This border town is Bhutan’s hidden gem

If you have travelled to Bhutan by road, you must have been to the Chhukha district. Chhukha has the districts Samtse to the west, Dagana to the south, Tsirang to the east, and Thimphu to the north. Chhukha District is where the town of Phuentsholing is located. This is the gateway to Bhutan from India.

Also read: Did you know about this offbeat destination in Kashmir?

The border town of Phuentsholing, the main town in Chhukha, is the only land border crossing between Bhutan and India, making it an important gateway for trade and commerce between the two countries. Road trippers, pay attention, as we will tell you more about the destination we are so quick to leave behind!



Chhukha is rich in cultural heritage. It is home to several important cultural sites, and hosts several cultural festivals, including the popular Nimalung Tshechu. When in Chhukha, you must not miss out on Kharbandi Gompa, an important cultural site located in Phuentsholing.


Besides culture, Chhukha is also known for its stunning natural landscapes. The stunning Paro Valley is just 65 km away from here. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, head out another 180 km to the Jigme Dorji National Park, home to a variety of flora and fauna.



Before you head out to more popular places in Bhutan, we suggest you take some time in Chhukha to explore its many hiking trails. The views of the Himalayan mountain range are simply breathtaking.


How to reach Chhukha?
By air: The nearest airport to Chhukha is the Paro International Airport, located approximately 50 km away from Chhukha.


By road: Chhukha is connected to the rest of Bhutan and India by road. If you are coming from India, you can enter Bhutan through the Phuentsholing border town and then, take a taxi or hire a car to reach Chhukha.


By train: The nearest railway station to Chhukha is the Hasimara railway station in West Bengal, India, which is about 17 km away from the border town of Phuentsholing.