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Sanctuary Gateway Tours and Trek, Babesa, Thimphu (2026)

02/09/2026

Bhutan Supports Nepal

Following the Royal Directive of His Majesty The King, Bhutan has donated INR 100 million to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund of Nepal in support of those affected by the tragic flooding.

Though borders can divide countries at times of calamity, compassion unites hearts.

From the hearts of Bhutanese to our fellow citizens of Nepal, you’re not alone.

Let those affected gain solace and peace. Let the souls that have passed away rest in peace, and let Nepal emerge stronger after this calamity.

Bhutan stands with Nepal🇧🇹🤝🇳🇵

31/08/2026

Why Bhutan Is the Right Destination

When planning the destination for traveling, what do travelers value? Our study of criteria which people pay attention when choosing the destination shows that safety, affordability, and accessibility provide the basis for the trip. Once these requirements are met, the travelers want to experience something special, authentic culture, unique cuisine, beautiful nature and unusual experience.

So, does Bhutan provide all of the above mentioned elements?

Safety and Security
Travellers get the opportunity to visit the peaceful and friendly destination, as Bhutan is the place where travellers will feel safe and comfortable. There are lots of towns, villages and beautiful natural landscapes in this country and due to the friendly environment created in Bhutan, it will be easy for travelers to explore them.

Affordable Prices and High Value
While it can be said about Bhutan that it is not the cheapest destination in Asia, affordability should be evaluated not only by prices, but also by the value and experience provided by the country. The travelers will see ancient monasteries, beautiful Himalayas, traditional villages, local cuisine and cultural festivals during their stay in one destination.

Accessibility
Despite the fact that Bhutan is located in Himalayas, it has developed the infrastructure which allows travellers to explore the country easily. They will be able to fly to Paro International Airport and then visit valleys, cultural places, villages and mountain regions. While to reach Bhutan will take more time than to travel to some other neighboring countries, this will also add value to the trip.

Authentic culture
One of the main advantages of the destination is that there is plenty of authentic culture in this country. It means that traditional architecture, national dress, Buddhist monasteries, festivals, arts and local customs are still important parts of people's life. Visitors are not going to watch only cultural attractions, they will be able to get acquainted with the traditions which are used by local population now.

Unusual culinary experiences
Cuisine is another aspect of the travelling experience in Bhutan. Local dishes such as ema datshi, red rice, buckwheat dishes and local preparations will let travellers taste something unique and special.

Natural and adventurous aspects
If travelers like nature and adventures, Bhutan will offer the beautiful Himalayan landscapes, forests, valleys, rivers and high altitude environments for hiking, trekking, wildlife experience and scenic trips.

The Bhutan difference
It should be noted that the difference of Bhutan is that these aspects are combined in the right way. Travellers can explore the ancient traditions, taste the local cuisine, go hiking in beautiful landscapes and meet the local people and still use the services of tourism and get comfortable accommodation.

30/08/2026

🇧🇹 If you could visit Bhutan, what would you want to experience first?

🏔️ Mountains
🏯 Culture & monasteries
🍛 Bhutanese food
🌿 Nature
🎭 Festivals

Tell us in the comments! 👇

29/08/2026

Why Is Bhutan Sometimes Called the "Happiest Place on Earth"?

Imagine that some country decided that the economic growth per se is no longer enough for development, and wellbeing of its people is as well supposed to be considered when measuring the level of its economic progress. 🇧🇹

While other countries usually use the concept of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to evaluate their economic progress, Bhutan came up with a totally different approach, the Gross National Happiness (GNH).

The international reputation of Bhutan as the place of happiness is explained by the visionary development strategy of this country based on the development of not only economy, but also the wellbeing of people.

Instead of treating development in terms of financial wealth, Bhutan tries to balance economic development and development of such spheres of social life as social, cultural, environment and psychological.

1. Citizen-centric Governance

In Bhutan, the government works with the goal of protecting and developing the wellbeing of its citizens.

The GNH Screening Tool is used for evaluating the proposed policies, laws and projects in terms of their compliance with GNH-related considerations.

It means that development is assessed along with such important social, cultural, environmental and psychological values.

2. Universal Social Protections

Access to services as healthcare and education is an important priority in Bhutan.

In Bhutan, there is provided a free basic public healthcare to the citizens of the country including the provision of both modern and traditional medicine within the public healthcare system.

The education in Bhutan is highly subsidized by the government, thus providing people of the country with opportunity to get educated regardless of economic wealth of the family.

3. Progressive Constitutional Monarchy

The political history of Bhutan is closely related to its monarchy.

The Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, played a crucial role in transformation of Bhutan from the absolute monarchy into the constitutional monarchy. This transformation was aimed to enhance participation of citizens in the governance of the country.

Thus, the monarchy is still functioning in Bhutanese society, while its democracy is governed by the Constitution.

4. Community Life

The country of Bhutan is famous for the high level of community cohesion among the population.

The culture of Bhutan is deeply influenced by Buddhism and, accordingly, the importance is attached to the values of compassion, non-violence, community and respect to others.

Such atmosphere is highly appreciated by many tourists who visit this country.

5. Environmental Protection and Carbon Negativity

The environmental conservation policy is one of the most distinct features of Bhutan's development philosophy.

According to the Constitution of the country, Bhutan should maintain at least 60% forest cover for all times. A lot of forests covers the territory of the country and plays an important role in environmental and economic sustainability of the country.

