Unique Things to do in Phuentsholing-Dooars

Phuentsholing is located on the Indian border is the entry point to Bhutan situated along the Torsa River. It is the second biggest town of Bhutan and shares its border with Jaigaon, which falls on the Indian side of the border. Most of the permits to enter the posts inside Bhutan can be submitted here only and the tourist can just cross the border towards Phuentsholing on foot. Indian nationals can enter Bhutan border just with their Identity card provided by India Government having a minimum validity of atleast 6 months.

The border town does not have much temples and monasteries like other parts of Bhutan but has villages and settlements which resemble the Indian side of the border. The area is also a great shopping destination where the prices are very cheap.

How to Reach Phuentsholing

How to Reach Phuentsholing by Flight:
It takes around 4 hours of road ride from Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri to Phuentsholing.

How to Reach Phuentsholing by Train
Hasimara is the closest local railway station to reach Phuentsholing which is only 18 km. New Alipurduar is also another local railway station which is nearer to Phuentsholing.

How to Reach Phuentsholing by Road
Direct buses run throughout the week between Siliguri to Phuentsholing which are operated by Bhutan. The timings for them are 630 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM. These busses reach you till Phuentsholing in about 5 hours if the roads are clear and without any mishaps.

Highlights of Phuentsholing

Let us look at a few of the main attractions that would interest the visitors to Phuentsholing :

The border town doesn’t have many fortress or monasteries like other states within Bhutan.

Entry through the Phuentsholing border is open to all.
It is the second largest town of Bhutan.
It has excellent shopping centers which are relatively cheaper than Thimphu.
There is a crocodile breeding center here which is popular among tourist here.
There are many places inside Phuentsholing which can be visited without any permit.