People visiting the Khabtey Menchhudrang in Trashigang now have better facilities. The Trashigang District Administration constructed facilities like toilets and bathtubs, which has been leased out to a private individual for operation. Until now, without such facilities, visitors faced challenges as they had to do everything themselves.
Khabtey Menchudrang is located in Samkhar Gewog, around eight-kilometre from Trashigang towards Rangjung.
Trashigang District Administration placed a few bathtubs in 2018. However, there was a lack of other basic amenities including toilet and kitchen.
To further attract visitors and ease the challenges, the district administration has constructed a structure with four wooden bathtubs, toilets, which are disabled-friendly, and a restaurant.
It is believed that the Menchhu cures piles, stomach problems, and joint pain among others.
“We can soak in the hot stone bath without any worry. Earlier, we had a hard time when it rains and even during hot sunny days without a proper structure. Now, with such an initiative from the Dzongda, people are benefitted,” said Thinley Namgay, a resident.
“Shongphu Rinpoche told us about the benefits of the Menchhu. I had soaked in the hot stone bath and it helps in curing piles, stomach ache, backbone, and joint pain,” said Tshering Dorji, another resident.
Today, a private individual runs the Menchhu and has to pay a minimal fee. And he has to pay more than Nu 9,000 monthly to the district administration for now.
The Global Environment Facility under the Ecotourism project supported the construction work worth Nu 1.6 M.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Tshering Zam