As Bhutan continues to attract international travellers, a quieter tourism trend is taking shape closer to home. Domestic visitors are increasingly making their way to Buli Lake in Zhemgang, transforming the once-remote sacred site into a growing hub for local tourism and small business activity.
Nestled within the Buli Tsho Heritage Forest, the lake — widely known as Buli Tsho — spans an area roughly equivalent to three football fields. Long regarded by residents as a sacred, wish-fulfilling place, the lake has begun drawing larger numbers of Bhutanese travellers, particularly during the winter season when clear skies and cool weather make the journey more appealing.
Although visitors do not arrive daily, locals report that groups of about 20 people frequently visit together. The community charges an entry fee of Nu 30 for adults and Nu 5 for children, with many travellers coming not only to offer prayers but also to experience the tranquil landscape surrounding the lake.
Tradition continues to guide how the site is managed. Each year, residents close access to the lake for two months during the harvest season, believing that visits during this period could bring misfortune to the community.
While there is no formal data tracking visitor numbers, residents say interest in the lake has grown steadily in recent years. Most travellers make a day trip and return to Berti by evening, but a small number stay overnight in Buli village, providing an important source of income for ten registered homestay operators.
Kinley Wangchuk, one of the homestay providers, said the business has evolved significantly over time. Guests are charged Nu 900 per person, covering meals and accommodation. According to him, homestays saw little demand in 2017 and 2018, but bookings began rising noticeably from 2020 onward.
Not all operators, however, have benefited equally. Pema Yangchen, who recently launched her own homestay after completing a training programme in Haa, said she has yet to welcome her first guest. She believes limited promotion and the challenges of advertising a new business may be holding her back.
For others, the income has been meaningful but inconsistent. Tashi Yangzom, who has managed a homestay for about four years, said the earnings can vary widely. During busy months, she earns between Nu 15,000 and 20,000, but there are periods when no guests arrive at all.
Despite the positive economic impact, some residents worry about the long-term sustainability of tourism centred mainly on a single attraction. Community members say many visitors are unaware of other sacred sites in the area, leading to short stays that limit local spending.
“I am not sure if visitors know about the other spiritual places beyond Buli Tsho,” said Kinzang, a local resident. “Most come in the morning and leave for Berti by evening. If this continues, we may face challenges in the future.”
The Nangkor Gewog Administration acknowledges these concerns and says steps are already underway to diversify attractions. Officials have developed additional sacred sites and are encouraging homestay operators to take a more active role in promoting their services and creating unique visitor experiences.
Nangkor Gup Singye Wangchuk said the gewog has provided opportunities and support but expects local businesses to take greater initiative. Plans are also in place to develop Buli Bebdue Menchhu and introduce an eco-tourism management plan for Buli Chiwog, aimed at improving facilities while safeguarding the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
Authorities emphasise that the success of these initiatives will depend heavily on cooperation among residents, businesses and local leaders — a shared effort to ensure that tourism growth benefits the community while preserving the sacred environment that draws visitors in the first place.
