To uplift the rural livelihood and attract visitors to Pedling lake, the local leaders of Dechhenling Gewog in Pema Gatshel plan to start homestay business. The Gewog administration has already created awareness among the villagers about the homestay guidelines. However, Gewog has yet to receive the number of interested applicants.
As the works to revive Pedling lake are still ongoing, there are not many visitors for now. The villagers and the students of Dechhenling Lower Secondary School are the only ones who visit the lake.
“I got an opportunity to hike along this trail with my teachers. It is relevant to our geography subject. So, I could also learn about the different birds today,” said Jampel Samten, a student.
“I had an opportunity to interact with my teachers. I also enjoyed the scenery of the lake and the birds along the trail. We have to study in the school and it is refreshing to travel,” said Tandin Pemo, another student.
To attract more visitors, the Gewog plans to identify camping sites, publish guidebooks, train local guides and start homestay in Kholomri and Shingchongri villages.
“We have plans to publish a guidebook soon. And we have already created awareness on the guidelines on Homestay construction,” said Jimba Phuntsho, Dechhenling Gup.
As part of the lake revival project, a four-kilometre hiking trail was also constructed last year. It can be used for biking as well.
The United Nations Development Programme country office, the Royal Society for Protection of Nature and the Department of Forest and Park Services are supporting the revival project.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Tshering Zam
