Bhutan tour via Phuentsholing border Pros and Cons
2 Aug 2024 Umesh Paneru
Asia Experiences is delighted to present an article on the ‘Bhutan tour via Phuentsholing border Pros and Cons’ to assist you plan your Bhutan tour more efficiently. Bhutan is fondly called ‘The Land of the Thunder Dragon’ which is the only carbon-negative nation in the world. The land-locked nation Bhutan is small yet attracts several visitors with its rich culture, impressive architecture, natural beauty, and clean environment. The Bhutan tour is possible in two ways i.e. by flight and by roadways. Bhutan tour via roadways is also possible from Jaigaon which lies in the Indian state of West Bengal which closely borders Phuentsholing town in Bhutan.
How can we get to Phuentsholing, Bhutan?
From different places, we can get to Phuentsholing, and below we have listed some of the easiest accessible to Jaigaon town which is the closest to the town of Phuentsholing in Bhutan.
- It is easily accessible within a day from the popular northeast Indian cities of Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Siliguri.
- Fly to Bhadrapur Airport from Kathmandu, and drive to the Jaigaon/Phuentsholing border through the Kakarvitta border (Nepal) which takes about 4 to 5 hours.
- Take a flight to Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri from different places in India, and drive to the Jaigaon/ Phuentsholing border.
Bhutan tour via Phuentsholing border Pros and Cons
There are several pros and cons to the Bhutan tour via the Phuentsholing border. Some of them are listed below:
Pros
Limited Flights
The flights to Bhutan are limited and there are no connecting flights to Bhutan. Especially during the peak season, there is a high chance of flights getting booked and no availability of flight tickets. Thus, the Bhutan tour via the Phuentsholing border is the best alternative when flight tickets are sold out or not available.
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Save Flight Cost
The flight distance to Bhutan from Kathmandu and other Indian cities is less, yet the flight cost is expensive. You can save flight costs if you go for roadway travel to Bhutan via the Phuentsholing border which is also a unique experience.
Reasonable for Larger Groups
The Bhutan tour via the Phuentsholing border is reasonable for larger groups as sharing the vehicle saves the transportation cost and it is also a fun travel experience in groups.
Beautiful Surroundings
Admire the beautiful surroundings with greenery and tea plantations throughout the travel to the Phuentsholing border. Also, get ready to ride on the bumpy roads of Jaigaon and busy traffic which can be a memorable experience for the visitors.
Distinct Cultural Exploration
A distinct cultural exploration during the Bhutan tour via the Phuentsholing border which is a perfect mix of Bhutanese and Indian cultures. The local markets, foods, and the locals have a mix of both Indiana and Bhutanese cultures.
Ideal Combined Trip (Sikkim, Darjeeling including Bhutan)
Visitors visiting Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Siliguri can combine the Bhutan tour via the Phuentsholing border which is an ideal combined trip deal. It saves time and cost as the Phuentsholing border is closest and in one single trip visitors can relish the beauty of both places of India and Bhutan.
Cons
Long Travel Distance
The long travel distance along with traveling on bumpy, narrow, and curvy roads can be tiring for visitors.
- If travel from Sikkim/Darjeeling, it takes 1 full day to get to Thimphu.
Drive to the Jaigaon/Phuentsholing border takes about 4 to 5 hours, and drive for 5 hours to get to Thimphu. - If travel from Kathmandu, it takes 2 full days to get to Thimphu.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Bhadrapur by flight, and drive to Jaigaon for 4 to 5 hours
Day 2: Drive from the Phuentsholing border to Thimphu for 4 to 5 hours
Expensive Costs
The Bhutan tour via the Phuentsholing border costs can be expensive for visitors due to the following factors:
- It is expensive for smaller groups as the transportation sharing cost gets costly.
- The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) per person per night is USD 100 and an extra 1 or 2 days while traveling via the Phuentsholing border adds expenses for the visitors.
Traffic and Crowds
Jaigaon is a border town and the roads are mostly busy with vehicles crossing in and out of India. So, the heavy traffic and crowds can be slightly frustrating for visitors to witness.
Climate
Normally, the climate is pleasant in Phuentsholing but during the summer seasons, the climate is extremely hot and humid making it slightly difficult for visitors.
Permits and Paperwork
The permits and paperwork are essential to enter Bhutan. Visitors must have a valid Indian Visa if they enter via Phuentsholing. The immigration office is very busy and crowded and the permits and paperwork processing is very time-consuming, especially during peak tourist seasons due to long queues of visitors. Not only that there is also traffic due to the crowds of visitors who just normally visit Phuentsholing for a short vacation for refreshments.
Only 3-star Hotels
There are only 3-star hotels for accommodation in Jaigaon and Phuentsholing. It might not meet the visitors’ requirements seeking luxury hotels as a means of accommodation.
Narrow and Curvy Roads
While traveling to Thimphu from Phuentsholing (Bhutan), experience traveling on narrow and curvy mountain roads. It can be an issue for visitors to ride on narrow and curvy roads who have carsickness. But, with proper preparation, traveling can be done.
Conclusion
The Bhutan tour via the Phuentsholing border is a unique and exciting way for the Bhutan tour experience. As Phuentsholing is the Gateway to Bhutan, relish the roadway journey to Bhutan admiring the beautiful surroundings, greenery, vibrant markets, and Indian-Bhutanese influential cultural experiences.
