Phurpa Lhamo | Gasa

In an effort to promote Gasa as a tourism destination, Gasa dzongkhag has launched its first visitor information center (VIC) and a cafeteria.

The VIC is located at the junction of roads to the tshachhu and Gasa Dzong, the cafeteria is at Goentayang in Khamaed gewog. Goentayang, 26km away from Gasa dzong, serves as a strategic location for guests and travellers to rest before continuing their journey towards Gasa.

Gasa planning officer Tashi Dhendup said that the VIC would help provide information on tourism activities and to promote tourism in the four gewogs of Gasa. “Until today, although the Royal Highland Festival was really popular, there wasn’t even a brochure to help promote it.”

Two individuals—one from Khatoed and another from Khamaed gewogs have been employed to run the VIC and the cafeteria. Kinley Drukpa, a chef who had been laid-off, will operate the caferia.

The VIC would be encouraged to sell handicraft materials for self-sustenance.

Tashi Dhendup said that the two designated individual’s one-year term would be renewed based on their performance.

The cafeteria and the VIC also have persons with disability-friendly toilets with support handles and enough space for wheelchairs.

Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) funded the Nu 2.67 million project. Construction of the facilities began in March and was completed in September last year.