Exploring the Heart of Bongo Village: Unveiling the Tales of Human-Wildlife Conflict

 Embarking on a captivating journey of discovery, our team of six delved into the enchanting Bongo village, nestled within Chhukha Dzongkhag. Our purpose? To unravel the intricate tapestry of human-wildlife conflict that reverberates through this serene landscape. Engaging in heartfelt conversations, we sought to comprehend the pulse of the village folks – their stories, their creed, their very existence intertwined with the untamed wilderness. With each interview, our hearts were gripped by a bittersweet symphony of emotions. Moments of scintillating enlightenment intertwined with a profound sadness and an overwhelming sense of helplessness, as we bore witness to the devastating damages inflicted upon these resilient souls by the wild.

Sangye Minjurling Monastery: A Marvel of Bhutanese Art and Architecture

 Embark on a journey through the mesmerizing realm of Bhutanese art and architecture, where beauty intertwines with spirituality. Today, I had the privilege of visiting the Sangye Minjurling Monastery in Pasakha, a majestic nine-storey sanctuary nestled amidst the enchanting Indian plains. This architectural gem, also known as the Milarapa Lhakhang, pays homage to its predecessor with its striking resemblance. As I stepped inside, I was captivated by the abundance of Buddhist paintings adorning the walls and the intricate carvings that adorned every corner. The monastery's complexity only adds to its allure, for within its intricacy lies a profound beauty that words fail to describe.

The Hike in the Woods of Gedu to Expand My Existing Knowledge

It was a beautiful day because it all started with a single normal day that gave me hope for my carrier building amidst the hopelessness that I am surrounded with. It is in that beautiful forest that I came to know the botanical names of the most common plants to me. In fact, to my bewilderment, I found myself with an increased interest in the course I am taking. Moreover, I felt that I am nearer to the calling I have always longed for.

The spotlight event that happened in the wood is that our companion who helped us to be a guide shared with us that “Forest is an area not less than five hectares with most trees having DBH more than ten centimeters. The canopy cover a minimum of ten percent to thirty percent”. It was an eye-opening definition that will help us anytime in the future. Furthermore, the study of wildlife presence through droppings, scats, and pellets was very exciting. The study of their excreta can not only help us to determine their presence but also helps us to predict whether the animal is a carnivore or herbivore. We were told during that time that carnivores will have hair on their excreta and herbivore will not. Notwithstanding, their presence can also be studied through the study of prints from paws and hooves. We were told that the angulates will have hove prints and any species of the cat family with paw prints.

                                                                                                              

                                           
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Jigmechhu Campsite – A Trip to the Sub-Tropical Belt of the Country

 The popular Jigmechhu campsite is about 50 kilometers away from Gedu Gewog in Chhukha. It is about 18 kilometers before reaching Kalikhola in the vicinity of the highway. It is a scenic landscape in the confluence of Wangchu that joins another river from Dagana to form Raidak. With an elevation of about 180 meters above sea level, the subtropical climate coupled with good weather conditions makes the Jigmechu area, without any doubt, one of the most beautiful natural sites and richest of biodiversity.

While our team went there to do an aquatic macro-invertebrates survey, I was overwhelmed by the warm climatic condition that resulted in green vegetation covering everywhere. Moreover, the local people also shared with us that it is an area frequently visited by an elephant. The more motivational part touched me when our companion who is a forest guard, shared that the very cliff that we could sight was already well studied by our professor Dr. DB Gurung. We were told that the professor had studied the endemic orchid that is now probably extinct.

After lunch was a return journey during which I got to see the magnificent Greater Racket-tailed drongo through my 6.5-degree lensed binocular. However, I returned from the campsite unsatisfyingly because I saw a flock of green-yellow-bodied birds that I failed to recognize and identify. I conjectured that it was a parakeet but nobody knows. I am filled with longing feelings to recognize the flock of birds that I failed to do. Next time, I will make my field trip to the beautiful hotspot and fulfill my desire to recognize the bird that makes me curious even today.

 

Paktshoding Lake – The Lake that Gifts People of Bongo with Riches and Wealth

Pakshoding Lake is located to the northeast of Gedu in Chhukha Dzongkhag. It is in the pinnacle of Bongo gewog. The magnificent lake majestically swirls its waves in its beautiful emerald form, exposing an aura of wonders and natural illusion. According to intergenerational oral accounts, the magnificent Paktshoding Lake was formed by the spring water that sprouted from the borehole dug into the earth by wild boars inhabiting the lake’s areas. 

The lake discharges from an area that resembles a silver bowl and the water that flows out is said to suggest the richness and wealth of the lake's gift to the people of Bongo Gewog. The physical shape of the lake is said to resemble Lord Avalokiteshvara's body, with the lake's north side displaying an offering of Mandala to the great compassionate Buddha. The ridge facing the lake is said to resemble a Gayal Oxen, locally known as the Bamen, as it drinks from the lake.

The lake is thus a sacred water body held in reverence by the people of Bongo Gewog, and by all those who have the good fortune to visit this sacred wonderment, a source of symbolic and real boons.

          

                           

A hike to 400 years old lake: Kabji Hoka Tsho

 Today was a day filled with joy and memories of my wish fulfillment. It was yesterday evening my brother invited me for a hike. At first, I was thrilled with excitement about what it would be like. He later unveiled to me that I am to accompany his promised lakes to visit. It is called Kabji Hoka Tsho. I have heard about the lake and I would always fantasize about spending my leisure time doing adventurous activities. In fact, my envy came true and we started our journey toward the lake at 8 o'clock in the morning. We started our hike at 9:45 am near Chhoeten Nyingpo Goenzin Dratshang. It was already 11:30 am when we reached the lake.  Standing at an elevation height of 7003ft (2134.514 m), the lake lies majestically serene, and calm and swirls with its flanks and waves. According to the Azha lam, it was originally seated in Zomlingthang, Punakha. However, during the 17th century, when the Punakha Dzong was to be constructed, Zhabdrung asked the deity of the lake to move her place concerning the possible threats it might cause to the Dzong that he is going to construct. Consequently, the lake shifted its place to where it stands today. Furthermore, the lam also briefed us about the name of the lake. Since the lake is heavily connected to the myths and mysteries of the Zhabdrung, the name of the lake is also his derivation. However, as time passed, the name of the lake evolved into what we know as Kabji Hoka Tsho.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhoerten: The paramount stupa for the remainder of nature of human self

Visiting the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhoeten was an experience like no other. It is located in Nyizergang village and provides a breathtaking view of the Punakha valley and the Mochu stream. The chhoeten is serene and surrounded by pagodas and stupas. Unlike other monasteries and chhoetens in our country, it was built for the purpose of warding off evil spirits and promoting happiness and prosperity in the country and the world. The Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhoeten is a remarkable example of traditional Buddhist art and architecture in Bhutan. With its three-story structure and different stupas, it is a masterpiece of Bhutanese art. The intricate carvings and paintings on the chhoeten reflect the devotion and dedication of the Bhutanese people towards their culture and religion. In addition to its architectural beauty, the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhoeten is also a place where sentient beings are prayed for their peacefulness. The chhoeten serves as a reminder of the importance of spirituality in our lives and the need to promote peace and happiness in the world. Overall, the visit to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhoeten was a truly satisfying experience that left me feeling a deep sense of awe and admiration for the beauty and grandeur of Bhutan's cultural heritage.