Central Hotel Phuntsholing

... emotional well-being of its people. Thus, the government has taken a cautious approach to development. The Royal Government's view is that modernization and development should be guided by the "Gross National Happiness" of the Bhutanese people, rather than by the Gross National Product. Likewise, development should be consistent with Bhutan's capacities and needs.
Tourism restriction policy
The Royal Government of Bhutan ...

Phuntsholing is the entry point to Bhutan. We arrived quite late at night and well beyond the time when the Bhutanese immigration could accept us. I had not many problems because I have an Indian passport and in actuality I do not even require a passport. Stayed the night at a hotel after our guide and the driver from Sakten Tours and Travels had come to pick us up.

Hi all I'm writing from either Bhutan or India (can't tell, because there is no border here...you just walk back and forth). Going by the time on the wall, I'm guessing I'm in India ;) We are all a bit sad to be leaving Bhutan's cool weather and its friendly, accommodating people. We're also leaving our Bhutanese guides tonight and meeting the new Indian guide ...

... in October). Delhi, India: Now I know the real meaning of the word squallor.... I took three taxis and had three rip-offs attempted...luckily I'm not quite as green as I look, and they ended up with nothing but rolling eyes. Bagdogra, India: Flew in this morning and spent the whole day driving over the WORST road I have ever been on in my life (and I've travelled the infamous ...

Our incredible adventure continues, with so many treasures along the way. So many Dzongs to mention. All so distinctive and unique unto themselves. We feel like we are the only tourists as we barely see any. Off in just a few to start our trek up into the Himalayas; with Guide, chef, pack horses and a Dining tent and Outhouse to boot! I have to see this! Hope to post again from Paro - our last stop in 5 days @ the Gentry Palace.

If there is heaven on earth, this is it . A valley of clouds that hid everything from mountain peaks to grasslands , flowers and birds and touched our cheeks gently as we got down to capture it on our lens . Jan 4 : We were driving from Dirang,a small hill station in Arunachal Pradesh towards Tawang set high in the Eastern Himalayas The mountains curved as ...

... village watching. Then we went through a huge thunderstorm which soaked our packs which were on the top of the bus. We finally arrived just after dark to be met by our guide Phub and our driver Tcheko, who had been worried about us. They were a welcome sight in their Gho's, the national costume of Bhutan. After helping us through customs we checked into a nice hotel. We didn't quite feel we were in Bhutan yet as Phuentsholing being a border town had more of an Indian feel.

Surprise!!! We're in Bhutan!!! We know we told you we weren't going to Bhutan, but Phub absolutely insisted that we came here to celebrate the King's birthday. We are able to stay in the border town of Phuentsholing overnight without paying the daily tariff that is normally required. We travelled down from Gangtok yesterday, a 7 hour journey out of the hills and onto the ...

... but Miranda managed to lose a sock down it and Belinda nearly lost a flipflop. This is even worse than it sounds as Miranda somehow failed to pack any socks when she came away and has been existing on a couple of pairs of walking socks, and Belinda's flipflops are the only dry shoes she has following the trek. We stopped for lunch just below Pelela Pass on the side of mountain overlooking the valley and then carried on our way. Miranda was ...

Nestled between China's Tibet and India, Bhutan is an exotic kingdom steeped in Tantric Buddhism yet at the same time embracing, albeit ever so carefully, the trappings of modern technology. The place is a living ancient civilization, as if one has stepped back into the rich medieval age - with beautifully decorated chalet houses dotting the rolling green hills, colourful monasteries and ...