Village Tourism in Gorubathan

As tourism brings forth new avenues, new experiences and so many descriptions of magnificent locations, The Gorubathan Tourism Development Society (GTDS) a mixture of young and matured village people mustered an idea to execute Eco-Tourism (village tourism) in Gorubathan itself. The Eco-tourism basically tends to bring about changes and exposure to marginalized areas and also create opportunities to break free from unemployment. The idea of Eco-tourism also preserves the natural resources. The communities and its inhabitants would be benefited with variety of introduction of concepts like Home Stay, Riverside Camping, Trekking, Hiking, etc.

Tourist from England

It is realized  that Gorubathan has immense potential to attract travelers from all  over the world .Gorubathan is blissfully blessed with natural beauty which is scenically embellished with religious and traditional aspects along with historical background as well.  So far the beauty of Gorubathan has been enjoyed by locals and nearby tourists but now since it has so much to offer to quench the dire natural thirst of the people the society decided to come up with several innovative ideas to make this place known in the field of worldwide tourism. The tourists might have seen exotic species, incredible landscapes and etc and etc.,but they are yet to see Gorubathan. 

The panoramic view, the fresh soothing flow of breeze, the balming evening, rejuvenating nights in peaceful atmosphere, extended structure of land, the organic farm, large golden crop field, long and virgin falls, charismatic wildlife,flamboyant culture of Gorubathan would certainly tranquilize the visitors from hurly burly life style. The conceptualization of modernization and globalization impacting the whole world. These two rapid moving trend are influencing people so much with its titivating ideas, peculiarities and qualities it is evident and rampant that Eco-tourism  has also  been emerging  as immutable  dimension thrashed by these two gigantic ,surpassing concepts.But in case of Gorubathan it is seemingly visible that there is no impact of these two giants. It has its natural beauty. Man made resources are rare. All the spots, place of interests, everything that exits here are purely natural.

This vital natural gift of Gorubathan speaks for its beauty and naturally attracts people to come and experience its serenity. But since Gorubathan has been demarcated in Tourism World despite of having all the decisive essence of being tourist place the GTDS has taken the responsibility to highlight the incredibility of tourism in Gorubathan to the world. The Society emphasizes the innovation in tourism to attract people from worldwide to make them taste the utmost delicacy and beauty which are prevalent all over Gorubathan. The objective of the society is to promote tourism in Gorubathan and to its surrounding places.  Since the Gorubathan has been sidelined over the years in tourism due to not promoting its worth to the world the committee utterly seek to introduce different innovations and creativity to make this place an ecstatic hub for travelers to feel like being at home by using its resources and beauty. The hospitable attitude of the locals, amicable approach, tenderness in behavior, moreover the natural beauty all these factors have been a major advantage for Gorubathan to stand all the challenges that might come along the way. To sum it up, one should in his/her lifetime visit Gorubathan because it is a worth exploring destination for travelers.

About Gorubathan

The fascinating splendor of Gorubathan has its unique history. It is said that a soldier from Chhentang who was a follower of Kabir Panth happened to come to Gorubathan and cited couple of patriotic lines. He uttered two words in his citation Gubbathok and Lameykan. Gubbathok a language of Lepcha’s.  Lameykan which was said to be a country’s of Lepchas. Combining Gubbathok and Lameykan together the word Gorubathan Came up. Gorubathan was also thought to be a dense forest area. Wild ox (Goru, in Nepali) used to graze in this forest thus overtime this area obtained a new name for itself and that is Gorubathan. It is said this is how the Gorubathan got its name. (Courtesy : Mr Daya Das Rai, 83 years)

                                           
                                                          Gorubathan Tar

                                                      Gorubathan Tar

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Gorubathan Tar is famous for seeing sunrise and sunset. Locals dependent on rain water for the cultivation. There is an open field called Daak Bunglow. It was a Bungalow built by Britishes later on decimated for it had not been given any notice. 

                                                        Gorubathan Tar

Kabir Panth Religion came into Gorubathan 124 years ago from Mirik, brought by two men Gani Das Rai (Bachhana)

                                                  Upper Fagu,Gorubathan

                                            Mayalu Busty ,Gorubathan

and Rup Das Rai (Namdung).  This was the first religion to come to Gorubathan.

