Trail Project highlights include:
67 km trekked and tracked by GPS in the Thimphu, Wangdi and Bumthang regions. The survey team was warmly received and well fed by locals along the trail. Enthusiasm is building as the trail project roles out across the country!
Marketing – The initial branding choices were circulated to the Steering Committee. Additional options were shared. A ballot process will take place at the February 14th Steering Committee meeting in order to present a couple of options for final approval.
The Senior Project Director hiring process is underway. Eleven candidates have submitted an application. The Selection Committee will meet during the first week of February to review and select candidates who will be invited to an interview. The intent is to have the successful candidate chosen and in place by the middle of March.
Initial meetings have taken place to establish partnership with Desuup, Scouts and Forestry. The National Land Commission Secretariat has agreed to undertake the survey process of the trail starting in March.
Additional members have joined the Steering Committee including representative(s) from Desuup, EcoCallBhutan and the Association of Bhutan Tourism Operators.
Local business – Greenaway will provide recycled plastic poles for trail signage and way finding.
Several meetings took place this month with senior decision makers – dzongkas, other senior officials sharing the trail project along with creating alliances in order to work together supporting the trail initiative.
Curriculum is in the development stage in support Gyalsung (youth) program.
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Guides recognition & thank you!
Phurda from Chamkhar
Sonam Tenzin from Tangsibi
Pem Norbu from Ura
Chiney Wangchuck from Bumthang
Pema Wangda from Bumthang- Driver
Kailah and staff from Bumthang
Ugyen from Wangdi
Um Pema La, Sumchog and Yangday
Trans Bhutan Trail Lead Supporters
Bhutan Canada Foundation Tourism Council of Bhutan
Steering Committee
Dorji Dradual, Director General, Tourism Council of Bhutan
Kado Zangpo, Director, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs
Karma Tshering, Field Director, Bhutan Canada Foundation
Kinley Tenzin, Executive Director, Royal Society for the Protection of Nature
Passang W.Norbu, Advisor, Department of Forests and Park Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests
Sam Blyth, Chair, Bhutan Canada Foundation
Sonam Dorji – Assoication of Bhutan Tour Operators
Tek Bahadur – Association of Bhutan Tour Operators
Tandi Dorji – DeSuup
Karma Tshering – EcoCallBhutan
If you would like to learn more about the Trans Bhutan Trail, please contact us at Catherine@bhutancanada.org or Stephen@bhutancanada.org.
