Phuentsholing

Tourists are allowed to enter Phuentsholing without a visa and without having to pay for the hefty sum of USD$200-per-day tourist fee. Without the visa and the fee paid, no entry beyond Phuentsholing.

As soon as I entered the town, I could feel the Bhutanese culture and atmosphere by the distinct architecture and the people in their traditional gowns. The arch is one and even the petrol station is of Bhutanese architecture-style. We were told that it is a requirement that all buildings must have some features reflecting the country’s architecture and culture. Owners are subject to fine if they do not comply.

It was also interesting to note that all the signage of the shops is green in colour. I was told that it is not the regulation (of having a uniform colour), but it does make the place look ‘neat’ and ‘green’ (see photo below).

The arch demarcates the Bhutan / India border.
Foreground – India, background – Bhutan.

Petrol station with the Bhutanese architecture

‘Green’ signage

The Queen Mother’s winter residence – viewed from
Kharbandi Gompa located next to it
(not allowed to enter, not even the compound).

Kharbandi Gompa

Chortens at Kharbandi Gompa

View of Phuentsholing from the Gompa

Beautiful red flowers