Chencho Dema

Khotokha, Wangdue—Located in the highlands of Wangdue, Khotokha was once a quiet, isolated village, known for its potato farms and secluded beauty. Today, it is undergoing dramatic transformation, fueled by the establishment of the Khotokha Gyalsung Academy and a newly paved road that has improved connectivity.

The academy, one of four Gyalsung training centres across the country, has brought new infrastructure, spurring business growth and creating jobs.

Once struggling with poor roads and limited commercial activity, Khotokha and its neighbouring village, Shelley, are rapidly evolving into a bustling mini-town.

The influx of desuups, police and army personnel, and others has created a demand for local goods and services, providing economic opportunities to the local community. 

Before the academy’s establishment, the Gewog Centre Road—stretching from Tekizampa to Khotokha—was in poor condition, making the journey both arduous and travel hazardous, especially during the monsoon.

“The road has now been blacktopped, making travel much easier and safer,” says Kinley Tawchung, Gup of Bjena Gewog. “In the past, small vehicles could barely make the journey. Now, residents can transport goods efficiently, and businesses are thriving.”

The impact of the improved road has been profound. Farmers, who once struggled to sell their potatoes in Phuentsholing, rom Pg 1

are now growing a variety of vegetables that are sold directly to the academy and other local buyers.

“This shift has significantly improved the income of the local residents,” adds the gup. 

Just a few years ago, Khotokha had only one shop in Sobesa. Now, the area—known locally as Gangrichen—has become a lively centre with restaurants, hotels, and even a karaoke bar.

More than eight new businesses have sprung up, and local entrepreneurs are eyeing future expansion, including farmhouse accommodations for visitors.

There are more than 52 households in the village.

Sigay Dem, who runs a restaurant and grocery store in Gangrichen, is among the many benefiting from this transformation. “A year ago, there were barely any customers,” she says. “Now, our business is booming, and we even opened the village’s first karaoke bar. It has become a weekend hotspot.”

Located seven kilometers from Khotokha, Shelley is also witnessing a similar boom.

The establishment of the Gyalsung Academy has drawn in new businesses, and long-neglected infrastructure is finally receiving attention.

“For years, Shelley was one of the most isolated villages in Wangdue,” said a local resident.

The few residents who called Shelley home endured persistent hardships, including erratic electricity and a fragile communication network, which made daily life a constant struggle. It was only in recent years that the village began to see signs of change.

With the growing development in Shelley, local entrepreneurs have seen a surge in opportunities. Shops, restaurants, and other small businesses are thriving as the once-quiet village transforms into a bustling hub of activity.

New houses have been constructed in the area, and land prices have also significantly soared.

On September 5, 2024, Khotokha Gyalsung Academy welcomed its first batch of trainees, marking a historic milestone for Bhutan’s national service programme.

Around 2,001 Gyalsups completed their training, and on December 3, 2024, they celebrated their passing out parade—a symbolic event in the country’s efforts to equip its youth with essential skills, discipline, and a deep sense of national unity.

A second cohort of 1,800 cadets began training on December 16 and will graduate on March 15.

Their arrival has further intensified commercial activity, with local businesses catering to the growing population of trainees, instructors, and security personnel.

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