After a hiatus of two years amid the pandemic, the eco-lodge business in Zhemgang is gradually picking up. One of the busiest eco-lodges at Pantang in Phangkhar Gewog resumed recently and is now receiving guests. The lodge came to a standstill after the country suspended the entry of tourists and identified Pantang as a high-risk area.
Pantang Eco-lodge is reopening its door to business and leisure travellers after remaining closed for almost two years. The thatched-style cottage with a modern touchup is run by the community. The lodge before the COVID used to be packed with guests. It used to see on average 15 guests per day.
While it is back to business now, it’s not all as usual. They just have around five guests in a day. But the manager says the business is expected to accelerate gradually.
“My guests from Thimphu and other dzongkhags have started coming to our lodge. We also used to have foreigners in the past. The visitors here are mostly nature lovers. They come for bird watching and to see Golden Masher. Some come to see animals in the Royal Manas National Park,” said Tshering Norbu, Manager of Pantang Eco-lodge.
A few local visitors said the eco-lodge is not only affordable but also environment friendly.
“The stay here is comfortable. The rooms are at a reasonable rate. Anyone can afford to stay here,” said Wangchuk Dorji, a visitor.
“Pantang is a hot place. And the lodge here has a very good AC facility,” said Leki Dhendup, another visitor.
The Pantang Eco-lodge is one of the five eco-lodges in Lower Kheng initiated in 2010 by the Royal Manas National Park with financial assistance from the World Wildlife Fund.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
