Evaluation criteria for Heritage Accommodation in the Eastern circuit (Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Lhuentse, Mongaar)

Criteria 1: Distinctive Qualities

The facade, architectural features and general construction should have the distinctive qualities and ambience in keeping with the traditional way of life of the area. It is mandated that the property should have been built prior to 1950.

General features and ambience should conform to the overall concept of heritage and architectural distinctiveness. The property should demonstrate rare, uncommon or endangered aspects of the cultural heritage.

• This criterion encompasses places/ properties that either are rare from the time of their construction, or subsequently have withstood time to become rare due to the loss of similar places or areas. They have characteristics of scale, composition, materials, texture and color that are considered to have either value for the local district/ community or are reflection of the community’s age-old architectural or traditional evolution
• Or, such properties may reflect evidence of a defunct custom, way of life or process; or demonstrate a custom, way of life or process that is in danger of being lost; or demonstrate an architecture, design or technique of exceptional interest.
• Or, closely associated with events, developments or cultural phases that have played an important part in the locality’s history. This also includes a special association with a person, group of people or organisation important in shaping the locality (either as the product or workplace of a person or group, or the site of a particular event connected with them). The associations should be strong and verified by evidence and, ideally, demonstrated in the fabric of the place.

Criteria 2: Authenticity

A place included under this criterion should provide a good example of its type. The property should be a true representation of the type of architecture, or construction type, a particular period or way of life. Key factors in judging authenticity include the current state of the place in relation to the promise, the extent to which the fabric is in its original state or the level of compromise in order to restore of the place for accommodation.

• The architecture of the property to be considered for this category should not normally be interfered with.
• Any extension, improvement, renovation, change in the existing structures should be in keeping with the traditional architectural styles and constructional techniques harmonising the new with the old.
• After expansion/ renovation, the newly built up area added should not exceed 50% of the total built up (plinth) area including the old and new structures. For this purpose, facilities such as swimming pools, lawns etc. will be excluded.
• Furniture and equipments are kept in line with the historic character of the building

Criteria 3: Management/ Services:

• The Hotel may be managed and run by the owning family and/or professionals. The government would encourage community participation and close involvement of the family with visiting Bhutan and introducing them to the living culture.
• The hotel should primarily offer traditional cuisine of the area with options for select items of continental cuisine.
• All public rooms and areas and the guest rooms should be well maintained and well equipped with basic quality – cleanliness, ambience, lightings, furniture, reception desk, service staff, hygiene, connectivity, etc. (defined by basic standards)
• Information (letters/ pamphlets) to be provided to the guests with regard to the historic character or distinctiveness of the accommodation
• Service/ other requirements should comply with minimum standards for accommodation type as per TCB’s classification system