In Shingkhar, Bhutan, there is a growing concern over the impact of tourism and modern values on the well-being of the village. Shingkhar is a pastoral yak-herding village (about 250 people in 30 homes) situated at 11,000 feet in a beautiful idyllic valley in eastern Bumthang. My assignment was to help assess potential eco-tourist projects which could benefit the village. I stayed in Shingkhar for three weeks, before and during their Annual Puja. Every morning I was woken

In Shinghkhar, Bhutan, a pastoral yak-herding village of about 250 people, there is a growing concern over the impact of tourism. I stayed in Shinghkhar for three weeks, before and during its annual tsechu (or religious festival). Every morning I woke to the chanting of the young student monks (gomchens) as they marched up the steep hill and past my window. Drums, cymbals, chanting, and singing resound continuously as the ceremonies and rituals are rehearsed.