February 18: As a commercial hub of the country and the gateway to the kingdom, Phuentsholing is one of the most important towns in the country perhaps next to the capital Thimphu.

But this does not come without challenges. As winter gives way to spring, an ever increasing number of visitors flock to Pheuntsholing. Most come to shop as a wide array of goods are available in this booming town at cheaper rates.

With schools across the kingdom preparing to open for the new academic session, hundreds of parents and students come here to buy uniforms and stationeries. For retail shop owners, transport service operators and hoteliers, it is the busiest season.

But for travelers, it is not the best time. It is difficult to get bus tickets. Ticket bookings have to be made days in advance. Taxi fares have skyrocketed. The normal taxi fare from Phuntsholing to Thimphu is Nu. 350. It has now gone up to Nu. 600. Staying back and waiting for a bus ticket is an option but it is expensive.

The hotels are packed most of the time and finding affordable accommodation is difficult. Residents complain that they have to play unwilling host to a number of unexpected guests.

But winter is now almost over. Soon the number of visitors will drop and Phuentsholing residents will not have to worry about unexpected guests knocking on their door at odd hours.