Nestled on the edge of the Himalayas, Bhutan is known for its natural beauty and cultural preservation. It was closed off to tourists until 1974, and didn't get TV and internet until 1999, or cell phones until 2003!
But what truly sets Bhutan apart? Happiness. The Bhutanese prioritize well-being so much that they measure their national progress through happiness and quality of life (officially known as Gross National Happiness, or GNH), rather than economic indicators. This philosophy resonates through everything in Bhutan, making adventuring in the region energizing for both the body and soul.
Our women-led Bhutan Adventure is your chance to experience the rich traditions, culture, and landscapes of Bhutan, guided by those who know it best. We’ll hike to the iconic cliffside Buddhist monastery, Tiger’s Nest, join in on the colorful festivals, and live like nomadic yak herders on the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek. Whether this Buddhist kingdom has long been on your list or remains a mystery, we can't wait to share it with you!
Intrigued? We asked our local partner, Tashi, some questions to give you a taste of what to expect on this truly unique adventure. She’s an entrepreneur, owner, founder, adventurer, and a strong, fun-loving trailblazer with over 20 years of experience in travel. Read on to discover things that may surprise you, capture your soul, and leave you dreaming of Bhutan!
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO SHOW PEOPLE VISITING BHUTAN?
Tashi: I always encourage my guides to look for opportunities for tourists and locals to interact, so that visitors have the chance to know the real Bhutanese. The random interactions between visitors and locals at a farmhouse, in the market, or an archery or darts game. A chance meeting with a member of the Royal Family. Sharing food with local picnickers. Helping out on the rice plantation or milking cows. Visiting a neighbor's house to indulge in local food, customs, and drinking during a big ritual or ceremony.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT SURPRISES PEOPLE ABOUT BHUTAN?
Tashi: The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)! Every tourist should know that the SDF they pay directly benefits the people—and that our government is not corrupt, so the money is not misused.
Bhutan imposes a Sustainable Development Fee, and as of 2025, it’s set at $100 per person, per night. This daily tariff must be paid by every visitor based on the duration of their trip, and is meant to encourage high-value, low-impact tourism, and ensure it benefits the country economically, while preventing the negative effects of mass tourism.
Tashi: The SDF collected from each tourist goes directly into the economy and helps the people of Bhutan with free education, free healthcare, infrastructure, and development. Bhutan doesn’t have many minerals or natural resources that can be traded, so the tourism industry is the second highest income earner for the country, but provides employment and direct benefits to all of society.
WHAT FOODS SHOULD TRAVELERS TRY IN BHUTAN?
Tashi: Bhutan is quite limited when it comes to varieties of food, but visitors must try all the local vegetables and available meat with rice. And of course, a favorite across all of the Himalayas: momos! Cheese, vegetable, beef/chicken and pork momo. My favorite is the beef momo and rice with dried pork.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BHUTANESE FESTIVALS?
Tashi: Cleansing off my sins by watching the sacred masked dances, haha! But my personal favorite is watching the women and men, dressed in the most vibrant colors, in their finest silk costumes, fully glammed up, made up, and looking grand.
Festivals are a huge part of the Bhutanese culture, and there are several to experience throughout the year. We've specially designed our Bhutan Hiking Adventures to center around experiencing one (or even two)!
YOU LOVE TO TRAVEL (JUST LIKE US)! WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TRAVELING?
Tashi: Sightseeing and the excitement of visiting places I've heard and read about or watched in movies. Also, it's cliche, but 'travel makes me a wiser and humble person.' [That said, I'm always excited to come home to Bhutan] to breathe in the fresh crisp air, eat rice and dried pork with the chili cheese, and feel the calm and relaxed atmosphere all around.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE IN BHUTAN?
Tashi: Great memories from a place frozen in time. Some guests have even said they are more humbled after their Bhutan experience. Personally, I hope they take the very essence of the impermanence of life and to be good, kind, and compassionate. It's all that is ever important in the world.
WHAT DOES HAPPINESS MEAN TO YOU?
Tashi: Happiness for me is to see all my near and dear ones happy and satisfied with whatever they have and to appreciate this fleeting life we have. Happiness can only come from within and being true to oneself is the main source of happiness. On the contrary, money can buy happiness, but the soul has to be appreciative and mirror honesty, humbleness, and most importantly the spirit of sharing and compassion.
