In a vibrant celebration of culture, agriculture, and community spirit, the Pachu community in Chukha hosted its first-ever harvest festival, marking a strategic move to strengthen community-based tourism in the district.
The event, which brought together local farmers, tour operators, government officials, and cultural groups, spotlighted the rich agricultural heritage of the region. A core aim of the festival was to bridge the gap between tourism and farming, creating an immersive travel experience rooted in local traditions.
Chukha Dzongda Tenzin Chophel, speaking at the event, underscored the district’s vision of redefining tourism. “We want to move beyond conventional sightseeing and offer visitors meaningful engagement with our land, stories, and people,” he said.
One of the key highlights of the festival was the inauguration of a new 4.5-kilometer hiking trail. The pathway promises to offer visitors a deeper connection to nature and a firsthand glimpse into the rhythm of rural Bhutanese life.
The festival grounds buzzed with displays of fresh produce, traditional crafts, and cultural performances, reflecting the district’s diverse offering. The Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) also shared plans to develop similar initiatives, positioning Phuentsholing as more than just a commercial transit hub.
The launch of the Pachu harvest festival comes at a time when Chukha is sharpening its focus on cultural tourism under Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan. The district hopes that initiatives like this will not only uplift local livelihoods but also enrich Bhutan’s tourism portfolio with unique, community-led experiences.
