May 16, 2025
THIMPHU – Khoma in Lhuentse, usually calm and quiet, has become a busy stopover in recent days.
Located on the route to Singye Dzong, the village is seeing a steady stream of pilgrims ahead of the Tshok Bum—a major offering ceremony set to begin in eight days.
According to the Khoma Gewog Administration, more than 400 devotees left for Singye Dzong as of yesterday.
The event will be led by Dungsey Garab Rinpoche for three days and has already drawn over 1,500 registered participants.
Singye Dzong, a sacred site reached after a three-day walk from Khoma, sees a rise in visitors during such religious events.
“The number of visitors goes up when there’s a ceremony,” said Sonam Dorji, a resident. “People come in groups, some large, some small.”
The increase in foot traffic is bringing much-needed income to the small communities of Tsango and Relmoteng along the trail. With only 14 and four households respectively, these villages rely mainly on pony and porter services.
During events like this, each household can earn between Nu 60,000 and Nu 100,000. Some make up to Nu 150,000 just by renting out horses.
But this year, the rising number of pilgrims has caused a shortage of horses.
“There are only 200 horses in the gewog,” said Khoma Gup Tshering Wangdi. “With the three-day journey and the need to rest the animals afterwards, we can’t meet the demand.”
Normally, one horse is used for every two people. Now, villagers are adjusting to one horse for every four.
“Yesterday, we arranged 130 horses, and we also asked for help from neighbouring Tshengkhar Gewog,” the gup said. “But the farmers are busy with their own work and couldn’t spare any horses.”
To manage the situation better, the villagers of Tsango and Relmoteng have formed a group to handle bookings and services. Porters walk down to the nearest road point, five kilometres from Khoma, load the horses, and begin the trek early in the morning.
In addition to transport, local homes are also seeing benefits. “Whenever there’s an event at Singye Dzong, our homestay is fully booked,” said Pema Dechen, a homestay operator.
The Lhuentse Dzongkhag has built guesthouses along the trail to support the growing number of pilgrims. There are four guesthouses on the way to Singye Dzong.
While some charge Nu 100 per night, most are free to use and come with bedding and cooking facilities. At Tsikang, one guesthouse provides three meals—both for the journey to Singye Dzong and the return—for Nu 3,000.
To ensure safety, health checks are being done before people begin the trek. The route is long and can be physically demanding.
As pilgrims continue their journey toward Singye Dzong, Khoma and its neighbouring villages are working hard to support them.
What was once a quiet village has now become an important stop for people seeking spiritual merit—and for villagers, a chance to earn and prepare for the next wave of visitors.