Bhutan travel: How to visit the Land of Happiness on a budget in 2024

For a country that’s long prioritised a balanced lifestyle and good governance over economic gain, Bhutan is doing something it’s never done before: embrace more independent, cost-conscious travellers in an urgent bid to revive its faltering economy. Namgyal Dorji, Bhutan’s minister of commerce, industry and employment, confirms the government’s vision for Bhutan’s tourism remains “firmly rooted in a commitment to a high-value, low-volume approach that honors and preserves the country’s unique cultural and environmental heritage.” In anticipation of a potential growth in visitor numbers beyond pre-pandemic numbers, he adds, the government has “adopted a balanced approach that prioritizes sustainable infrastructure enhancements, immersive experiences reflecting Bhutan’s core values, and consistently high-quality visitor experiences.” Brent Olson, founder of Ethos Bhutan, says the growth of tourism to Bhutan over the years is evident. “Once that social media gets out there and hooks millions of people, they all are like lemmings and they follow the same path—it’s a tricky balancing act.” Bhutan’s prime minister Togbay has said that if demand outstrips the 300,000 visitor threshold, the sustainability fee may go up. “As Bhutan gains international visibility, especially through social media and influencers,” he says, “we recognize both the opportunities this brings and the responsibilities we hold to manage it wisely.” Which means there’s no time like now to beat the crowds who are thinking about visiting the Land of the Thunder Dragon. These can be squeezed into a week’s stay, but having at least 8 to 10 days would mean you could also venture farther east into central Bhutan’s Bumthang Valley, considered the cultural heart of the country and home to Buddhist temples dating back to the 8th century C.E.