If you are ready with your travel plans and choose Bhutan as the destination for your winter holidays then you must know about Phuentsholing which is considered as the ‘Gateway to Bhutan’. Traveling to Bhutan is only possible by entering Phuentsholing if you choose the roadway to reach Bhutan. This small town in Bhutan is not usually counted as the major tourist place but still, there are so many charming places to visit in Phuentsholing that make you feel happy while moving around the town.
Phuentsholing is also known for the Immigration Office from where the permit is issued for entering the Kingdom of Thunder Dragon. Passport is not required for the citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. Foreign tourists need to carry their passport and other valid documents along with passport size photographs. After the approval of the entry permit, you can enjoy the sightseeing experiences by staying overnight at Phuentsholing which is known for peaceful lifestyle and major tourist attractions. Let’s know more about the places that make the town popular among tourists.
Charming Places to visit in Phuentsholing
Bhutan Gate
Even before entering the town you will find this giant structure built with the traditional architecture with carved-wood to maintain the Bhutanese style. This gate is the center of the attraction and decorated with flower beds all around creating a beautiful setup. This place is maintained by Shashastra Seema Bal from one side and Bhutanese Police on another side. You can take photographs and witness this architecture after visiting the town. Playing unnecessary sound and creating noise pollution is a punishable offense in the land of happy people.
Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
Bhutan spread Buddhism and shares the teaching of Buddha to maintain peace and harmony in the entire nation. Zangto Pelri Lhakhang was built in the year 1990 under the guidance of Dasho Aku Tongmi. This temple is a perfect place for spiritual people where you will find a big replica of Guru Rinpoche along with the eight life-sized idols of other Gurus. Statues of Bodhisattvas and statues of Avalokiteshvara representing the traditional artworks are some of the attractions inside the temple.
Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Center
The crocodile breeding center situated near the bank of Chhu River attracts animal lovers to spend some quality time there. This offbeat place gives you the chance of witnessing crocodiles, tortoises, fishes, and seasonal birds. The guide will explain to you the importance of crocodile breeding and how actively the management preserves the species dedicatedly. Try to visit the place during feeding time to visualize the scenario that adds fun to your trip. This is one of the main places to visit in Phuentsholing.
Karbandi Monastery
This monastery is located at the altitude of 400 meters and shares the giant idol of Buddhist monk Gurun Rinpoche, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Shabdrung Ngawang. The evergreen garden makes the place beautiful with its view and you share some good time by walking outside. You can feel the spiritual vibes inside the temple that believe to be auspicious for newly married couples. People from faraway places visit his amazing temple to take the blessings along with some photographs.
Torsa Riverside
Riversides are always special and make people refreshed with their views. Torsa is a popular river and offers the beauty of nature where you can enjoy the chirping of birds on the riverside. After a sightseeing expedition, you can enjoy time near the bank of the river on a sunny day. The best time to visit this place is during the morning hours when the cool breeze and breathtaking view with the color of sunrise create the magic.
Zangto Pelri Park
This friendly park is one of the popular centers of attractions where you can pass on your time with your family and friends. Plenty of pigeons are available in this place and you can feed them with the available food. Children can enjoy their time by playing inside the park which is decorated in the Bhutanese style. Monks, colorful flags, and visual attractions will give you the reason to spend some more time over there.
Phuentsholing Market
The market offers too many things to tourists at an affordable rate in comparison to the fancy shops. If you are not aware of the Bhutanese culture then this market is the best place for you to observe the shopping experience between buyers and sellers. Phuentsholing market offers fruit, vegetables, decorative and other eatable things to make people happy with the shopping experience. You can roam around the market to spend your evening at leisure.
Phuentsholing Park
Phuentsholing Park is the ultimate place for honeymoon couples where they can enjoy the greenery and abundance of flora and fauna. You can witness the national animal called Takin along with towering eucalyptus and Sal trees. This place is very common among the tourists and facilitated by basketball court along with stalls offering tea, snacks and other delicacies.
Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra
Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra is a learning place or a religious school where they taught the teachings of Buddhism. Shedra is a Tibetan word that means ‘place of teaching’. Visiting this place will describe to you a lot about Buddhism and its morals. Right now there are 70 students and the school was constructed in 2014. In the backdrop of Himalayas, this religious school is a must-visit place when you are in Phuentsholing.
Hopefully, these nice charming places to visit in Phuentsholing will give you a good start to experience your Bhutan trip. This unexplored country offers so many things to witness if you dare to travel in this country during holidays.