The number of tourists visiting the remote gewogs of Soe and Lingzhi has increased sharply over the years. This has immensely benefited the people of the two gewogs. It attracts tourists from all over the world. And the number of tourists has increased drastically in the last two years. The Tourism Council of Bhutan says the number has increased by three folds since 2010.
The journey to the Gewogs is long and grueling and altitude sickness can be dangerous. But the sheer beauty of the landscape of the two gewogs is worth all the challenge and risks.
One thing that surely is rewarding is the glimpse of Jhomolhari, one of the highest peaks in the country.
Our reporter, Kelzang Thinley, who was part of Prime Minister’s entourage, says the breathtaking splendors of Lingzhi and Soe are not just an incredible visual delight but have become an invaluable wealth for the community.
The Prime Minister told the public that they should nurture the beauty of their places and continue to maintain it in its pristine condition at all cost.
During the tourist season, almost all the households of Soe and Lingzhi are engaged in transportation of their bags and other loads.
About 70 percent of the people of these gewogs make their living through the sale of yak products. With the increase in the number of tourists, they have been able to sell more of their products, enabling them to earn better income.
The increase in the number of tourists is no doubt improving the income of the people. The dark side, however, is the adverse impacts of the tourism on their lifestyle. At least for now, everything seems intact.
