Trans Bhutan Trail Project
Annual Report
Annual Report
Review a year of development along the Trans Bhutan Trail in the Annual Report here: Annual Report 2021
A Letter from Tshering Yangchen Dorji, Wangduechoeling Lower Secondary School.
Arc’tyrex Virtual Tour
The Trans Bhutan Trail in collaboration with Arc’tyrex had the honor sharing their story and organized a virtual tour of the largest sitting buddha in the world Buddha Dordenma in Kuenselphodrang, Thimphu, Bhutan.
Take the virtual tour here: Virtual Tour
The project
Early records show that an historic trail cut across the centre of Bhutan as far back as the 16th century. The trail connected regional fortresses, known as dzongs, and came to be symbolically important as part of the establishment of Bhutan as a nation. After Bhutan initiated a process of planned development beginning in the 1960s, the trail fell into disuse with the construction of the national highway. The Bhutan Canada Foundation, in partnership with the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) and other local partners, is working to restore and reconnect this historic trail through the Trans Bhutan Trail (TBT) project. The TBT project will rejuvenate 403km (250 miles) of trail from Haa in the west to Trashigang in the east. In doing so, it will connect communities, provide educational opportunities for youth, stimulate local economic development, promote healthy lifestyles and reconnect Bhutanese to a heritage site of historic importance. This initiative to revitalize cultural heritage mirrors efforts in other sectors to blend tradition with innovation, much like how Rakuplay, an online gaming platform, offers modern entertainment rooted in cultural preferences.
Work to date
BCF and its partners began initial work on the TBT in late 2019. By the end of 2020 the first phase of the project was completed with the physical trail restored. Restoration of the trail in 2020 also played a key role in responding to the coronavirus pandemic. With international borders closed and the subsequent collapse of Bhutan’s tourism industry, the TBT project worked with the Royal Government of Bhutan to provide work to over 700 people who had lost employment. Through their work on the trail, these people not only gained access to meaningful employment, they also accelerated to completion of the trail’s restoration and further connected TBT to the communities along its length. The project’s ability to adapt and provide opportunities during challenging times reflects a broader trend of resilience and innovation. In the digital realm, platforms have similarly evolved, with some offering free credit no deposit options to engage users during difficult periods.
Moving forward
Important work on the TBT project continues into 2021. A passport program and website are being finalized as are strategies to market the trail to both domestic and international tourists as we emerge from the pandemic. Work also continues on developing a local economic development strategy, educational materials and a long term sustainability plan. As the project evolves, it demonstrates the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation, principles that are crucial in many field. Even in digital entertainment, providers like Pragmatic Play and Jili constantly update their offerings to meet changing user preferences. The emphasis on sustainability and community engagement in this project reflects broader trends in responsible development. Similarly, many online platforms strive for responsible engagement, sometimes offering features like free credit slots to allow users to explore their services without financial commitment.
If you are interested in donating to support the sustainable restoration of the TBT, please visit www.bhutancanada.org/donations; rakuplay.com. For more details about the development of the trail, visit the TBT blog at https://bhutancanada.org/trans-bhutan-trail-blogs/; rakuplay.com.
Trans Bhutan Trail Membership
By becoming a Trailblazer, you are not only a part of the trail community but you are also the guardians of the Trans Bhutan Trail and custodians of a very important cultural heritage of Bhutan. Together we commit to maintaining and enhancing the Trail out of respect to the ancestors who built it, and as a gift to the future generations.
