Migration Trail Initiative
(October 15th – 17th, 2021)
The Bhutan Ecological Society in partnership with the United Nation’s Resident Coordinators Office (UNRCO), Tourism Council of Bhutan, Dhumra Farm Resorts, Mothithang Higher Secondary School and Etho Metho tours and treks has initiated a project titled Migration Trail Initiative.
The concept of the initiative is to use the Punakha-Thimphu traditional route as a tourism product. The trail has been used for many generations by the people of Thed and Wang as a migratory route. As development took place and with the onset of motorable roads in the country, this tradition, as practiced long time ago, has almost become extinct.
The purpose of this initiative is to relive the tradition and at the same time experience nature at first hand. The ecological experience focuses on the fauna & flora spread over the two most interesting vegetation changes from sub-tropical to temperate. The cultural side will be experiencing the age old tradition that are still practiced in these areas along with revitalization of the migratory trail.
As a pilot project for this initiative, 25 students and 9 teachers from Mothithang Higher Secondary School took part in a three day journey of reliving this age old tradition from 15th to 17th October, 2021. During the three day hike, students were taken on an ecological experience, trekking through cultivated fields, picturesque villages and green and lush forests. The students also got to experience a unique cultural insights, learning about the famous Drukpa Kunley, also known as the ‘Devine Madman’ and the traditions from the past that are still practiced by the people living along the trail.
