as Rinchending Goemba. This viewpoint is best for day trips, and on clear days, you can see the flourishing Phuentsholing town and the breathtaking Bengal plains.
| Address: | VCVP+92P, Phuentsholing, Bhutan |
| Review: | “Great viewpoint over Phuentsholing with plenty of prayer flags, just be aware of some local monkeys in the areas and cliff face at the edge of the lookout.”- Justin Yau |
Phuentsholing Park
Phuentsholing Park is the oldest town park and is among the best places to visit. It is widely famous in Phuentsholing Bhutan with children or your beloved. For a quick family and friends escape, the park is best for relaxing and is covered by plenty of tall eucalyptus and sal trees. Some resting gazebos exist, and the frequently used basketball court is an excellent possession for Indian and Bhutanese tourists, making it one of the best places to visit in Phuentsholing.
Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra
One spot near Phuentsholing is the Palden Tashi Choling Tsu Lakhang, a Buddhist monastic institution. Stunning mountains surround the shed, and the wonderful paintings on the walls of the assembly hall or Tsuglhakhang will undoubtedly delight you.
| Address: | V99H+9VJ, Unnamed Road, Phuentsholing, Bhutan |
| Review: | “A beautiful monastery. It’s a school/college; you can see classes happening. Far away from regular Phuentsholing tourist places, and must remain so.”- Mohit Saxena |
Bhutan Visa & Permit Free for Indian Citizens
Bhutan is one of the cheap international trips from India. Indians don’t need a visa to travel to Bhutan. However, they need identification, such as a passport valid for six months, a voter ID, or an identification slip retrieved from the Indian consulate office in Phuentsholing after the consulate has shown an Indian birth certificate or an Aadhar card. For clarification, these documents serve the same purpose as proof of citizenship in India. This procedure takes about 15 minutes and costs 100 rupees to the Army Welfare Fund, making Phuentsholing an essential stop and one of the places to visit in Phuentsholing.
How To Reach Bhutan
Bhutan’s culture is genuinely mesmerizing, thanks to its sheer beauty. The kingdom is filled with peace and nature, complementing Buddhist manners. These factors tend to put the mind and body at ease. Indians vastly prefer Bhutan because the country has religious sites and incredible scenic views of the Himalayas, making it one of the places to visit in Phuentsholing.
By Air
Paro International Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan, making air travel to the country a complicated task. Drukair, the national carrier, and the other government-licensed private carrier, Bhutan Airlines, are the only airlines allowed to fly into and out of the country. The Guwahati, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Kolkata, and Delhi destinations have international flights to Bhutan.
By Train
The most affordable means of travel from India to Bhutan is by train. Hasimara is the nearest railway station to Jaigaon, a border town in India. Booking a train ticket to Delhi, Kanpur, or Kolkata requires minimal extension and alteration. You can also book a connecting train to Hasimara from New Jalpai near Bhutan. Moreover, a vehicle or bus can be taken to the border town of Jaigaon.
By Road
Driving overland is not budget-friendly if you travel from New Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad, or Pune. However, moving from Kolkata or places nearer to Bhutan is easier and cheaper than taking the train.
Indian citizens can drive their vehicles and visit Bhutan, but must get a permit. The permits are issued by the Regional Transport Office after crossing the border at Phuentsholing and cost about 200 Ngultrums, which can be exchanged for approximately 200 Indian rupees. The Royal Bhutanese Government provides an everyday bus service to places to visit in Phuentsholing from Calcutta for people planning to take a bus to Bhutan.
Conclusion
Bhutan offers peaceful experiences for the body and soul. Strenuous climbs, sound healing, white-water rafting, hot-stone bathing, mountain biking, and meditation are as varied as the terrain and are sure to soothe spirits and promote relaxation.
Phuentsholing, Bhutan, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, spiritual serenity, and cultural richness. Attractions like Bhutan Gate, Karbandi Monastery, and Torsa Riverside provide an unforgettable experience. Whether exploring vibrant markets or monasteries, the places to visit in Phuentsholing, Bhutan, are memorable journeys for every traveler. With TripzyGo, you can expand your realm of travel exploration and visit one of the most mountainous countries in the world