Kohla Sonpre Toh Visit- Overview of Management and Participants

The President, Captain Dem Bahadur Yoja Tamu, committed to visiting Kohla Sonpre Toh during the third year of his tenure following his appointment as President of the Seventh Executive Committee of the Tamu Pye Lhu Sangh UK. The initiative reflects his dedication to protecting and promoting the historical and ancestral heritage of the Tamu (Gurung) people. In addition, the visit was intended to support research into culturally and spiritually significant sites mentioned in the Bon religious scriptures (Pye), with the aim of preserving their history and increasing public awareness of their importance.

Accordingly, during the second year of the term, on Monday, 31 March 2025, a delegation from the Tamu Pye Lhu Sangh UK visited the Tamu Pye Lhu Sangh Central Office in Pokhara to formally inform and coordinate the planned Kohla Sonpre Toh visit with the Central Committee. Furthermore, all overseas committees of the Tamu Pye Lhu Sangh were officially informed through written correspondence requesting their participation and cooperation. At the same time, preparations relating to the planning, coordination, and overall management of the visit were carried out.

As planned, the Kohla Sonpre Toh visit was successfully completed from 19 to 24 April 2026 (Baishak 6 to 11, 2083) under the leadership of President Captain Dem Bahadur Yoja Tamu. The visiting team travelled to Kohla Sonpre Toh via Bhujung and returned through Sikles after completing the six-day visit. A dedicated visiting team of 57 members participated in the visit, including 9 Khegigurus, 3 media personnel and 30 assistants. Every effort was made to ensure the visit was credible, systematic and well-managed from all perspectives, with particular emphasis on the health, safety and overall wellbeing of the participants. Careful attention was given throughout the programme to ensure proper coordination and management.

Accordingly, the President of the Association, Capt. Dem Bahadur Yoja Tamu, led the visit and served as the chief coordinator, while the Second Vice President, Amar Thorje Tamu, acted as Asst-coordinator. Their continuous guidance, supervision, and close involvement played a key role in ensuring a safe, smooth, and well-managed journey, helping all participants feel secure and comfortable throughout the visit.

Similarly, advisors Som Thorje Tamu and Nanda Yoja Tamu were responsible for managing financial transactions. Their accounting system was clear, transparent, and well-managed, serving as an example of good financial practice. They presented detailed records of contribution, payments, and expenditures in a simple and understandable manner, ensuring full clarity for all concerned. During the visit and related activities, including support for the Kohinbo Construction, the duo managed and properly documented financial transactions totalling approximately 3.6 – 3.7 million rupees.

Kohla Sonpre Toh is regarded as a sacred ancestral site believed to be connected with invisible spiritual and natural powers. To honour these beliefs, Khegigurus skilled in traditional rituals such a jiubar, jharphuk and dhupdhayer were included in the visiting group. Under the leadership of Pachyu Chiba, Jit Kromchhe Tamu, the Khegigurus played a key role throughout the visit by carrying out important spiritual performances. They offered incense and prayers in honour of local protective spirits, including Sildo-Naldo, Sime-bhume and local dities, at the various places where the visiting group stayed and took meals. In particular, the Khegigurus conducted Chhyopa Tehn and Thanso Tehn rituals in Kohla to honour the ancestral spiritual presence and to show respect for the spiritual essence believed to exist in the Kohla region, thereby contributing to the spiritual observance and cultural significance of the journey.

Three media personnel were assigned to document the visit through photography, videography, and news reporting. Tekman Phachyu Tamu and Chandra Phachyu Tamu were responsible for capturing photos and video footage throughout the journey. In addition, Milan Lhenge Tamu, Managing Director of Gurkha Media, was assigned to provide direct news coverage and reporting of the visit. Their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to their assigned duties were highly commendable and contributed significantly to the proper documentation of the entire visit.

On other hand, Secretary Bheg Chakli Tamu served as the main focal point and coordinator for ensuring the smooth conduct of the visit. He took responsibility for managing key communications and facilitating the necessary arrangements throughout the journey. From the initial planning stage through to the completion of the visit, he played a vital role in coordinating various activities and ensuring that each phase of the journey was carried out in an orderly and well-managed manner.

The group of assistants played a vital and highly commendable role in managing food and hospitality throughout the visit, serving as cooks and support staff for the visiting group. They ensured the continuous availability of hot and cold drinking water, prepared meals, and managing kitchen arrangements. In addition, they took responsibility for collecting firewood, lighting fires, and supporting all essential cooking activities in challenging conditions. Beyond their practical duties, they also provided comfort, care, and encouragement to the participants, contributing significantly to the overall well-being of the team. Their dedication, hard work, and tireless service throughout the journey were truly praiseworthy and deserve high appreciation and recognition.

