Twenty-four scouts, each representing all districts and four thromdes started the trek along the ancient historic trail, the trans-Bhutan trail. Started from Haa today, they will walk to Trashigang in 35 days. They are the first ones to walk the whole trial in 60 years.
Walking in the footsteps of their ancestors, the young scouts crossed Kailila between Haa and Paro, today. The trail used to be the only connection between the two districts before the country started building roads.
“Walking this trail, I can feel how our ancestors struggled in the past. We get exhausted in no time even when we have nothing to carry. We can’t imagine how they walked this stretch from district to district transporting essentials,” said Namgay Wangchuk, the Scout representing Punakha.
The 400-kilometre-long trail with breathtaking views has been unused since the 1960s. From Haa in the west to Trashigang in the east, it connects nine districts and 27 gewogs. People can cover the trail in about a month.
“As today is the start of our journey, we are full of energy. The weather also favoured us. Without rain or sun, we don’t feel tired also,” said Tshering Lham, the Scout from Tsirang.
“Today is much easier. I don’t know how it will go from tomorrow because we have to walk until the far east,” added Sonam Choden, the Scout from Thimphu Thromde.
They will cross Poumla tomorrow and halt at Tshaluna in Thimphu.
The trail running the length of the country is said to be more than 500 years old. The work to improve the trail began in 2019.
TIME magazine named the trail one of the extraordinary travel destinations in the world. And with tourism opening in less than two weeks, this trail is expected to host hundreds of hikers.
Karma Wangdi
