Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson accompanied by Executive Councillor for Minority Affairs, LAHDC Leh, Ghulam Mehdi met His Excellency, Yab Dhondup Gyaltshen and Her Excellency, Yum Sonam Choki from the Royal family of the Kingdom of Bhutan in the presence of H.E. Gyalwa Dhokhampa, and H.E. Khamtak Rinpoche at Leh on May 19.

CEC Gyalson on behalf of LAHDC Leh and the people of Leh Ladakh accorded a warm welcome to the Royal Family and inquired regarding their stay in Leh Ladakh.

Members of the Royal family and CEC Gyalson discussed several common topics which include cultural ties, geographical terrain, advantages and disadvantages of tourism, negative environmental impacts due to irresponsible tourism, etc. They also discussed the Sustainable Development Fee, its objective, and the Tourism Levy Act of Bhutan 2022. 

After an in-depth discussion, CEC Gyalson requested the delegates for considering a concession in the entry fee (Sustainable Development Fee) for the people of Ladakh visiting Bhutan for religious pilgrimages. 

CEC Gyalson further added that Ladakh is a predominantly Buddhist region in northern India, and a significant number of people from Ladakh undertake pilgrimages to Buddhist sites in neighbouring countries, including Bhutan. He added that the religious and historical relationship between Ladakh and Bhutan is characterized by centuries-old cultural exchanges, shared Buddhist heritage, and mutual spiritual connections. He also added that by nurturing this relationship, we can further strengthen our cultural ties and work towards a shared vision of harmony, preservation, and mutual growth.

CEC Gyalson emphasized that the current entry fee for Bhutan is quite high, making it difficult for pilgrims from Ladakh to afford the trip. Many of these pilgrims are senior citizens and from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and they may not have the necessary resources to pay the fee. 

CEC added that this concession would not only facilitate easier visits for these pilgrims to Bhutan but also enhance the cultural and spiritual bonds between the two countries. 

His Excellency, Yab Dhondup Gyaltshen and Her Excellency, Yum Sonam Choki thanked CEC Tashi Gyalson-led-LAHDC Leh for the warm hospitality. They further assured that they will look into the matter and convey the same to the King of Bhutan and his administration. They further assured strengthening universal understanding and interfaith harmony to nurture the relationship between the two countries as well.