Phuentsholing is the adjoining town between India and Bhutan. This is the main town which has the road connectivity with India. Phuentsholing is one of the most important towns in Bhutan as this town acts as an economic hub of this country. The peaceful Karbandi monastery is a nice place to visit. The view of the Phuentsholing town and the plains of the Dooars region looks very captivating from here. One can visit also visit crocodile park here. The park is also a good place to see. Phuentsholing generally act as a night halt point before tourists move for Thimphu or Paro.
Activities
Sightseeing tour: You can go for a day long local sightseeing tours to the places of Interest in nearby areas. This sightseeing tour program can be customized to your needs. Some of the places of Interest are Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, Karbandi monastery, Amo chhu crocodile breeding center, Bhutan gate, etc.
Excursion trip to Coochbehar: One can go for a day excursion trip to Coochbehar (India)- a princely state just 2.5 hr from here. The main palace which was designed on the theme of Buckingham palace is the main attraction. There is a museum also in this palace where one can see various archaeological things (some are 1000 years old) and interact with various tribal culture of Dooars region. On the way back the nature interpretation center and Butterfly conservation center of Rajabhatkhawa in Buxa Tiger Reserve is a must visit place.
Excursion trip to Totopara: One can go for a day excursion trip to Totopara where one can interact with the unique culture of Toto tribe. Toto people were about to extinct in 1950. On the way back one can for jungle safari in the Jaldapara National Park where population of the famous One horned Rhinoceros is second largest in India.
Places to Visit: Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, Karbandi monastery, Amo chhu crocodile breeding center, Bhutan gate, Coochbehar, Totopara etc.
Travel Guide
Weather
The general temperature in Phuentsholing stays humid. During summer, mercury sometimes crosses 32°C in daytime and during night it stays around 22°C. The average temperature for Phuentsholing is 16°C during winter. This city never gets snowfall. Phuentsholing gets good amount of rainfall during monsoon.
Local Words
Generals greetings and words: Welcome greetings: Kuzo-zangpo la, Yes: Ong, No: Mengo, Little bit: Atshi-chi, Thank you: Kaadin-chhey la, Road: Lam, Shop/Store: Neyer Tshang, Market: Throm, Medicine: Mein.
Food and Drinks: Hot water: Chhu Tshe, Cold Water: Chhu Khem, Rice: Chum/ Tuoe, Mushrooms: Shamu, Lentils: Sem Chum Chung Ku, Vegetables: Tshe-sey, Butter Tea: Suja, Milk Tea: Naja.
Emotions: Good (Food): Shim-bay, Not Good (food): Me Shim-bay, Good (Places, things): Sacha Legshom, Not Good (Place,things): Yoebab mabmi.
Time: Morning: Do-paa, Evening: Che-roo, Night: Nub-mo.
Relationships: Elder-brother: Acho, Younger brother: Nuchu, Elder Sister: Ashim, Younger sister: Num
How are you?: Gadaybay zhu ga?
I’m fine: Layshom.
What is your name?(informal) Chhey-gi ming ga chi mo?
What is your name? (formal) Na gi Tshen ga chi mo?
My name is Lucy: Ney-gee ming Lucy een la.
How far is it from here? Dikhar lay tharee gademchi mo?
How much? Gaa-dem-chi mo la?
Getting here
The nearest airport name is Paro airport (PBH). It is well connected with Bangkok, Kolkata and Bagdogra airport. But the flight are limited. The nearest popular airport beside Paro is Bagdogra airport (IXB) which is in India.
There is no railway connectivity in Bhutan. The nearest railway station name is Hashimara station (HSA) and New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) which are in India.
Phuentsholing is well connected by roads with other parts of Bhutan and India.
Permit
Tourists other than India, Bangladesh & Maldives need visa to get into Phuentsholing. Indian tourists can visit this place with a valid identity proof. The visa procedure for Bhutan is different comparing to other countries. Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldives national have different visa procedure. Please contact us to know about the visa procedure in details.
Custom
Bhutan is a Buddhist country where people are very respectful to their culture. While visiting in any religious place please remove your footwear before entering into the main temple. Also it is advisable to wear modest clothes while visiting any religious place. People will happily pose for a picture but please ask them before taking any picture.
Safety
Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world where you hardly find any crime. People are very respectful towards each other. But for any safety concern you can reach to the nearest police station or tourist information center.
Health
You won’t find any mosquitoes here in Phuentsholing. Due to less pollution tourist generally doesn’t get sick. But if you are allergic to plants and pollen then take precaution. The local hotels and restaurants serve safe drinking water but if you are not sure then you can buy packaged drinking water almost at every place.