Emerging from frequent lockdowns, pilgrimage is allowing people to heal and provide perspective post-pandemic. And in the country, an increasing number of people are taking pilgrimages. One such is Rangtse Ney in Haa where people are coming in droves to visit the pilgrim site.
To keep the momentum of the visits going, 51-year-old Samdrup constructed a guest house on leased land near the pilgrim site this year. The guesthouse can accommodate over 50 guests at a time.
He said in the absence of basic amenities and infrastructure facilities, people camped leaving behind hordes of waste at the site.
“It is not one or two who are visiting the site. We are talking about hundreds of visitors. And every group leaves behind a good amount of trash which keeps piling up. That’s when the officials recommended establishing a guesthouse. So, I took an interest. If it goes according to plan, I will not only be able to employ my children but also a few others.”
And the guest house has come as a respite for the visitors.
“A good toilet facility and good food and lodge are important for people travelling. It is convenient for us after an hour’s drive from Paro. The guesthouse owner has well-maintained the toilets and the food is clean and fresh which is what we need,” said Sonam Dorji, a visitor from Paro.
“Now, pilgrimage is getting popular in our country as well and even younger people are keen on visiting sacred places. Roads are well maintained and paved to every nook and corner allowing us to visit more places. And more such facilities in place would only make it more convenient for the visitors,” said Karma Wangmo, another visitor from Paro.
According to the guesthouse owner, over 500 people from Thimphu and nearby districts visit the Ney within a week. And the number is only expected to increase once the construction of the Samtse-Haa highway is completed.
Rangtse Ney, believed to be a secret abode of Guru Rinpoche and Khandro Yeshey Tshogyel, is about a four-hour drive from Haa Chuzom highway.
Namgay Wangchuk, Haa
Edited by Sonam Pem
