Since its official launch in September last year, the Trans Bhutan Trail has received more than 2,000 trekkers. A few of them were tourists while the majority were locals including DeSuups, students, officials from ministries, and youth. The 400-kilometre-plus historic ancient trail which stretches from Haa to Trashigang was redeveloped in 2018 with the guidance of His Majesty The King.
Of the total trekkers, more than 70 were tourists including both international and Indian visitors.
The trail is maintained and managed by a group of DeSuups called DeSuung Tagshel. The group says the number of tourists trekking the route is comparatively lesser than what they initially expected.
The group hoped to see around 400 tourists trekking the route in the last six months. However, they are optimistic that it will increase as they work to improve the amenities along the path.
‘‘In the future, we will make good use of social media and create awareness about the trail. On top of that, we will carry out good maintenance work along the way and make it suitable for walking. Likewise, we will improve the facilities along the trails,’’ said Purnima Pradhan, a DeSuup.
The DeSuups also inspect the route and help enthusiastic trekkers along the trail when they are in difficult situations.
‘‘DeSuung Tagshel coordinate to provide services like tour guides to tourists as well as domestic travellers who go trekking and camping along the trail. They will also be able to support those people facing difficulties while travelling through this trail. DeSuung Tagshel coordinates to do maintenance work along the trail and they provide good guidelines and support to those people who are willing to trek the trail,” said Tandin Dorji, Chief Planning Officer of the DeSuung National Service Project.
He added, currently trekking through this trail is free of cost and without any restrictions. But trekkers are advised to keep the trail and the communities along the route clean.
24 scouts first started trekking the ancient trail for 35 days at the beginning of September before the official launch. The trail which TIME Magazine picked as one of the World’s Greatest Places to Visit in 2022 served as Zhunglam until the 1960s.
It was the only route Bhutanese ancestors used to travel and communicate with others across the country. The trail was mostly used by pilgrims, traders, messengers, and the army.
It passes through nine districts of Haa, Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, Trongsa, Bumthang, Monggar, and Trashigang. The redevelopment of the trail as a trekking route is expected to enhance the livelihoods of people living in communities along the route.
The Bhutan Canada Foundation together with the Department of Tourism supported the redevelopment of the trail.
Over 900 individuals including DeSuups, scouts, tourism sector professionals, villagers, and various government institutions and corporate agencies contributed to the effort.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Phub Gyem
