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Punakha Travel Guide

The gateway to the south, it is a thriving commercial center on the northern edge of the Indian plains. Situated directly at the base of the Himalayan foothills, Phuntsholing is aPhuentsholing fascinating mixture of Indian and Bhutanese, a perfect example of mingling of people and their culture. Being the frontier town Phuntsholing serves as the convenient entry/exit point for Bhutan and also the important link to visit the Indian state of West Bengal, Sikkim, and Assam.

Kharbandi Gompa: The beautiful monastery situated at an altitude of 1,300 feet, in the garden of tropical plants and flowers was founded in 1967 by Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron. The monastery contains paintings on the life of Buddha and statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rimpoche. From the monastery garden, there is a fascinating view of Phuntsholing town and surrounding plains.

Zangtho Pelri: A small temple built in the center of Phuntsholing town represents the heaven of Guru Rimpoche. On the ground level, there are statues of the eight manifestations of Guru Rimpoche and paintings on Buddha's life. The next floor contains eight Bodhisattvas and statues of Avalokiteshwara and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal while on the top floor, the main statues are of Amitabha.