The tranquil village of Yangbari in Mongar is emerging as a promising ecotourism destination, aiming to captivate visitors with its pristine landscapes, the rare Golden Mahseer, exquisite bamboo crafts, and exhilarating adventures along the Kuri-Gongri River.
A proactive group of 30 young residents has launched the Yangbari Sernye Detshen initiative, dedicated to unlocking the village’s tourism potential. Dorji Tenzin, the chairman of the group, highlighted the abundant assets that make Yangbari unique. “Yangbari is blessed with pristine natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna, pilgrimage sites, and unique cultural traditions,” he explained. “Tourists can experience authentic village life, engage in catch-and-release fishing of the Golden Mahseer, and embark on rafting expeditions that showcase our stunning river landscapes.”
Embracing ecotourism as a pathway to sustainable livelihoods, the youth of Yangbari are preparing to create a variety of job opportunities. Roles in rafting, guiding, culinary services, trekking, and eco-lodge management are expected to flourish as tourism grows. Karma Choden, a 20-year-old community member, has received training in housekeeping, culinary arts, and management to welcome the anticipated influx of visitors. “Our community has great potential for both international and local tourism,” she shared. “I am excited to welcome visitors and create a sustainable livelihood.”
Sonam Lhamo, 21, who recently completed training in culinary and hospitality management, expressed similar enthusiasm. “These workshops have opened new doors for us. I never envisioned working in tourism, but now I feel confident in welcoming guests and sharing our rich culture,” she said.
Addressing the broader community impact, Sangay Chophel of Pikari-Yangbari Tshogpa noted the initiative’s role in reversing youth migration. “Many young people have left the village seeking opportunities in urban areas. We hope they will return once the eco-lodge and rafting services are up and running,” he stated. “Living costs here are lower than in the towns, and there will be more opportunities to build a future locally.”
Central to Yangbari’s ecotourism strategy is a newly constructed eco-lodge, funded by the Global Environment Facility under the UNDP and supported by Bhutan for Life. The eco-lodge offers essential amenities amidst breathtaking scenery, providing tourists with a peaceful retreat to fully immerse themselves in Yangbari’s natural environment.
Future plans include launching rafting expeditions from Yangbari to Zarkapla in Pangbang, where visitors can witness the Golden Mahseer and a variety of bird species along the Kuri-Gongri River. Karma Tempa, Mongar’s Chief Forest Officer, emphasized the importance of sustainable practices. “We are conducting studies to ensure the Golden Mahseer population remains healthy. The eco-lodge is ideally located for catch-and-release fishing and scenic rafting trips,” he affirmed.
Long-time resident Karma Dorji, 51, lauded the initiative for its holistic approach. “By blending cultural experiences with ecotourism, we are promoting both our traditions and our environment,” he remarked.
Despite the optimistic outlook, Yangbari faces significant challenges in infrastructure and connectivity. Addressing these hurdles is essential to realize the village’s full potential as a top-tier ecotourism destination.
Yangbari’s bold steps towards ecotourism not only promise economic revitalization but also set a sustainable example for other remote communities. As the village prepares to welcome the world, it stands as a testament to the power of youth-led initiatives in preserving natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations.
