𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥

…𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉, 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒂𝒓𝒑 𝑳𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝑲𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒐 𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆

By Leki Chungdon

Members of the Tarayana and UPSHIFT clubs joined teacher Desuups to clear the historic trail leading from the southern gate of Choetse Dzong up to the viewpoint. The activity was more than a cleaning campaign; it offered participants an opportunity to reflect on the past and connect it meaningfully to the present. As they worked along the pathway, they were reminded of generations who once traveled the same route. The initiative also served as a contribution to the upcoming Bhutan Mountain Festival, the most anticipated Dzongkhag event scheduled for 4 and 5 October. The cleared trail will additionally serve as the route for the Garp Lunge Khorlo competition. Participants expressed gratitude to the Dzongkhag for enabling them to engage in learning that goes beyond physical endurance, fostering responsibility, service, and appreciation for cultural heritage.

District Health Officer Dorji Gyeltshen said the trail restoration was not merely a logistical exercise; it was a strategic initiative that reinforces the festival’s objectives of sustainability, cultural immersion, and community engagement. “By enhancing accessibility, safety, and visual appeal, the restored trail serves both as a functional sports route and a living heritage corridor, enabling participants to actively connect with Trongsa’s historical and natural landscape,” he said. It represents a proactive preservation effort aligning festival preparations with long-term heritage management.

He explained that the route was deliberately chosen to integrate Trongsa’s cultural, historical, and ecological landmarks, transforming the race into an interpretive experience rather than a conventional sporting event. As participants pass sites such as Taa Dzong, Choetse Dzong, the traditional Bazam Bridge, and scenic viewpoints, they engage with local heritage, strengthening the connection between physical endurance and cultural appreciation. This approach merges sports, tourism, and heritage promotion.

He stressed that student participation is central to fostering intergenerational stewardship of cultural assets. Involving youth in cultural performances, trail maintenance, and heritage documentation cultivates ownership, civic responsibility, and ensures transmission of traditional knowledge. Their participation turns abstract preservation into tangible contributions, embedding cultural awareness in the next generation of community leaders.

Looking forward, the Dzongkhag envisions a sustainable maintenance framework balancing accessibility with conservation. Plans include periodic inspections, erosion control, community-led upkeep, and environmental monitoring. By institutionalizing shared responsibility among local schools, gewogs, and cultural groups, the trail will be maintained as a long-term cultural and tourism resource. Gyeltshen said integration occurs on multiple levels: the race connects heritage sites physically, narrative elements provide historical context, and ceremonial activities reinforce cultural significance. This transforms the competition into a culturally immersive experience where sport, storytelling, and heritage converge, deepening engagement and advancing the festival’s mission to celebrate Trongsa’s living culture.

Beyond the festival, the trail is positioned as a foundation for eco-cultural tourism. Long-term plans include guided heritage walks, thematic storytelling along the route, promotional campaigns for visitors, and collaboration with local entrepreneurs to offer cultural experiences. These initiatives aim to embed the trail within Trongsa’s sustainable tourism portfolio while safeguarding its historical integrity.

The Administration supported the initiative by providing financial resources for tools, safety equipment, and light refreshments. Volunteers including students, Desuups, police personnel, health workers, and Dzongkhag officials brought their own packed meals. The Administration also offered technical guidance on sustainable restoration and heritage-sensitive practices and coordinated logistics such as mobilizing volunteers, arranging transportation, and setting up water stations. This collaborative effort demonstrated community ownership while ensuring alignment with festival goals of sustainability and cultural preservation.

Gyeltshen added that the Dzongkhag evaluates such initiatives by tracking youth and community participation, gathering public feedback, and monitoring long-term upkeep of the trail and heritage sites. These indicators reflect how such efforts build youth values, strengthen community cohesion, and support cultural preservation.
Ugyen Dorji, Assistant Administrative Officer at Trongsa Hospital, said working on a historic trail, part of an old Druk Path or similar ancient route, created a deeper connection to the task. “It was not merely picking up litter. It was about restoring a legacy and preserving an integral part of Bhutan’s history and culture. I learned about the trail’s significance as a route once used by monks, traders, and messengers, linking communities in earlier times,” he said. He emphasized that similar initiatives should continue to ensure conservation of cultural heritage and strengthen community participation.

