 |
Bhutan's
Economy: Mules |
|
|
 |
|
Mules
in Bhutan
|
 |
| Bumthang:
Ancient Ura-Gezamchu mule track |
 |
 |
| A
beaten trail, that passed through Ura to Gayzamchu in Bumthang, was once
trodden by villagers from the east to transport goods offered as taxes
to local chieftains resident in Bumthang, Trongsa,
and Punakha. In the '50s, the
people of Ura used the path as a mule track to barter butter, betel nuts,
and clothes. |
|
When
the lateral highway emerged, about four decades ago, the path was used
only by occasional mushroom collectors and cattle herders.
Today,
the diverse ecosystem along the trail, including mushrooms like Matsutake
growing under the pines, and different animal and bird species of the region,
will change the purpose of the trail altogether.
The
nine-kilometre stretch, which took approximately four and half hours on
foot, will soon be serving as a trekking route for tourists.
Thrumshingla
national park (TNP) in Ura will be carrying out development work
along the trail before formally opening it to walkabouts.
"It'll
be handed over to the local committee, comprising of villagers in the Matsutake
business, in the near future," a park official tsaid.
The
park's assistant forest officer, Jigme Dorji, said that they were creating
camps along the trail, similar to the ones used by herders in the past.
A
TNP publication stated that the walking trail was dedicated to "our visionary
and compassionate monarchs and would recognise the ingenuity and sacrifice
of our Bhutanese forefathers".
"The
idea that our ancestors trod this path, carrying loads and singing songs,
will add charm to the trek," said a source, adding that the absence of
any steep ascents would make the trek pleasant for tourists.
Tshulthrim
Wangmo, an Ura resident, said that she walked the trail all the way to Zhongar
(Mongar), when she was in her twenties. "I used to sing traditional
songs in the company of my friends and horses and it was fun," she said.
|
| Contributed
by Nima Wangdi, KUENSEL, Bhutan's National Newspaper 2008 |
|
