Pakyong, June 1: The Rhenock Tourism Development Society (RTDS) officially launched its website in a function held at Chamthang Pacheykhani Gram Prasasan Kendra, aimed at promoting homestays and rural tourism in the Rhenock constituency.
The website was launched by SD Dhakal, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister.
The program witnessed the presence of several key dignitaries, including Prava Pradhan, Zilla Adakshya of Pakyong District; Prabhakar Golay, Coordinator of Garib Jan Kalyan Prakosta; Urgen Lepcha, Confidential Assistant to the CM; Zilla Member Subadhra Dangal, CLC President Mahendra Subba, Youth Coordinator Yangdup Yonzon, Deputy Director Sushma Pradhan, CLC General Secretary Bikash Dhakal, RTDS General Secretary Vesraj Adhikari, along with panchayat members and stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, RTDS President Binod Subba highlighted the society’s core mission—to develop and promote sustainable rural tourism in the region, focusing on homestays, traditional culture, and hospitality. He informed that RTDS was formed on August 24, 2024, under the direction of the Chief Minister, who is also the MLA of Rhenock.
Subba mentioned that basic hospitality training programs have already been conducted in Vedic Village – Taaza and Budang Village, including specialized sessions for tour guides and training in traditional cuisine preparation. A unique initiative, “Ekanta Bas” has also been launched in Budang, aimed at offering peaceful retreat experiences.
Abhimanyu Dhakal, President of Unnati Development Foundation, and several community leaders praised the initiative. During the program, RTDS proposed establishing a Tourist Information Centre (TIC) at Pacheykhani and requested 100 tourist permits to Nathula via Rongli to be routed through the constituency to encourage local engagement.
Prabhakar Golay lauded the efforts, calling it “a valuable initiative for posterity,” while also emphasizing the need for maintaining cleanliness across the constituency.
In his address, SD Dhakal suggested setting up a TIC in Pakyong and highlighted the potential of attracting digital nomads—long-stay travelers who contribute directly to local economies. He appreciated RTDS’s vision of building a comprehensive rural tourism ecosystem in Rhenock.
