1. Transboundary Eco-tourism in Indo-
Bhutan Region: A case of Sikkim and
Bhutan
Transboundary Eco-tourism in Indo-Bhutan
Region: A case of Sikkim and Bhutan
Dr. Nakul Chettri & Basudev Upadhyay
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
Kathmandu, Nepal

2. Presentation Outline
 Indo Bhutan Outline
 Tourism in Bhutan
 Tourism in Sikkim
 Eco-tourism Potential of
Indo Bhutan Region
 Regional Cooperation in
Transboundary Tourism

3. Indo Bhutan Outline
State wise length of the
borders with Bhutan
1. Sikkim 32 Km
2. WB 183 Km
3. Assam 267 Km
4. Arunachal Pradesh 217 Km
-----------------------------------------------
Total 699 Km

4. Tourism in Bhutan
Biodiversity
• The Royal Botanical Garden of Edinburg recorded 5,603 species of
angiosperms and gymnosperms. 369 species of orchids
46 species of rhododendrons - 105 species endemic to Bhutan
About 80 species of agricultural crops
• The National Biodiversity Centre has recorded 410 species of pteridophytes
(ferns and fern allies)
14 globally threatened bird species and ten restricted range bird
• 50 freshwater fish species
• 200 species of mammals
• 800 to 900 species of butterfly

5. Tourism in Bhutan…
Cultural diversity
• Bhutan is rich in cultural diversity and this richness is further
enhanced by the variety of festivals that is being observed (eg.
Tshechu).
• Tourism is also highly regulated with respect to conserving local
culture, including dress codes and rules for Dzongs,
monasteries.

6. Tourism in Bhutan….
• The green valleys, snow capped peaks cold climate
and attractive heritage and culture are the symbols
of Bhutan.
• The valleys and temples Handicraft emporiums
Chukha Hydel Project monasteries are some of the
majortourist places among others.
• Bhutan Tourism To Have Wellness Services in
order to achieve the target of 100,000 tourists in
2012.

7. Tourism in Bhutan…
Tourist arrivals in the last two years in
Bhutan

8. Tourism in Sikkim
Biodiversity in Sikkim
• Sikkim's orchids are world-famous as the state has more than 450 species
of them.
• 36 species of rhododendrons in Sikkim found at heights of 10,000 ft.
• more than 600 species of Butterflies many of them rare and endangered.``
• more than 5000 species of avifauna

9. Tourism in Sikkim..
Cultural Diversity in Sikkim
• Sikkim has a mixed culture of Nepalese,
Lepchas and Bhatias, each of this
community has its own language, culture
and dances..
• Archery-popular sport of the Sikkimese, is
traditionally, played after the harvests.

10. Tourism in Sikkim…
Tourists arrivals in Sikkim

11. Tourism in Sikkim…

12. Eco-tourism Potential of Indo Bhutan Region

13. Eco-tourism Potential of Indo-Bhutan
Region…
• India shares a 699 Km long border with
Bhutan along Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam
and Arunachal Pradesh.

14. Eco-tourism Potential of Indo Bhutan
Region…
Ecotourism Strategy for
Sustainable Development in the
Indo Bhutan Region should
consider the following aspects-
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Water supply and sewerage
• Energy
• Finance
• Controls

15. Eco-tourism Potential of Indo Bhutan
Region…
Role of Institutions
• Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation
Program
• Quality Tourism Project
• Sikkim Biodiversity and Ecotourism Project
• Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and
Forest Management Project (JICA-2010
March)

16. Eco-tourism Potential of Indo
Bhutan Region

17. Regional Co-operation in
Transboundary Tourism
• Transboundary Landscape Conservation in the Eastern Himalaya, an
ICIMOD’s initiative for the regional cooperation.
• Need of bilateral mechanism to look after the border management and
security issues.
• visa policies, infrastructural developments and networking capacities among
the stakeholders.

18. Conclusions
• Ecotourism - an important activity in the Himalayan
region
• Gaps –
 Data base of tourist visits
 Tourism development and promotion activities not
sufficient.
 Country specific policies – Need to focus on cross border
region.
• Local initiatives, national efforts, regional collaboration
and support from donors are needed in order to achieve
sustainable development goal through nature based
tourism.

19. Conclusions…
Ecotourism planning should have the following
consideration during Planning
• Sustainable development of ecotourism requires the balance between three elements the tourists, the place
and the host community". Therefore, at management level Government should involve local people along with
NGO and private organization
•
To maintain visitor satisfaction in crowded locales and protection of natural features, and to maintain high
quality of service there is need to assess the carrying capacity of the potential site at planning level.
•
Generally the ecotourism destination is developed in eco-fragile area, which has time specific attraction. The
duration of visit and activity pattern of the tourist should be decided by implementing authorities to maintain
natural harmony.
•
Proper ecotourism legislation and environmental measures should be framed and along with this strict
enforcement measures should be imposed at eco-destination.
•
Along with this there is also need for publicity and advertisement of ecotourism destinations, Environmental
group accreditation (tour operator) and adequate funding to maintain the environmental quality of the potential
ecotourism destinations.

20. Thank you