Businesses in Gelephu are experiencing a surge in activity, driven by an increasing number of religious and economic events. From international cricket tournaments to prayer ceremonies and trade shows, the town is witnessing an array of activities. This growing influx of visitors has significantly benefited the hospitality sector, with hoteliers reporting a rise in bookings.
One of the key events fueling this trend is the upcoming Nyingthik Tsapoed Empowerment and Transmission by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, scheduled for next month. The empowerment and transmission ceremony, which will be held at Thubten Choekhorthang has already created an early demand for accommodations, as devotees from across the country and beyond seek lodging in Gelephu. The religious event will take place from March 6 to March 29, ensuring sustained business activity for nearly a month.
“We started receiving calls for room bookings a few days ago. People tend to gather for such events, and our six-room hotel has already booked three rooms for March,” said Rinchen Lhamo, owner of Hotel Kuzu.
Raj Narjari, the owner of Hotel K- DEE said, “There are usually not many visitors here. However, with the upcoming Wanglung ceremony, most of our rooms are already booked.”
“We have received visitors, mostly monks and elderly citizens. Currently, around four rooms are booked for the upcoming days,” said Thinley Wangchuk, the owner of Panbang Hotel.
Gelephu is preparing to welcome a large number of devotees. For hoteliers and businesses, the early surge in bookings signals a promising future, reinforcing the town’s growing reputation as both a religious and economic hub.
With approximately 58 hotels in Gelephu, only two hold three-star ratings. This highlights an opportunity for further investment in the hospitality sector as demand continues to rise.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Kipchu
