Chorten Standing Solid and Strong in Tsha-Ri-Ja-Thang

Tsha-Ri-Ja-Thang is in Gasa Dzongkhag and it can be reached after 6 days of hike from Drugyel in Paro at an elevation of about 3800 meters above mean sea level. I hiked from Drugyel to Damji in 2008 and had wonderful opportunity to camp near Tsha-Ri-Ja-Thang. This place is very important to the wild-lifers as it plays as an important summer habitat of the National Animal of Bhutan, Takin (Budorcus taxicolor). I enjoyed rare opportunity of watching Takin in their natural habitat in Tsha-Ri-Ja-Thang. The chorten is constructed overlooking the Takin habitat area and one can watch Takin and their behaviour lying by the side of the chorten.
Yak herders generally roam the place with their herds of yaks and horses, but now a days they are restricted to do so during the Takin's arrival in their place. Takin are shy mammals, thus, one should refrain from wearing bright coloured garments while undertaking the task of watching them.

Takin has wonderful historical and cultural importance in Bhutan. Takin is believed to be created by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (Famously known to the west as Devine Mad man). He combined the head of a Goat to the body of a bull, thus the appearance of Takin.

During winter, the majestic animal migrate

towards south (Damji) via Mo-chu. Across the
Gasa Tshachu is an important Takin migration route. There has been debate going on between the Gasa Dzongkhag Administration and the Park people. Dzongkhag administration people were trying to construct some guest houses right in the middle of the Takin's migratory route to attract more tourist in the area, while Park (Conservation people) were objecting the idea. I guess finally Conservation might have won over the economic gains letting the Majestic Takin to breathe in PEACE.

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