Introduction
Dhikala Forest Rest House is a seasonal retreat located within the eastern Himalayan range of the country of Bhutan. The site is managed by the National Forestry Commission and serves as a base camp for researchers, conservationists, and tourists interested in the unique temperate forest ecosystems of the region. Established in the early 1980s, the rest house occupies an area of approximately 0.5 square kilometres within a protected forest reserve. It offers basic accommodation, a dining facility, and a small visitor centre that provides information on local flora and fauna, as well as the cultural significance of the surrounding landscape.
Location and Geography
Geographic Coordinates
The Dhikala Forest Rest House lies at a latitude of 27°15'30"N and a longitude of 90°52'45"E. It is positioned at an elevation of 1,850 metres above sea level, which places it within the subalpine zone of the eastern Himalayas. The coordinates place the rest house within the watershed of the Drangme Chhu River, one of the major tributaries feeding into the Brahmaputra basin.
Topography and Landscape
The surrounding landscape is characterized by steep, forested slopes interspersed with clearings that provide scenic viewpoints of the surrounding valleys. The terrain is composed of a mix of metamorphic rock outcrops and soil that supports dense patches of broadleaf and coniferous trees. The area experiences a monsoon-influenced climate, with wet summers and cool, dry winters. The seasonal rainfall patterns contribute to a distinct phenology in the local vegetation, which is a key point of study for researchers.
Accessibility
Access to the rest house is primarily by foot from the nearest road network. The most common approach is via a marked trail that begins at the village of Phuntsholing and passes through a series of passes and streams. The trail is approximately 12 kilometres long and typically takes 4 to 5 hours to traverse on a normal day. In addition to hiking, occasional guided vehicle access is permitted during the summer season, subject to environmental impact assessments and permitting by the forestry authorities.
Historical Context
Pre-Establishment Use
Before the construction of the rest house, the area served as a seasonal grazing ground for yak herders belonging to the local Lhomi community. Oral histories from elder residents note that the site was used as a temporary shelter during monsoon migrations. The location was also significant for traditional trade routes that connected the eastern valleys with the western plains, facilitating the exchange of agricultural products and craft goods.
Establishment and Development
The National Forestry Commission initiated the construction of the Dhikala Forest Rest House in 1981 as part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable tourism and scientific research in Bhutan's forest reserves. The original design was a modest wooden structure that accommodated up to 20 guests and included a small kitchen and a communal dining area. Over the years, the facility has undergone several expansions to incorporate modern amenities such as a solar-powered water purification system, a basic medical station, and an information kiosk.
Policy and Management Evolution
Throughout the 1990s, the management of the rest house was integrated into the Bhutan Forest Management Plan, which emphasised community participation and environmental stewardship. Policies were developed to limit the number of visitors, regulate waste disposal, and protect sensitive habitats. In the early 2000s, the rest house became part of the National Biodiversity Conservation Initiative, which introduced a framework for monitoring endangered species and mitigating human-wildlife conflict.
Architecture and Design
Structural Layout
The building complex consists of a main lodge, an auxiliary storage wing, and a set of guest cabins. The main lodge, constructed from locally sourced timber and stone, features a pitched roof with a steep pitch to facilitate snow runoff. The interior is divided into a common area, a dining hall, and a small office. Guest cabins are arranged in a cluster around the main lodge, each containing a sleeping area, a small kitchenette, and a window offering views of the surrounding forest.
Materials and Sustainability
All primary construction materials are sourced from within a 30‑kilometre radius to minimise transportation impacts. The timber used in the structure is certified by the Bhutan Forest Certification Scheme, and the stones are quarried from a designated deposit with minimal disturbance to the local ecology. The facility is equipped with a photovoltaic system that supplies the electrical needs of the rest house, reducing reliance on diesel generators. A rainwater harvesting system collects water from the roof, which is then filtered through a series of sand and charcoal filters before distribution to guests.
Visitor Facilities
The visitor centre houses informational displays about the local ecosystem, cultural heritage, and guidelines for responsible tourism. It also includes a small library with research publications, field guides, and maps. The dining area provides local cuisine prepared from ingredients grown in the vicinity or sourced from nearby farms. The kitchen is equipped with a composting system that processes organic waste into fertilizer for the surrounding gardens.
Ecology and Conservation
Flora
The forest surrounding Dhikala Forest Rest House is dominated by a mix of coniferous and deciduous species. Common tree species include the Himalayan fir (Abies spectabilis), the silver fir (Abies pindrow), and the rhododendron (Rhododendron arboreum). Understory vegetation comprises various shrubs such as the Himalayan blue poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia) and a range of ferns. The area is also home to several medicinal plants used by local communities for traditional remedies.
Fauna
Wildlife observations in the vicinity indicate the presence of a diverse range of mammals, including the Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus), the red panda (Ailurus fulgens), and the Himalayan musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster). Avifaunal surveys have recorded numerous bird species, such as the blue-winged minivet (Pericrocotus aegrogularis) and the Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus). Invertebrate studies have documented a variety of insects, including the endemic Himalayan swallowtail butterfly (Papilio blumei).
Conservation Initiatives
Researchers working from the rest house have carried out long-term studies on habitat fragmentation and its impact on the genetic diversity of key species. Conservation projects include the installation of wildlife corridors to reduce human‑animal conflict, and community education programmes on sustainable harvesting of forest resources. The rest house also participates in national monitoring schemes, collecting data on forest fire incidents, pest infestations, and climate change indicators.
Visitor Information
Accommodations and Services
Guests are accommodated in a combination of shared dormitories and private cabins. Each cabin is equipped with a basic mattress, a small table, and a lantern. Meals are served three times a day, featuring local dishes such as thukpa (noodle soup) and momo (dumplings). The rest house provides essential amenities such as a communal washroom, a small infirmary, and a storage area for personal belongings.
Guidelines for Visitors
All visitors are required to obtain a permit from the National Forestry Commission before entry. The permit fee covers environmental fees and supports conservation efforts. Visitors must adhere to the "Leave No Trace" principles, including packing out all waste, avoiding disturbance of wildlife, and staying on designated trails. The rest house enforces a strict quiet hour between 22:00 and 06:00 to minimise disturbances to nocturnal species.
Educational and Research Opportunities
Academic institutions often collaborate with the National Forestry Commission to conduct fieldwork at Dhikala Forest Rest House. Courses in ecology, wildlife biology, and sustainable forestry utilise the facility as a living laboratory. Educational tours for school groups are available during the summer season, providing interactive learning experiences about local biodiversity and conservation practices.
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!