Phuntsholing

城市概覽

Phuentsholing serves primarily as a commercial hub for Bhutanese and Indians, and as a key entry point for Indian tourists arriving via train or flight to nearby Siliguri. With a population nearing 30,000, it is Bhutan’s second-largest city after Thimphu. While the town lacks historical landmarks or prominent tourist attractions, it shares Bhutan’s hallmark qualities of cleanliness and safety. Visitors will find a pleasant pedestrian zone around the centrally located Zangtopelri Temple. Notably, until the late 1950s, the town was known as Jaigaon-Bhutan.

如何抵達

Entry procedure The information below is relevant only to guests, non-Indian foreign nationals with visa clearance documents, or those with a work permit. Bhutan does not operate a visa on arrival system, and visitors without correct documentation will be denied entry. The border immigration is open twenty-four hours.

Receive exit stamp from Indian immigration office (see 'Cope' on Jaigaon page) Inside the Bhutanese immigration complex, travellers are directed to a tourist area where there is an information desk, immigration officials, a currency exchange and waiting area. Present your visa authorisation document. Travellers are not be permitted to leave the immigration complex building without a guide Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Phuentsholing, but they do require proof of citizenship, such as a voter card or passport, to travel beyond the town. In Phuentsholing, they will be issued a permit to visit other parts of the country. There is a Nu1,200 per day SDF fee to go beyond Phuentsholing and after the first night in the town (The Nu1,200 per day SDF fee is wavered for the first night in Phuentsholing). A guide is a requirement to travel to other parts of the kingdom - Nu2,000 per day. A list of guides is available at the immigration office.

By bus Before entering Bhutan, non-Indians are required to receive an exit stamp in their passports at the Indian immigration office. Therefore, when getting on the bus, inform the driver that you'll be getting off in Jaigaon, and so your luggage should be placed in an area from where it can be removed easily - certainly not under piles of luggage of passengers going to the final destination. Request the driver to let you off near the Indian immigration office (next to the movie theater). It is a five-minute walk from there to Bhutan gate.

From Kolkata. The Bhutan Government runs a direct service from Kolkata to Phuentsholing, with buses departing Esplanade Bus Station at 07:00 on Tuesday, Thursda

當地交通

On foot The town center can easily be covered on foot.

Taxi The taxi fare for journeys within the core area of the town, which includes the bus station and immigration terminal, is Nu100.

必看景點

Amo Chuu - a Crocodile Breeding Centre on the banks of the river behind the bus station. The crocodiles are bred in order to be released in a nature reserve. 1 Bhutan Gate. A traditional-style Bhutanese gate, used as a gateway between India and Bhutan. (updated Jan 2023) Chukha Hydrothermal Project. Karbandi Monastery. After an Indian pilgrim became pregnant after praying at this monastery to conceive, the temple has become a regular port of call for couples wishing for children. For those who do not have parental ambitions, the view from the monastery over Phuentsholing and the Bengal Plain is still worth making the trip. The monastery is located a short distance above the town. Take a cab up and walk back. Zangthopelri Lhakhang This town centre temple represents the Copper Coloured Mountain, otherwise known as the pure land of Guru Rinpoche. On the ground floor there are statues of eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche and paintings on Buddha's life while the next floor contains eight bodhisattavas and statues of Avalokiteshvara and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. On the top floor, there is a statue of Amitabha.

體驗活動

Wander round the town and plan your journey in or out of the country.

購物

Books

Phuentsholing Book Store and Stationary, Garuda Complex, Gaotoen Lam. A small boobshore stocking mostly novels, with some Buddhist titles. Handicrafts

Ama Handicrafts, Gatoen Lam (turn to the left after exiting the immigration terminal. Ama is a one minute walk on the right). ☏ +975 17847895. Small handicraft shop. Yethra bags, purses, and trinkets. Anil Stores, Phuensum Lam, (across from Kizom Cafe). ☏ +975 17601105. Small selection of trinket-type souvenirs. Wallets and purses made from Bhutanese woven cloth. Tshela Handicrafts, next to Kizom Cafe. Items tending towards cheap souvenirs. Buddhist ritual utensils. The town offers a wide range of electrical goods and computers from Bangkok, which are generally cheaper in Bhutan than in India. There are also a number of supermarkets that stock imported food items and a fresh vegetable and fruit market with local and Indian produce.

美食

Being on the Indian border, the town has a great selection of Indian restaurants. However, like most of Bhutan, Phuentsholing starts late, and so travellers requiring an early breakfast (before 8:30-9AM), should cross into Jaigaon, where most restaurants open early.

Log Cabin, GF, Hotel Kuenga, Tharpai Lam (opposite the entrance to Zangtopelri), ☏ +975 5 252-387. 10:00-23:00. Log cabin-style interior. Indian, continental, Bhutanese, and Chinese cuisine. Espresso-based coffees. Cocktails. Desserts. . (updated Nov 2024) Times Kitchen, Tharpai Lam (rear of Zangthopelri Park), ☏ +975 17117373. Stylish restaurant with views over Zangthopelri Temple. Excellent Indian and Chinese cuisine. Polite and efficient service. (updated Oct 2024)

飲品與夜生活

Coffee Bhutan Boulangerie, Gatoen Lam, Main Town (directly opposite the Tashi Complex), ☏ +975 77390901. 08:00-20:00. A stylish cafe with prominently floral designs. Excellent French pastries. Pasta and local cuisine. Good coffee. Street seating. A little more expensive than other local cafes. (updated May 2026) D'Cafe, Tshongdrel Lam, ☏ +975 77802798. W-M 11:00-21:00. Bright and welcoming interior. Japanese decor. Specializes in sushi and rice dishes. Excellent coffee and cakes. Friendly and fast service. 1 Kizom Cafe, Main Town (in front of the Zangtopelri Complex). 10:00-21:00. A standard variety of espresso-based coffees. Excellent pastries and pizza. Pleasant but dated design. Free Wi-Fi, but only two electric plug sockets for the entire cafe. Friendly, but lethargic service (updated Feb 2025)

Alcohol The Bhutanese are generally very liberal consumers of alcohol, and so the town has a high number of bars. One can choose from a range of Bhutanese brands of whiskeys, rums, brandies, gins, and a peculiar green concoction called sonfy which one would be wise to avoid. Two whiskey brands, Special Courier, and CSJ, made with Scottish malt, are actually quite pleasant. More internationally recognized brands of alcohol are also available at some of the more reputed watering holes, such as the bars at Hotel Kuenga and at Hotel Druk-Bhutan.

住宿

Budget Bhutan Hotel, Goedoe Lam, ☏ +97