𝐃𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐃𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐠 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐢 𝐃𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐰𝐨𝐠

…𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒄𝒐-𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒊𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔

By Kezang Choden

In a move to improve accessibility and preserve its sacred heritage, Dagana Dzongkhag, in collaboration with Lajab Gewog, is working on plans to establish essential facilities at Tha Namkhai Dzong in Thasa Chiwog. Known as “The Frontier Sky Fortress,” the site is a revered spiritual location blessed by Guru Rinpoche, and its significance is often compared to that of the iconic Taktshang Monastery in Paro Dzongkhag.

One of the most remarkable features of Tha Namkhai Dzong is a bell suspended from a cliff, with an urn above it holding a clapper shaped like a Bodhi tree. Due to the challenging location, the bell is not easily visible to the naked eye. To assist devotees, the Dagana Dzongkhag Administration has installed a binocular at the site. “We are looking forward to upgrading the road facilities so that visitors can access the site year-round with reliable transportation options,” said Tshewang Dorji, Senior Culture Officer at Dagana Dzongkhag.

Below Tha Namkhai Dzong lies Zhabjethang, a site known for Guru Rinpoche’s footprint. Nearby, the body prints of seven dakinis, believed to have been imprinted while prostrating to a box near the fortress, further contribute to the sacred nature of the location. Other mystical features include an elephant’s skull and Guru Rinpoche’s symbolic phallus, which is thought to be his secret weapon.

Although Tha Namkhai Dzong is still relatively unknown outside the region, its spiritual importance is drawing an increasing number of visitors, especially during auspicious holidays. In the past, poor road conditions made it difficult for visitors to access the site, but with the 13th Five-Year Plan, road improvement projects are now underway to make the site more accessible for pilgrims and tourists.

“We are focused on improving the road infrastructure, introducing electricity, and constructing trekking canopies with restrooms along the footpaths,” Dorji added. These upgrades are expected to make the site more accessible to visitors year-round, enhancing the overall experience for devotees and tourists alike.

In addition to Tha Namkhai Dzong, Dagana Dzongkhag is working on the development of Thasa, another important sacred site. The development plans for Thasa include constructing a new Lhakhang (temple), along with the provision of essential amenities such as toilets and a butter lamp shade. To promote the local economy, the Dzongkhag is encouraging the establishment of homestay facilities in the surrounding villages. “By promoting homestays, we hope to generate additional income for the villagers, ensuring that they directly benefit from the influx of visitors,” said Dorji.

Lajab Gewog has already made strides in providing basic amenities such as water supply and temporary toilets, but additional improvements are being planned. According to Gup Dhan Bahadur Gurung, the Gewog is aiming to create a safer and more welcoming environment for visitors. “We are planning to construct proper roads, install railings to ensure safety, and develop well-maintained footpaths,” Gurung said. Furthermore, the Gewog is looking into the installation of designated parking spaces, upgrading the water connection system, and constructing permanent toilets to accommodate growing visitor numbers.

“The Gewog administration is always prepared to assist visitors at any time. We are more than happy to provide services that enhance their experience in our community,” Gurung added.
Thasa Chiwog is gradually becoming a popular eco-tourism destination. Krishna Bdr Subba, the Tshogpa of Thasa Chiwog, shared that the chiwog saw 73 visitors in 2024, with 22 visitors already having explored the area in January 2025 alone. The Gewog Administration has already supported the development of two canopies in the chiwog to provide shaded resting areas for visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Subba emphasized that eco-tourism is key to the community’s development. “For the growth of the chiwog, we aim to prioritize eco-tourism to ensure sustainable income for our residents,” Subba said. The community is focused on balancing environmental preservation with creating opportunities for local economic stability through tourism-related activities.

As spiritual tourism flourishes in the area, local businesses are also benefiting from the increase in visitors. Pem Lham, a homestay owner in Burichu, is expanding her business due to the rising demand from visitors to Tha Namkhai Dzong and other sacred sites. “This is the only way I can earn a good income for my family,” Lham explained. Her homestay, which currently has two apartments, has become a popular choice for guests. Recognizing the growing demand, Lham is now adding five additional guest rooms to her property.

Lham’s guests enjoy activities such as campfires and bird watching, taking advantage of the serene beauty of the area. “I want to provide better services to my guests and ensure a stable source of income for my family,” she said.
Similarly, Gyelmo, a shopkeeper in Thasa Chiwog, has seen her daily earnings rise significantly. “People often stop by my shop to purchase basic necessities and offerings for the sacred places,” Gyelmo explained. Her daily income has increased from around Nu 700 to over Nu 2,000, which has improved her family’s standard of living. “I can now meet my family’s needs comfortably, and this gives me a sense of accomplishment,” she said. Encouraged by the growth of her business, Gyelmo plans to expand her shop. “If the business continues to do as well as it is now, I will definitely work on expanding the shop,” she shared.

At present, visitors must walk for around 30 minutes from Burichu before taking a one-hour drive to reach Tha Namkhai Dzong. This difficult journey has prompted calls for road improvements to make the site more accessible for visitors of all ages. Both the Lajab Gewog and Dagana Dzongkhag administrations are working together to develop better infrastructure along the route and at the site itself.

Dorji explained, “These developments will ease the physical challenges of the trip and encourage more people to visit, fostering spiritual growth and community engagement.” Officials are also considering rest areas and potential accommodations for pilgrims to make the journey more comfortable.

These planned improvements reflect Dagana Dzongkhag’s commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of its sacred sites while fostering local economic growth. The development initiatives are aligned with the broader goal of promoting sustainable tourism in the region. “With these upgrades, we aim to create a more structured and visitor-friendly environment, benefiting both local residents and visitors,” Dorji concluded.