The Gumti Ecotourism project in Dagana’s Tsendagang Gewog is steadily gaining popularity as a community-based ecotourism destination. Since its opening in February last year, the campsite has welcomed over 300 individuals including a few international tourists. The ecotourism project has also helped engage a few unemployed youths from the locality in meaningful ways, catering services to the visitors.
Located on the outskirts of the Sunkosh River, the ecotourism site is located 15 kilometres from Dagapela-Dalbari highway.
The campsite has all basic amenities for visitors making it an ideal destination for family trips, holidays, and nature enthusiasts.
Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views and bird watching along the three-kilometre nature trail, which is home to the critically endangered White-bellied Heron.
A four-member group from the Samarchhu Chiwog of Tsendagang Gewog is currently managing the ecotourism facility, providing them with a steady income.
Bimal Subba, General Manager of Gumti Ecotourism said “We have a few youths in the chiwog. As of now, only four of us are managing the facility. But we have plans to include one youth yearly in the group.”
Buda Raj Subba, a member of Gumti Ecotourism said “I use the income from the ecotourism for my children’s educational expenses. I also use it for my ongoing house construction.”
The ecotourism has not only provided employment opportunities for youths but also helped boost the local economy.
Bimal Subba said “This is because we source all our edible items from the local community. We serve only locally available items to our guests and we don’t depend much on imported goods.”
The community initiated the project with funding support from the Royal Society for Protection of Nature or RSPN.
Pema Tshewang/Devika Pradhan, Dagana
Edited by Tshering Zam
