A new attraction is drawing crowds in Wangdue Phodrang. Visitors have been flocking to a waterfall located at Medpaisa-Tabchekha Chiwog, a site which locals say has gained popularity thanks to social media. Some are calling it a “hidden gem”, with many hoping it will bring more business to the local community.
Located near Mephuena village, the scenic waterfall formed by the Hesotsangm stream, cascades gently down a rocky slope, creating a calm and soothing atmosphere.
The spray of water, carried by the breeze, adds to the site’s natural beauty, making it a popular spot for photography and short video clips.
Visitors often spend time taking pictures, filming videos, and making TikTok content.
Despite the area being rugged, steep and slippery in some parts, many say the experience is worth it.
Locals say they have witnessed an unusually high number of visitors this year, especially since June.
However, they expect the numbers to decline from next month when the water volume begins to drop.
The site is connected by a well-maintained road, taking about half an hour to reach from the highway.
Locals also credit the improved road conditions for the increase in visitors.
Junu Seewang Rai, a visitor from Paro said, “I came here in my traditional dress with my younger sister to make some videos, and we truly enjoyed our time at the site. However, we couldn’t go too close to the waterfall, as the heavy sprays of water drenched us completely.”
A visitor from Thimphu Tshering Yangki said, “We saw many videos of this waterfall uploaded on social media recently, and that inspired us to visit. So, we decided to come here today during the weekend. We took pictures and videos. We have also brought packed lunch with us since we came in the morning.”
Another visitor from Thimphu said, “Most people have made videos of the waterfall and uploaded them on TikTok. We were motivated by those videos and decided to come here as well. However, the site doesn’t have very comfortable spaces, and it can be risky for children as the area is quite slippery.”
Junu Seewang Rai added that “This place has almost become a famous site, and there is a real need for a clear mobile network. The waterfall has great potential to attract tourists as well, so reliable network coverage is important. Similarly, the footpath or trail leading to the site is not in good condition. We even lost our way on the trail while coming and ended up spending almost half an hour inside the jungle.”
Locals say they are aware of both the opportunities and challenges that come with the growing number of visitors. Waste management is one major concern.
Kinzang Namgay, a resident of Medpaisa-Tabchekha Chiwog said, “Visitors often bring food and drinks, such as juice, but after enjoying sightseeing at the waterfall, they leave their trash behind. Similarly, some visitors shout loudly at the waterfall site, creating a disturbance. Locals believe that this disturbs the local deity, Ap Moenzang. When the deity is thought to be disturbed, thick clouds quickly cover the site, and it starts raining. Additionally, our irrigation water supply from the waterfall gets blocked and divert to the main stream. As a result, we frequently have to rush to the water source to restore the supply.”
At the same time, some are happy they are able to earn an extra income.
Phub Dem, another resident said, “I mostly sell our local rice, butter, cheese, local wine, and Zaw here. If I had to take my products to the market, the travel expenses would eat up much of the profit. But since people are coming here, I am able to save all the money I earn from selling. I normally make around Nu 2,000 to 3,000 a day.”
According to the Chiwog Tshogpa, there are plans to develop the waterfall site and its surrounding areas to attract more visitors in the future, including tourists. He said safety measures will also be put in place during the develop as the location has strong potential to draw more people.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
