Phuentsholing is a small but beautiful town in Bhutan, adjacent to the Indian border town of Jaigaon in the state of West Bengal. It is the gateway to the land of the thunder dragons. Phuentsholing is a place wherein you can experience the diversity and harmony of Bhutanese, Nepalese, and Indian cultures. Though a small border town, Phuentsholing has many attractions that will appeal to travellers of all kinds, whether they are looking for religious sites, natural beauty, wildlife, or shopping.
In this blog, we will explore some of the best places to visit in Phuentsholing as well as things to do in Phuentsholing. Join us as we discover the charm and wonder of this small Bhutanese town.
Top Places to Visit in Phuentsholing
- Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
- Torsa River Side
- Karbandi Monastery
- Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra
- Phuentsholing Market
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Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
A Buddhist temple, Zangto Pelri Lhakhang represents the heavenly abode of Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche. Dasho Aku Tongmi, who composed Bhutan’s national anthem, constructed this three-storeyed temple in 1990. It houses statues of Buddhist deities and paintings from Lord Buddha’s life. The ground floor has statues of the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche, the middle floor showcases statues of the eight Bodhisattvas and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and the top floor has a statue of Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light.
Things to do in Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
- Explore the temple garden and spin the prayer wheels. You can also see an elephant skull excavated during construction work
- Visit the nearby Crocodile Breeding Centre to watch different species of the reptile and learn about their conservation
- Hike to the Tiger's Nest, one of Bhutan's most sacred sites
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Torsa River Side
The Torsa River Side is one Phuentsholing sightseeing place wherein you can enjoy serene walks along the river that flows from Tibet through India. Also known as Amo Chhu or Machu, the river rises from the Chumbi Valley in Tibet and enters Bhutan near Phuentsholing. It is a source of livelihood for many people who fish, farm, and trade along its course. The river area is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros.
Things to do at Torsa River Side
- Admire the view of the hills, forests, and tea gardens on both sides of the border
- Visit Karbandi Monastery, 4 kilometres from the riverside, to admire the statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche
- Buy souvenirs and local products such as handicrafts, textiles, and spices at the Phuentsholing market
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Karbandi Monastery
Karbandi Gompa, or Karbandi Monastery is a Buddhist temple founded in 1967 by Ashi Phuntsho Chodron, the royal grandmother of Bhutan. She had her winter residence near the monastery, on a hill overlooking Phuentsholing and the plains of West Bengal. The temple houses statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and Guru Rinpoche, including paintings depicting the Buddha’s life. The monastery is believed to bless infertile couples with children. A tropical garden with beautiful flowers surrounds the monastery.
Things to do in Karbandi Monastery
- Visit nearby attractions such as Zangtopelri, a Buddhist temple containing exquisite Bhutanese architecture
- Visit Bhutan Gate, the entry point to Bhutan from India, which is adorned with beautiful wood paintings
- Explore the nearby Buxa Tiger Reserve, which has an international corridor to facilitate elephant migration
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Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra
A Buddhist college in Phuentsholing, Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra was consecrated in 2014. Shedra means "place of teaching" and refers to the educational programme for monks and nuns in Tibetan Buddhism. The Shedra offers education to around 70 students aged 6 to 25. It has some fine murals in its central assembly hall. The college has a scenic location with a beautiful backdrop of the Himalayas. It is another top Phuentsholing sightseeing place and tourist attraction in Western Bhutan.
Things to do at Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra
- Admire the delicate murals depicting the Buddha and other deities
- Learn about the educational programme for monks and nuns in Tibetan Buddhism, covering philosophy, literature, history, and culture
- Interact with the students and teachers of the Shedra and learn about their way of life
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Phuentsholing Market
Phuentsholing Market is a vibrant and diverse place wherein people from different cultures converge to trade and shop. The market’s origins can be traced to the late 1950s when the first one-storeyed cottage was built to house a shop. Former Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigme Dorji encouraged the construction of concrete houses, and soon 18 shops were built around the Zangdopelri area, including a bus terminal and a weekly market. Today, Phuentsholing Market sells diverse products, from electronics and footwear to eatables.
Things to do in Phuentsholing Market
- Explore this lively marketplace, a treasure trove of traditional handicrafts, colourful textiles, and an array of fresh produce, including electronic goods, mainly imported from China and Thailand
- Engage with friendly local vendors, haggle for unique souvenirs, and savour the aromatic flavours of Bhutanese, Nepalese, and Indian street food