Phuentsholing

Phuentsholing (also sometimes spelled Phuntsholing) and the second largest town in Bhutan (population around 40,000), is on the Indian border, next to the town of Jaigaon.

Phuentsoling-051215 - Phuentsholing

Phuentsholing Halal Explorer

Phuentsholing is the point of entry for travelers arriving by bus from Kolkata and Siliguri and the town functions primarily as a place where Bhutanese and Indians do business. The architecture is modern, and there is no dzong, famous monastery or in fact anything of particular interest to tourists. However, like all of Bhutan, it does offer a clean, pleasant and safe environment in which to go about your business. NB: Until 2005, it was feasible for overseas visitors to enter the town without a Bhutanese visa. Except for Indian nationals, this is no longer feasible. Indians are denied entry beyond the checkpost in the absence of a permit.

The tourist information office is located in the Bhutan Post Building. ☎ +975 5 251-393.

Travel to Phuentsholing

Entry procedure

The information below is relevant only to guests or NGOs with visa clearance documents. Bhutan does not operate a visa on arrival system, and visitors without correct documentation will be denied entry. NB: Indian and Bangladeshi nationals do not require a visa to enter Phuentsholing, but need a permit to visit other parts of the nation.

• 1. Receive exit stamp from Indian immigration office - located next to the cinema hall (there is a fork in the road when entering the town marked by a statue). Immigration is a short way up the road on the left.
• 2. Show visa clearance documents to Bhutanese border guards at Bhutan Gate.
• 3. Present visa documents, passport, one photograph and a US$20 visa processing fee at the immigration office just inside Bhutan Gate. A visa will be issued according to the length specified on clearance document.
• no need of any visa for Indians for entry in City only...

Travel on a Bus in Phuentsholing

• From Kolkata. The Bhutan Government runs a direct service from Kolkata to Phuentsholing, with buses departing Esplanade Bus Station at 7PM on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, with the return journey starting from the Phuentsholing office of Bhutan Post at 3PM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The journey takes around 18-25 hours (pending on road work) and costs 350Rps/Nu. The buses are comfortable, but because much of the highway through West Bengal is like the surface of the moon, don't bank on getting much sleep on the way.
• From Siliguri. Buses depart at 7:30AM and 1:30PM everyday from opposite Golden Plaza on Burdwan Road (behind Air View More). Tickets are sold at a counter near the bus. NB: Before entering Bhutan, non-Indians are required to receive an exit stamp in their passports at the Indian immigration office. Therefore, when passengers disembark at the main stop in Jaigaon, move your luggage from the roof to inside the bus and request the driver to let you off near the Indian immigration office (next to the movie theater). It is a five minutes walk from there to Bhutan gate.

By Rail

The nearest train station to Phuentsholing is at Hasimara, which is roughly a 30 minutes bus ride.

New Jalpaiguri Station in Siliguri is a four hour journey, but offers a greater number of services and is most favored option for travelers arriving in Bhutan by train.

How to get around in Phuentsholing

The town center can easily be covered on foot, but there are an abundance of taxis for journeys out of town. Reserve cars are also available from Kings Travels,dial-098304-28401/093319-39486.

What to see in Phuentsholing

• Amo Chuu The 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.
• The gate at the border (called Bhutan Gate) - not much to see, but it makes a good first photograph for your Bhutan photo album.
• Natural beauty of the surroundings.
• Chukha Hydrothermal Project.
• Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang This urban center centre temple represents the heaven of Guru Rinpoche. On 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 top floor and there is a main statue of Amitabha.
• Karbandi Monastery. After an Indian pilgrim became pregnant after praying at this monastery to conceive and the temple has become a regular port of call for couples wishing for children. For those who do not have parental ambitions and 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.

Best things to do in Phuentsholing

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

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Phuentsholing

• Phuentsholing does not have any handicraft gift shops, so do not leave your souvenir shopping until your departure from here.
• The town has a good selection of supermarkets, electrical and computer shops and a fresh grocery market.

Halal Restaurants in Phuentsholing

Being on the Indian border and the town has a great selection of Indian restaurants.

• Pastry Shop - ☎ +975 5 252246 Located in the Tashi Commercial Complex, this bakery offers a good selection of cakes and pastries.

