Phuentsholing Bhutan (the trading and entry gateway)
This small modern town in the south is the gateway of Bhutan for overland travellers. Like all other border towns, it is only a prelude. Phuntsholing is fascinating mixture of Bhutanese and Indian, a lively centre for the mingling people, languages, costumes and goods. On top of a low hill at nearby Kharbandi, a small Gompa situated in a garden of tropical plants and flowers, overlooks the town and surrounding plains.
The Amo Chu, commonly is known as the Torsa river flows alongside this town and it is favorite spot for fisherman and picnickers. From Phuntsholing, the road winds north, over the southern foothills, through lush forested valleys and around the rugged north- south ridges of the inner Himalaya to the central valleys of Thimphu and Paro. It is a scenic journey; forests festooned with orchids cover the mountains on either side and exciting hairpin curves greet travelers with colorful sculptures of Tashi Tagye (the eight suspicious sign of Buddhism).
Places of interest in Phuntsholing
Kharbandi Goenpa
It is a beautiful monastery situated at an altitude of 380m. It was founded in 1967 by the Late Royal Grand Mother, Ashi Phuntsho Choden.
Zangto Pelri
It is a small temple modelled like Zangto Pelri, meaning "copper-coloured mountain" situated in the centre of the town.