𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐨𝐦𝐚 𝐓𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐮

To enhance visitor accessibility to Koma Tshachu (hot spring) located under Goenshari gewog in Punakha, a new suspension bridge and other amenities were constructed with funding support from Bhutan for Life Program and was inaugurated on November 25.

The construction was executed by Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP) in collaboration with the local government and Punakha Dzongkhag Administration.

The new bridge replaces an aging wooden structure that required constant repairs, providing a durable solution to support approximately 21,000 annual visitors who travel from across Bhutan to experience the therapeutic hot springs. Believed to have been blessed by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century, Koma Tshachu holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for Bhutanese.

The hot spring is located within Jigme Dorji National Park, and it is one of the oldest hot springs in the country. The visitors have reported the healing benefits such as bile disorder, digestive problem, skin disease, migraines, paralysis, gout and accelerated recovery from fractures. Many also report an overall sense of rejuvenation and enhanced well-being after a soothing soak in the hot spring.

“The old wooden bridge was a constant concern, especially for elderly people like me, as it felt unsafe and risky to cross. Now, we can travel without fear, knowing that it provides a safe and reliable way to reach the hot springs.” shared Lemo, a 71-year-old visitor.

Further, the site is also a vital source of income for the people of Goenshari Gewog. This infrastructure improvement supports and enhances ecotourism in the region, creating income-generating opportunities for local communities and enhancing their resilience to climate change-a key objective of Milestone 6 under the Bhutan for Life Program.
“This bridge will not only improve access for visitors but also support the local economy,

aligning with Bhutan for Life Program’s objective of achieving sustainable development while ensuring conservation initiatives,” said Wangchuk, the Gup of Goenshari Gewog. The hot spring, managed by the Goenshari Gewog, generates approximately an annual income of Nu.700,000. This revenue is reinvested into construction and maintenance of essential amenities to enhance the sustainability and the visitor experience.

The bridge was consecrated in a ceremony graced by Dasho Dzongdag of Punakha Dzongkhag, Tshephu Lam, Executive Director of the Bhutan for Life Fund Secretariat, officials from the Bhutan for Life Project Coordination Unit (PCU), the Chief Forestry Officer of Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP), Gup of Goenshari Gewog, and members of the community.

With enhanced infrastructure and an increasing emphasis on ecotourism, Koma Tshachu is poised to flourish as a holy site of healing, cultural significance, and community livelihoods.

Brief on Funding Agency:
The Bhutan For Life Program is Asia’s first Project Finance for Permanence (PFP), to develop a far-sighted solution for the sustainable management and protection of the country’s Protected Area Network system which covers around 52% of the total land area in Bhutan.

The BFL Program brings together as financing partners the Green Climate Fund (GCF), World Wildlife Fund, international private donors, the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation and the Royal Government of Bhutan. The Bhutan for Life Fund was created under the auspices of the Royal Charter granted by His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo on 27th July 2018. The Bhutan for Life program is being implemented throughout the ten (10) Protected Areas, eight (8) Biological Corridors by the concerned Parks, BCs, Functional Division under Department of Forest and Park Services and other relevant stakeholders from the Royal Government of Bhutan.