The Journey of Wangdue Dzong View Homestay
Passang Om’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep-rooted passion for both hospitality and conservation. “To lessen my parents’ financial burden and support my other siblings’ academic endeavors, I dropped out of high school in 2016. This decision closed so many doors on my face,” says Passang Om. Little did she know, that this seemingly closed door would lead her to a remarkable journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurial spirit.
After three years of hard work at Wangdue Eco Lodge, Passang pursued formal training in Food & Beverage, leading her to a job opportunity in India. However, the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly brought her back home to Bhutan. Determined to make the most of her situation, Passang explored various avenues, from tailoring to hospitality, before embracing her true calling: agriculture and hospitality venture. She found the opportunity amidst so many challenges in her life.
Returning to her ancestral home near Wangdue Dzong, Passang envisioned a unique venture that would blend her expertise in hotel management with her family’s farming legacy. The decision to convert their family home into a homestay was driven by a profound desire to contribute to sustainable tourism in Bhutan.
Passang’s collaboration with the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) has been a profound
and transformative experience and further fueled her passion for conservation. Passang aspired to create a space where guests could not only experience Bhutanese hospitality but also actively participate in environmental conservation efforts.
“Ever since I embarked on my homestay journey, I’ve been driven by a profound inspiration on the protection of majestic critically endangered White-bellied Heron (WBH) and conservation of its habitat,” says Passang Om. She expresses gratitude towards the RSPN for facilitating this enriching journey.
Passang’s homestay offers guests an authentic Bhutanese rural lifestyle, coupled with a farm-to-table dining experience sourced directly from their farm. Traditional Bhutanese paintings adorn the rooms,
creating a culturally immersive atmosphere. Guests can also partake in wearing traditional attire, guided village tours, and agricultural field visits.
“Inspired by the conservation efforts focused on the WBH, I am committed to playing an active role in preserving Bhutan’s natural heritage for future generations. Through advocacy, community engagement, and personal initiatives, I aspire to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing conservation endeavors, ensuring the protection of Bhutan’s biodiversity and the sustainability of its homestay experiences,” says Passang Om.
Financial limitations posed a significant challenge in setting up the homestay, but with small financial support, and several capacity-building trainings from RSPN, and also financial support from her own family, Passang turned her vision into reality. While facing setbacks in securing additional funding, Passang remains undeterred in her pursuit of continuous improvement and expansion.
Passang’s journey is not just about personal success; it’s about inspiring others to pursue their dreams, even in the face of uncertainty. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: start small, seek help, and never stop learning. To a homestay owner like Passang Om, an entrepreneur embodies more than just a title; it represents a mindset of creativity, resilience, and adaptability. As the steward of Wangdue Dzong View Homestay, Passang embodies the entrepreneurial spirit through her innovative approach to hospitality, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to community engagement.
Wangdue Dzong View Homestay stands as a testament to Passang’s unwavering determination and commitment to preserving Bhutanese culture and heritage. It offers guests a transformative experience, fostering cultural exchange, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. As Passang continues to nurture her venture, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and conservationists alike.
