Phuentsholing, also spelled as Phuentsholing, is a border town in southern Bhutan and is the administrative town for Chukha District in Bhutan. The town occupies parts of both Phuentsholing Gewog and Sampheling Gewog. Phuntsholing adjoins the town of Jaigaon, India and cross-border trade has created a thriving local economy. Phuntsholing clearly is an amalgamation of separates two very different peoples and cultures. Jaigaon across the international border is a large, bustling, and loud city, same as other West Bengal commercial centers with many Bhutanese shoppers doing shopping here. Phuntsholing is more urban than other Bhutanese towns.
The financial, industrial, and trading capital of Bhutan has been affected by the chaos of Jaigaon’s culture but is distinctly far more quiet and orderly than Jaigaon. The majority of goods traded into Bhutan transit through Phuntsholing, making the town the gateway to Bhutan for trade with India. The border with India is separated by a long wall with a single Bhutanese gate manned by the Sashastra Seema Bal and Bhutanese Army guards. Locals can sometimes even cross without being asked for papers.
Tourists from India, Bangladesh, and Maldives don’t need visa to enter Bhutan but have to show proof of identities such as a passport or voter ID card and apply for a permit at Phuntsholing for entering Bhutan. Tourists from other countries need a visa presented by a hired registered tour guide to enter Bhutan. The town does not have any air or railway link with only road access available. with buses running to and from Jaigaon, Siliguri, New Jalpaiguri, and New Alipurduar. Buses are operated by both Indian companies and the Bhutanese government.
The IndianRailways is planning to build a 20 km railway track from the nearest railhead of Hashimara in North Bengal to Phuentsholing.. The Lateral Road is Bhutan’s main highway, begins in Phuntsholing, and winds some 636 kilometers (395 miles) to Trashigang in the east. The frontier town serving as the corridor to Sikkim, WestBengal, and Assam is certainly worth a visit when you are exploring Bhutan.
There are numerous places worth visiting in and around Phuntsholing, these are Bhutan Gate, Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre, Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, Zangto Pelri Park, Karbandi Monastery, Torsa River Side Phuentsholing Market, Phuentsholing Viewpoint, Phuentsholing Park, and Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra. The town has several hotels that provide mid-range and budget accommodation. There are several multi-cuisine restaurants that provide delicious Bhutanese and Indian food. There are no major places for shopping except Phuentsholing. Phuentsholing known for its nightlife is ideal for a weekend visit
