Chhoekhorling Gewog in Pema Gatshel could soon have a source of tourist attraction. A sacred pilgrim site believed to be blessed by Guru Rinpoche is being developed to attract more visitors. If everything goes as planned, this would offer the residents an opportunity to earn some income. Currently, not many people visit the site as it is not well developed for visitors.
This is Lungkhangma Guru’s Ney in Chhoekhorling Gewog. It is more than 20 kilometres from Nganglam town.
Although the sacred site is located along the Chhoekhorling GC road, very few people visit the place as many were not aware of its existence until Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche revealed it in 2006.
The site is believed to have derived its name from this sacred cliff.
Lopen Norbu Gyeltshen from Chhoekhorling initiated the site development works to make it comfortable for visitors. He managed to install a ladder for the visitors which will minimize the risk of falling from the cliff, especially for the elderly people.
“In Tibet, it is believed that there are five statues representing Guru Rinpoche. So, Khyentse Rinpoche brought one called the Guru Ngyeldrup Palbar to Chhoekhorling. And people had an opportunity to get blessings from the sacred relic. Later, people also started viewing the face of Guru on the cliff. Today, we all believe that this is a sacred place of Guru Rinpoche,” said Norbu Gyeltshen.
Today, works to construct footpaths are in full swing with the help of many volunteers.
“If we value the Buddha’s teachings and provide services to make them accessible for people, there is no greater way to accomplish well-being in the world. This is clearly mentioned in the Buddhist texts.”
As the place is rich in biodiversity, the site development work is expected to promote ecotourism in the locality.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Phub Gyem