All the Executive members and followers from the Tamu Pyae Lhu Sangh Central Committee, Central Women’s Committee, Central Youth Committee, Central Khegi Committees, Tamu Pye Lhu Sangh Kaski District Committee, Kaski District Women's Committee, Kaski District Youth Committee, Tamu Pye Lhu Sangh Lamjung District Committee, Lamjung District Women's Committee, Tamu Pye Lhu Sangh Ekai Ghalegaun, Yumpo Tamu Pye Lhu Sangh Bhujung, Tamu Pye Lhu Sangh Ekai Committee Sikles, Chili Kohinbo Pariwar, Namju Chiuli Yunla Kohinbo Pariwar, and Tamu Pye Lhu Sangh Hong Kong played a significant and supportive role in ensuring all the pre-planned and extended programme effectively organised. Their involvement, both direct and indirect, contributed greatly to the smooth conduct and effective management of the programme. Their coordination, guidance, and active participation were instrumental in making the visit well-managed and dignified, adding to its overall success and significance.

There is no doubt that the leadership, coordination, preparation, and execution of the entire initiative played a decisive role in making the visit effective, well-organised, and meaningful. The collective efforts of all involved contributed significantly to its successful completion and overall impact.

List of Participants:

1. Capt. Dem Bahadur Yoja Tamu (Coordinator)

2. Amar Tohrje Tamu (Asst-Coordinator)

3. Bheg Chahkli Tamu

4. Babita Pahchyu Tamu

5. Chandra Yoja Tamu (First Aider)

6. Jagat Pahchyu Tamu

7. Som Tohrje Tamu (Finance handler)

8. Nanda Yoja Tamu (Finance handler)

9. Pitamber Lhon Tamu

10. Bhima Devi Chahrla Tamu

11. Laxmi Tamu (Tulachan)

12. Krishna Bahadur Parju Tamu

13. Purna Kumari Main Tamu

14. Anju Lhon Tamu

15. Sandhya Lem Tamu

16. Hitman Tohrje Tamu

17. Pooja Tohrje Tamu (Riya)

Khegi Gurus:

1. Pachyu Chiba, Jit Kromchhe Tamu

2. Pachyu Chiba, Dr. Pol Bahadur Kromchhe Tamu

3. Pachyu Chiba, Yam Bahadur Kromchhe Tamu

4. Pachyu Chiba, Yug Bahadur Kromchhe Tamu

5. Klhepri Chiba, Chandraman Tu Klhepri Tamu

6. Klhepri Chiba, Yam Bahadur Tu Klhepri Tamu

7. Pachyu, Buddhi Lhon Tamu

8. Pachyu, Bhasar Kromchhe Tamu

9. Pachyu, Purna Lhon Tamu

Media Personnel:

1. Milan Lhenge Tamu, Managing Director, Gurkha Media

2. Tekman Pahchyu Tamu

3. Chandra Pahchyu Tamu

Assistants Team:

1. Hum Paljain Tamu

2. Bikash Pohm Tamu

3. Tirthaman Pahchyu Tamu

4. Gam Bahadur Pohm Tamu

5. Gore Sukumai Tamu

6. Takta Bahadur Chormi Tamu

7. Som Bahadur Kepchhe Tamu

8. Kiran Pahchyu Tamu

9. Rabin Tu Klhepri Tamu

10. Kush Bahadur Kromchhe Tamu

11. Kesh Bahadur Chormi Tamu

12. Deu Bahadur Pahchyu Tamu

13. Raju Kromchhe Tamu

14. Bijman Kromchhe Tamu

15. Bir Bahadur Chormi Tamu

16. Bam Bahadur Pahchyu Tamu

17. Rajendra Chormi Tamu

18. Rup Bahadur Kromchhe Tamu

19. Khush Bahadur Chormi Tamu

20. Dhan Bahadur Pahchyu Tamu

21. Men Bahadur Pahchyu Tamu

22. Chandrabir Kle Tamu

23. Yuvraj Kle Tamu

24. Karan Ngopchhe Tamu

25. Ram Bahadur Ngopchhe Tamu

26. Sahil Lhenge Tamu

27. Bhupendra Ngopchhe Tamu

28. Gehendra Lhenge Tamu

Other Participants:

1. Luguna Mhobchhe Tamu

2. Chandra Suba Main Tamu

3. Parbati Parju Tamu

4. Mina Lhenge Tamu

5. Yam Kumari Chahmru Tamu

6. Suk Bahadur Sarbuja Tamu

7. Pabitra Pahchyu Tamu

8. Hom Lhon Tamu

9. Prajwal Paljain Tamu

10. Pranit Paljain Tamu

11. Prakash Main Tamu