Call it the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged lockdowns or lifestyle change, people both within the country and worldwide are increasingly choosing ecotourism as their preferred choice of travel. In Bhutan, the trend is particularly evident in Chhukha, where the Jigmechu ecotourism campsite has seen a significant surge in visitors, especially from districts like Thimphu and Paro. Over the last three months alone, more than three hundred people have visited the campsite. This resulted in the community group earning more than Nu 100,000 in just a few weeks during the New Year festivities.
Jigmechu Ecotourism campsite is located some fifty kilometres from Gedu towards Lhamoi Dzingkha. It is located right next to the Wangchhu.
There are two campsites with multiple tents for accommodating visitors. A newly constructed ecolodge facing the river is already in operation and another lodge is currently under construction with support from the HELVETAS.
Established in 2020, the campsite witnessed a surge in visitors last year.
“Many people come from Thimphu, Paro, Gedu, Phuentshogling and Lhamoi Dzingkha but most of them are from Paro and Thimphu. During winters, when it is cold in these areas and when children are also on vacation, people come here, some even staying for weeks. This has significantly benefitted us, providing an alternative to our dependence on agriculture as growing crops here is challenging because of wild animals, especially the elephants,” said Gongto, a member of Jigmechu ecotourism.
Jigmechu is renowned for its rich biodiversity and captivating natural sites. There are also other nearby attractions such as Jigmechu Ami Ney, unique land formations, and opportunities for river rafting.
Jigmechu Ecotourism is considered the flagship tourism project of Chhukha. In September last year, the campsite received the “Most Performing Community Tourism Destination” award at the fifth Himalayan Hospitality and Tourism Awards in West Bengal, India.
A 2020 assessment report identified Jigmechu as one of the most attractive natural sites with rich biodiversity coverage and huge potential to bring about economic development in the district. It is operated by a five-member community group.
“We recognised that, unlike other regions with prominent cultural attractions like fortresses and monasteries, we could not solely rely on promoting culture to attract tourists. For Chhukha, community-based tourism seemed ideal given our diverse population and biodiversity. So, that’s how we worked towards promoting tourism,” said Sangay Thinley, the economic development and marketing officer of Chhukha.
“While we emphasise ecotourism, hotel owners in Phuentshogling may worry that their guests will choose to stay in eco-lodges. However, this is not the case as all tourists initially spend at least one night in hotels in Phuentshogling. These initiatives will mutually benefit both the places and promote tourism,” said Kelzang, the regional secretary of the BCCI Regional Office in Phuentshogling.
Officials are employing various strategies to enhance tourism in the district. They have developed several campsites and other infrastructures to attract tourists.
Additionally, they are also making a booklet about the district’s tourist attractions.
Kinley Dem, Chhukha
Edited by Sonam Pem