In 1905 Missionary T.E Taylor started first primary school in Gorubathan Tar. It was from then that he begun to propagate Christainity in Gorubathan and to its surrounding areas.

 In 1939 Father Franchischan established Catholic Church. He even worked from Maria Busty to Gorubathan Tar in health sector, treating destitute and downtrodden.(Courtesy : Mr William Phipon)

     There is Lepcha Stupa which is more than 200 years old. 

       Tamang Monastery in Neem Busty

Birth Place of Lepcha King

Historical Place Lungsyol Village

There was a Lepcha king. His name was Gaebbo Achyok. He was born and brought up in Chyakhung Dara in Lungsysol. Lungsysol was a place stationed in a place formed out of scattered stones. This place still exists. The area has been dominated by 60% Lepcha’s. Most of the tribals are farmers. They learnt to grow organic tea. It is also assumed by the locals that Lungsyol is a volcanic prone area. Smoke blows constantly from nearby Chyakhung Dara.

Historical Place Dalim Fort

It was said that King Gaebbo Achyok was so powerful and strong that he was invincible. The history says that the Bhutanese invaded Gorubathan went on rampage; ransacking properties, food grain, cattles and even molested ignorant and innocent women and children. King Gaebbo Achyok then fought for his pride, dignity and most importantly for the freedom of his people. King of Bhutan had to face defeat. After series of defeat the Bhutanese General Ashyik Doogey sent his messenger to King Gaebbo Achyok to neutralize warfare and to build up friendship for the sake of the peace for their respective people. And to sign the treaty they met in place called Dalim Fort which exits to this day.  Bhutanese General had ill-thought for King Gaebbo Achyok. He wanted to weed out King Gaebbo Achyok from his throne. In order to do so he made him drink wine thoroughly. When King Gaebbo Achyok was in deep sleep Bhutanese General drew his sword and beheaded king Gaebbo Achyok. This was how the invincible king Gaebbo Achyok died.  The head  and the body of the king Gaebbo Achyok was thrown into the  ravine of deep cold water of Chel River and till date this place is known as Bhootay Daha (Devil’s pond). Lepchas and Bhutanese people still afraid to go to this river alone even in daylight. Sometime later the rumour spread out  all over Gorubathan that  an old lady who went to near Chel River to make pigs foods.She saw the body and head of the king Gaebbo Achyok floating in the river and was about to join. When she reported this to Bhutanese authority. The Bhutanese authority ordered his soldiers to chop off the body and the head of the dead king Gaebbo Achyok into pieces and to throw them to different directions. It was believed that these pieces had turned into leeches and mosquitoes.

Following are the Programmes the Travelers can enjoy

Following are the programmes the Travelers can enjoy.

1. Riverside Camping.

    Chel Khola,Dalim Khola

2. Picnic Spots.

   Chel Khola,Dalim Khola

3. Cultural Programme.

   Every year after Hindu’s Festival Diwali on second or third Monday of the same month Gorubathan Conducts a     traditional and indigenous program called Di Hala Bhauju.  This is typically an indigenous program which happens in Gorubathan only.

4.Hiking

5. Sakham Jungle Safari

    In Sakham Jungle travelers will have the opportunity to witness ethnic Nepali Houses. Unseen wildlife and amazing inscribed rocks. It is said that these rocks are being used for building forts, palace by ancient people.

6.Trekking.

    a) Trekking from Gorubathan to Chhagay Falls via Dalim Kup and Saurani Village.

    b) Trekking from Gorubathan Tar to Dalim Fort via Dalim Kup
    c) Trekking from Gorubathan Tar to Paanch Pokhari via Dalim Kup,Dalim Fort.

7. Paanch Pokhari ( Five Ponds)

    It is said that Panch Pokhari had five ponds but four had dried up. When there were five ponds two     swans used to come and clean the ponds whenever leaves of the trees would make them dirty.  It was also said that after Bhutanese were defeated by Britishers they were scattered hither and dither. The scattered scary Bhutanese used to take their cattle to panch Pokhari to drink water. It was said that one day all cattle drown into the pond when its owner went to save them they also drown and threw up blood and then died. At present, In Panch Pokhri itself   local celebrates Ramnavami in festival .This festival is a big festival for the locals. The outsiders also come to worship God and Goddesses.

8. Organic Tea Gardens

   Samabeong and Mission Hill