𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐮 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐨𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠

…𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚-𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒔

By Tashi Tshewang

After years of delay and anticipation, construction of the long-awaited road to Komatshachu hot spring under Goenshari Gewog has finally begun, marking an important step for the local community. The project, funded through the Gewog budget and contributions from Komatshachu itself, aims to complete a three-kilometer stretch within a month.

The new road promises to transform accessibility to one of Goenshari’s most important sites, long known for its medicinal and spiritual value. For decades, visitors, many of them elderly or unwell, have faced steep and difficult terrain to reach the natural hot spring. Once completed, the road will make travel easier, improve safety, and attract more visitors from across Bhutan.

Beyond convenience, the project is seen as a symbol of community-driven development, with local leaders, Tshogpas, and residents working collectively alongside the Gewog Administration to ensure timely completion. While some fear the traditional horse transport business may decline, leaders emphasize that the road will open greater opportunities, enhancing tourism, boosting local income, and improving access to essential facilities such as hospitals.

For Goenshari residents, the Komatshachu road represents more than just a route. It is a pathway toward better livelihoods, improved health access, and renewed hope for the community’s future.

Thinley, a Tshogpa from Yorbo Gewog, said the community has taken an active role in making the project a reality.
Thinley explained, “The road is being constructed with the Gewog budget, and we also have a collection from Komatshachu which will be used in the road construction. Earlier, about one kilometer of the road was completed, but the work stopped for almost six years. Now, we are continuing the remaining three kilometers. The estimated cost is around Nu. 7 lakhs, and we expect to finish it within one month. We have five Tshogpas, and each of us will take turns supervising the work for three days to make sure everything goes smoothly.”

The road construction marks an important milestone for the community, which has long faced challenges in accessing Komatshachu. The rough terrain made it difficult for visitors, especially those coming for medical reasons, to reach the site. Thinley added, “Many people visit Komatshachu for its healing properties. Some of them are elderly or unwell and have to be carried on our backs because the old route is steep and difficult. Once this road is completed, it will save time, make travel easier, and encourage more people to visit. It will truly make a difference for our community.”

The three-kilometer stretch now under construction is expected to be completed within a month. Once finished, it will not only improve access to the hot spring but also enhance tourism and economic opportunities for nearby villages. The Goenshari Gewog administration, along with local Tshogpas and residents, continues to work collectively to ensure that the road to Komatshachu is completed on time. The project stands as a strong example of community-driven development, where local leadership, teamwork, and shared effort come together to improve lives.

Lhap Tshering, Zhelngosa Tshogpa, shared, “While conducting the survey for constructing the community road, five Tshogpas from five Chiwogs and our Mangmi helped the personnel from the Land Measurement Section of the Land Commission to measure the land. I know that the two chiwogs in Goenshari have relied on the horse business for years, and it may decline a little, but the road will bring greater advantages. It will provide easier access to hospitals and make transportation smoother for people from all 20 Dzongkhags who come to Komatshachu. When the road is completed, people will gradually start using it instead of horses, and it will reduce the difficulties related to transportation. A good road will allow cars to reach the Tshachu, attract more visitors, and help increase income for the community. This will eventually support improvements such as building toilets and houses at Komatshachu in the near future.”

The Tshogpa emphasized that road connectivity would transform accessibility and boost local livelihoods. While acknowledging a possible decline in traditional horse transport, he highlighted the long-term social and economic gains that the road would bring to the community, including improved mobility, increased visitors, and better infrastructure development around Komatshachu.

He further added, “Right now, we don’t have heavy tourist flow; only a few visitors come each year. We can’t provide proper facilities or services at Komatshachu yet because most tourists go to Gasatshachu. The hot spring and hot stone bath were highly valued in the olden days. People in Goenshari used to recover from injuries quickly with these treatments. Even though hospital access is easier today, Tshachu still helps heal wounds, fractures, and paralysis. These are the benefits Tshachu has given us for generations. Taking a hot spring bath here is not easy, it takes hard work, like carrying firewood on your back. But it’s worth it, because about 30–40 percent of people who come here, especially those with fractured arms or legs, have gradually recovered with the help of Tshachu.”

Lhab Tshering, Tshogpa of Sachaed Nang, said, “For the construction of the road to Komatshachu, our local people have always asked about it in meetings, emphasizing the benefits it would bring to our community and to visitors. The road has been a long-standing request, and everyone is excited about what it will mean for the area once it is completed.”

The Tshogpa highlighted that the Komatshachu road is not just an infrastructure project but a vital lifeline for the community. Its completion is expected to improve accessibility, attract visitors, and create opportunities for local businesses, ultimately benefiting both residents and travelers seeking the healing properties of the hot spring.

He further added, “Once the road is completed, it will surely change the lives of our community and also help people across Bhutan who are facing health problems, especially by reducing travel time and improving access. Improving the road conditions will also allow local people to increase their income through tourism and by catering to visitors who come for the hot spring. This project will be a major boost for our community’s development and well-being.”