“I joined the initiative because I felt a strong desire to contribute to something of historical and national value, particularly knowing the trail would be used for major events like the Bhutan Mountain Festival. As a Bhutanese citizen, I believe giving back to the country’s natural and historical resources is a duty. A total of 18 staff from Trongsa Hospital participated, 17 men and one woman,” he added. Ugyen noted that having hospital staff, students, and Desuups working together transformed the activity into a large, well-organized community effort. In typical clean-ups, participants may only work in small, familiar groups. In this case, people from different professions and age groups collaborated, creating a vibrant atmosphere of shared national responsibility.

He described the most meaningful moment as clearing vegetation to reveal the ancient structure beneath. Witnessing the trail emerge from under overgrowth created a tangible connection to the past and felt like giving new life to a historical treasure. Steep slopes eroded by decades of monsoon runoff and dense vegetation posed challenges. The group managed this by dividing tasks according to each person’s abilities. Stronger members, including Desuups and physically fit young volunteers, handled heavier tasks like cutting roots and moving boulders, while others focused on clearing smaller debris and trimming foliage. For safety, a chain-of-command system and continuous communication were followed.

“The teamwork was exceptional. Students brought enthusiasm and energy, while Desuups provided discipline, coordination, and safe handling of tools. Their leadership in logistics and pace-setting helped maintain structure and efficiency. The blend of youthful drive and organized execution made the work productive and enjoyable, a true demonstration of Tsa-Wa-Sum in action,” he said.

Sangay Karzom, a student of Sherubling Higher Secondary School and Tarayana Club member, said she participated because the club’s motto, “service from the heart,” inspires members to contribute meaningfully. Walking along the historic pathway, she reflected on the endurance and strength of youth in earlier generations, noting the physical challenges of ancient routes. Listening to teachers recount stories about the trail’s history deepened her connection with nature and helped her appreciate the natural beauty of the country. She added that restoring the trail made it safer for others and contributes to preserving cultural heritage.

Karma Tenzin, a student of SHSS, said, “The trail-cleaning activity was one of the most joyful moments for me because it felt like hiking. I wanted to contribute meaningfully and protect both our natural environment and cultural legacy. Knowing that these ancient trails have been used for generations made me feel responsible for maintaining them. Working outdoors, connecting with others, and giving back was rewarding.” He also noted the historical design of the stone steps and the trail’s role as a communication and trade route, highlighting that heritage is not only in monuments or stories but also in the landscapes.

Desuup Jigme Phuntsho, Dzongkhag Coordinator at the Desuung Office, said, “As a Desuup, I feel a deep connection to the Trans Bhutan Trail and the legacy it carries from our ancestors. Clearing it is a way of honoring our past while ensuring the safety of runners and visitors. It gives me pride to know that through this small act of service, I’m helping connect people to both our culture and the natural environment.” He added that the section from ChoetseDzong to the viewpoint was chosen for its historical and cultural significance and that it meets the 21-kilometre requirement for an international half-marathon.

He acknowledged the steep and overgrown sections, unpredictable weather, and the need to preserve the environment during restoration. Desuups also play a key role during the marathon, stationed along the route to ensure safety, order, and a welcoming environment, while connecting participants with the cultural and natural heritage of the trail.

Royal Bhutan Police, Trongsa Division, said they conduct surprise patrols along the trail twice a month. During events, two teams, equipped with first aid kits and rescue gear, are stationed at the front and rear. They advised participants and visitors to follow parking arrangements and safeguard personal belongings.

Pema Wangda, Dzongkhag Staff Coordinator, said, “Restoring the trail ensures safety for attendees and strengthens community participation. It also provides international guests insight into the route’s history, promoting tourism.” The trail has been selected for the Garp Lungi Khorlo race during the festival, allowing participants to follow the historic path once traveled by ancestors while enjoying both nature and culture.

The Dzongkhag Administration worked closely with schools, clubs, and Desuups. Regular meetings, effective communication, and a shared purpose ensured smooth coordination. Youth participation is recognized with certificates, reinforcing the value of conservation and community service.

Dorji Gyeltshen emphasized, “Our primary goal is preserving cultural heritage. By involving young people, we teach them responsibility for protecting history and traditions. Community service, volunteerism, youth empowerment, and education are all central.”

He added that despite budget constraints, trail-clearing was organized under the leadership of Dasho Dzongdag, in collaboration with schools, police, Desuups, medical teams, and Dzongkhag officials. Pema Wangda noted that youth will continue to play a significant role in future festivals, contributing to trail restoration, cultural activities, eco-friendly initiatives, and tourism promotion. Engaging them builds pride, responsibility, and belonging, supporting both the festival’s growth and preservation of cultural heritage.