Commute to one of the country’s most remote regions, Lingzhi in Thimphu, is expected to become easier. To improve connectivity in the highlands, a preliminary survey has been completed for a proposed farm road that would connect Barshong to Panglakarchung in Naro Gewog. The road construction is scheduled to begin next year and is expected to be completed by 2028.
Nestled at altitudes between 3,400 and 7,000 metres, Lingzhi is among the most isolated communities in Bhutan.
With no motorable road reaching the area, villagers currently endure a three-day journey on foot or by pony just to reach the nearest road point at Barshong, where the Naro Gewog office is located.
Despite repeated proposals from Lingzhi Gewog during past Dzongkhag Tshogdu sessions, the road project remained unapproved for years, primarily due to security concerns and environmental issues.
“Despite repeated requests in the past, the road project remained stalled due to the lack of a feasibility survey. However, in 2024–2025, following our renewed appeal, the Department of Law and Order visited the site, conducted a thorough survey, and found no major issues. As a result, the project was officially approved in August last year,” said Gado, Chairperson, Dzongkhag Tshogdu, Thimphu.
Following the approval, a six-member joint survey team from the Lingzhi Gewog Administration and Jigme Dorji National Park conducted a preliminary alignment study under an Indian-Government-funded project.
A recent feasibility study has identified two possible routes for the proposed road project.
The first possible route follows the traditional foot trail along the Wangchhu, making construction easier but raising concerns over soil dumping sites.
The second route avoids the riverbed for better stability but involves costly and complex excavation through rocky cliffs.
Authorities will weigh both options to ensure a balance between construction ease, cost, and environmental impact.
The proposed road will cover approximately 6.5 kilometres with two bridges at Lephu and Panglakarchung.
“If the road is constructed, it will make things much easier for the people of Lingzhi when we go to collect food and supplies. Currently, we have to take our yaks and horses all the way to Barshong, which is narrow, congested, and not suitable for animals. But if the road reaches Panglakarchung, which is a pastureland, it will be much more convenient for us. We truly hope this becomes a reality,” said Wangdi, Lingzhi Gup, Thimphu.
“In several places between Barshong and Lingzhi, the trail is often blocked by fallen trees and landslides. Sometimes, we even have to pull our horses out of rivers when the paths become impassable. If possible, we would like to request the construction of a base course road up to Jarogdensa. This would greatly benefit the people of Lingzhi,” said Nima Dendup, Resident, Lingzhi Gewog, Thimphu.
The proposed road, mainly for 98 households in Lingzhi, will also benefit 76 households in Naro Gewog, helping around 800 people.
“While the responsibility for getting approval for the Barshong to Panglakarchung farm road falls under Lingzhi Gewog, the area itself lies within Naro Gewog. The road will directly benefit the people of Lingzhi Gewog, but it will also be a great advantage for Naro residents, especially our yak herders and those who collect medicinal herbs,” said Chador Namgay, Naro Mangmi, Thimphu.
Estimated to cost nearly Nu 25 M, the project will be jointly implemented by the district and gewog administrations.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Phub Gyem
