Aja Nye, a sacred site in Monggar, is now made easily accessible for the people. Iron ladders have been installed at various sites for pilgrims who walk almost two days to reach the site. Boomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary installed the ladders with support from Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conversation in 2018.
Iron ladders have replaced ladders made of wood since last year. It takes pilgrims closer to sacred sites. The entire pilgrimage which used to take about a week to complete now takes just three days.
“It was very difficult to visit the religious site. We make use of roots and make ladders to reach the sites. Even for a one day tour, if we set out in the morning, we reach back to the camp only late in the evening. But today with iron ladders in place, it has become very easy and comfortable,” said Choni Jamtsho, from Shermuhoong Gewog in Monggar.
Pilgrims from all parts of the country visit the Nye to receive blessings and wash away their sins.
Located at an altitude of more than 3500 metres, the sacred hidden place is attributed to Guru Rinpoche. Its gorges and mountains are dotted with sacred sites including Guru’s foot and body prints.
According to records maintained by the forestry officials, 1000 people visited the site last year. And more than 1000 people have already visited this year so far.
“As it falls under the Boomdelling Wildlife Sanctuary, we have looking for fund to maintain the footpath. We have also replaced wooden ladders with 34 iron ladders last year. And I think it has eased some of the problems here at the site,” said Dorji Wangdi, a Sr. Forest Ranger with the Boomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary.
Though there is no separate budget they are developing the sacred site management plan. Aja Nye is open to public for six months from October till March.
Sonam Darjay
