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| UPSCALE TRAIL – Lodge-based trekking routes will minimise litter at least |
The tourism council of Bhutan (TCB) has identified two additional trekking routes in Wangduephodrang and Bumthang. The Dhur tshachu in Bumthang and Gangtey in Wangduephodrang, TCB said, would give tourists both natural and cultural visiting experience.
The trekking route to Dhur tshachu, starting from Dhur village, about 30 km from Chamkhar town, would take three days to the hotspring on foot. The whole area falls under the Wangchuck centennial park. The Gangtey trail starts from Gangtey and covers four villages (Phobjikha, Gogona, Khotakha and Rubisa).
The Dhur tshachu trail in Bumthang will benefit Dhur village, while the Gangtey trail in Wangduephodrang will benefit five villages (Gangtey, Phobjikha, Gogona, Khotakha and Rubisa).
These proper trekking routes will have guesthouses at the campsites, along with basic shower and toilet facilities. The Dhur trail, besides benefiting the community, would also conserve the hot spring sources.
The trails will be a pilot project for lodge-based treks and the first of its kind, where trekkers do not have to carry camping equipment.
A new trail called the Old Trade Route from Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar is also being surveyed. At present, there are 28 trekking trails in the country.
By:Tandin Wangchuk
Source: Kuenselonline