An abandoned and neglected piece of land below Wangduechhoeling Palace has been transformed into an ecological garden. Spread across nearly five acres, the garden gives families, children and visitors a place to relax, enjoy nature and spend time together.
The newly developed Wangduechhoeling Palace Ecological Garden is a peaceful escape in the heart of Chamkhar town. The land was once abandoned and neglected. Today, it is home to a variety of fruit trees, plants and other tree species. Each one carries a tag with its name, so visitors can learn about the local flora.
The garden also has resting canopies, a campfire site, traditional bridges and ponds.
The Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Dasho Kesang Wangdi, recently inaugurated the garden.
Kuenga Lhuendup (PhD), Executive Director of the Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum and Cultural Centre in Bumthang, said, “It is a contribution from our side to the people of Chamkhar town and Bumthang. Now, children, adults and everyone can come and enjoy. They can even bring packed lunches and have a picnic here. We have developed this place as a recreational park.”
The Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation funded the garden, and the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training provided technical assistance.
Beyond adding greenery to the town, the garden is set to become a welcoming space for recreation, learning and connecting with nature.
Thinley Dorji, Bumthang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