• Hotel Galing - ☎ +975 5 252-387 Located across from Hotel Bhutan, Galing offers excellent Indian Vegetarian cuisine at reasonable prices.

Coffee

• Kizom Cafe Main Town Directly in front of the Zangtopelri Complex ☎ + 77141616 - Hours: 8AM Monday - 10PM. A standard variety of espresso based coffees, pastries, and Pizzas. Pleasant environment. Free wifi.

Alcohol

The Bhutanese are generally very liberal consumers of drinks. Small wonder then that alcohol is affordable and readily available in the innumerable bars of the town. One can choose from a range of Bhutanese brands of whiskeys, 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 drinks are also available at some of the more reputed watering holes such as the bars at Hotel Kuenga and at Hotel Druk-Bhutan, located in Dhamidhara, half a mile away from the din of the main town area.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Phuentsholing

Phuentsholing - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Phuentsholing, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Phuentsholing. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Phuentsholing and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Phuentsholing. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Phuentsholing. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inPhuentsholing: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Phuentsholing.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Phuentsholing: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Phuentsholing, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Phuentsholing.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Phuentsholing, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Phuentsholing, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Phuentsholing and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Phuentsholing, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Phuentsholing, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Phuentsholing without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Phuentsholing is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Phuentsholing.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Phuentsholing is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Phuentsholing, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Phuentsholing Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Central Hotel PO Box 248 ☎ +975 5 252-172 as the name suggests, this older hotel is smack in the center of town - popular with business types. Single without TV:325Nu, single deluxe:450Nu. Standard double:550Nu, Deluxe double:650Nu.

• Hotel Peljorling PO Box 149 ☎ +975 5 252-833 Near Bhutan Gate. Single:450Nu, Double:550Nu.

• Hotel Bhutan - ☎ +975 5 252-576 Goeden Lam. - A modern and centrally located hotel. Excellent value at 300Nu for a basic single, 450Nu for a double.

• Hotel Kuenga PO Box 62 ☎ +975 5 252-293 One of the original hotels in town. Drab and badly in need a of lick of paint, but offering basic facilities - hot water and TV. Located smack in the center of town. 300Nu for a single, 450Nu for double.

• Hotel Bhutan Residence - ☎ +975 5 253688, +975 5 253689 +975 5 253690 - This new hotel has contemporary interiors, modern amenities and business facilities. The rooms are fully furnished with stylish modern fittings and A/C Room Rate 10 minutes' walk from border gate. Nu.850-2000

• Midpoint Hotel, ☎ +975-5-254903 - Mobile:17616379 - In Dhamdara away from the hustle and bustle of the town - with a swimming pool, a restaurant and a café. Rooms range from Nu.770/- to Nu.2000/-
• Hotel Druk-Bhutan, PO Box 385 - ☎ +975 5254451/254496/251163 - Mobile:17110318/17110140 - Pleasant, in Dhamidhara, away from the hub of town - overlooking the Toorsa river - with garden and mini-pool
• Hotel Druk. The town's largest and one of the main tourist hotels - patio for sitting out - located near Bhutan Gate (on the right when entering the town from Jaigaon).

• Hotel Nam hotel@ PO Box 99, Tharpai Lam ☎ +975 5 252-374 A pleasant, centrally located hotel. Deluxe:2,000Nu & 2,500Nu. Standard:1,100Nu & 1,300Nu.

• Lhaki Hotel PO Box 187 ☎ +975 5 257-111 - A spacious tourist hotel located just above the down town area. 1,800Nu for single.

Telecommunications in Phuentsholing

• The area code for Phuentsholing is 05. When calling from overseas, dial +975 5 XXXXXX
• E-mail: Connections in Phuentsholing are not fast, but one of the better places is Phajoding located on the second floor on the main street leading from Bhutan Gate, across from the entrance to Hotel Druk. NB: International phone calls and internet service is much cheaper in India, so you might consider crossing over into Jaigaon to make your contacts.

Travel Next

In Bhutan:

• Paro - bus and shared taxi options
• Thimphu - buses every thirty minutes (around Nu240), shared taxis (around Nu600)

In India:

• Siliguri - buses at 7:30AM, 8AM and 3PM - a four hour journey

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