Additionally, Bhutan is known internationally as the carbon negative country because the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the forests of the country exceeds the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the country.

Therefore, the environmental protection is perceived not only as an economic resource, but also as a responsibility to future generation.

6. Cultural Identity and Respect for Nature

Preservation of cultural identity is a very important feature of development of Bhutan.

The traditional costumes of Bhutanese such as gho and kira are very popular in Bhutanese society and are widely used in schools, government organizations and at official meetings.

The Buddhism heritage of Bhutan also influences its perception of nature and living creatures.

Mountains, forests, rivers and other natural landscapes have a great spiritual significance for the inhabitants of Bhutan.

This combination of cultural preservation and environmental protection allows to maintain the cultural identity of the country in modern globally integrated world.

🌏 But Is Bhutan Really the "Happiest Country on Earth"?

Here it is necessary to make an important clarification.

The philosophy of Gross National Happiness does not mean that Bhutan is recognized as the happiest country in the world.

The measures of the World Happiness Report and Bhutan's GNH Index evaluate the level of wellbeing differently and cannot be considered as equal.

The GNH is the development philosophy of the country used to evaluate its wellbeing in many aspects, while the World Happiness Report evaluates people's self-assessment of their life.

Perhaps the most accurate description of Bhutan would be a country that decided to make people's happiness and wellbeing an important part of its national development.

And this very idea makes Bhutan such an interesting and unique country.

Do you agree that countries should consider happiness and wellbeing of their citizens along with the GDP? 🇧🇹

28/08/2026

🇧🇹 Best Time To Visit Bhutan – Season by Season Guide

When is the best time to visit Bhutan?

It depends on what you want to experience in the beautiful kingdom of Bhutan!

Bhutan is year-round tourist destination. The country has four seasons; spring, summer, autumn and winter. Due to the diverse altitudes within Bhutan, the climate can differ in varying parts of the country. There is a unique experience in each season.

🌸 Spring – March to May

This is one of the best times to experience Bhutan. The landscape becomes colorful with blooms and new greenery during spring.

Travelers who are fond of nature, photography, trekking and other outdoor activities find this season to be very attractive. In addition, there are flowers blooming in the mountains and Punakha becomes exceptionally scenic during this season.

Spring also provides great conditions for trekking, cycling, rafting and kayaking. Bird lovers will have excellent chances to go bird watching in this season as it is the best time for that activity in Bhutan.

Best for: 🌺 Flowers • 🥾 Trekking • 🐦 Birdwatching • 🚴 Cycling • 📸 Photography • 🌿 Nature

☀️ Summer – June to August

Summer brings a different face of Bhutan. There are lush landscapes, impressive waterfalls and flourishing rice fields in Bhutan during this season.

Yes, it rains during this season but that does not imply that Bhutan becomes a no-go zone for tourists. The official tourism authority describes summer as the season of lush landscapes, festivals and outdoors.

If you like to spend your holidays surrounded by greenery, Bhutanese agriculture, waterfalls, festivals and have a less crowded vacation, then this could be the ideal time to visit Bhutan. August could also be an interesting month for enjoying some mushrooms.

Best for: 🌿 Lush landscapes • 💦 Waterfalls • 🍄 Mushrooms • 🎭 Festivals • 🌾 Rice fields • 🧘 A quieter experience

🍂 Autumn – September to November

Autumn is one of the best travel seasons in Bhutan.

The weather in Bhutan becomes clear after the rains in the summer and creates the ideal conditions for traveling. The mountains and valleys can look exceptionally beautiful under the clear sky of the Himalayan ranges.

This season is also the harvest season in many parts of Bhutan and makes the autumn an ideal time to experience the cuisine of Bhutan.

If you want comfortable weather, clear landscapes, cultural experience and outdoor activities, autumn is the best choice.

Best for: 🏔️ Mountain views • 📸 Photography • 🥾 Hiking • 🎭 Festivals • 🌾 Harvest experiences • 🏯 Cultural sightseeing

❄️ Winter – December to February

Winter in Bhutan has a completely different character.

The air becomes crisp and the sky becomes exceptionally clear creating the perfect condition for taking pictures of the Himalayas. Though it can get quite cold during winters in Bhutan, it rarely snows in Thimphu and Paro.

But the most amazing thing in winter is that the rare species of birds called Black-necked Cranes visit the Bhutanese country starting mid-November until winter ends.

If you prefer a less crowded holiday with clear winter skies and a tranquil vacation, winter in Bhutan is perfect.

Best for: 🏔️ Clear mountain views • 🐦 Black-necked Cranes • ❄️ Winter scenery • 📸 Photography • 🧘 Peace and tranquility

🌏 So when is the best time to visit Bhutan?

There is no universal best season to visit Bhutan.

If you prefer flowers, trekking and nature – then go to Bhutan during spring;

If you love lush green landscapes, waterfalls and local festivals – then summer in Bhutan is ideal for you;

If you want clear skies, pleasant weather, mountain views and cultural experiences, then autumn is a great choice;

If you prefer clear winter skies, wildlife and tranquil journey, then winter in Bhutan is perfect.

Bhutan is the place where you can find different faces of the country depending on the season you choose.

The best way to explore Bhutan is to visit this country in every season. 🇧🇹

27/08/2026

We extend our sincere condolences to all those affected by the horrific flash flood situation in Nepal and China.

We sympathize with the victims whose lives were lost and we pray for their souls to rest in peace. We are with you in your time of grief, in this difficult time you face.

To those who are injured, to those who have lost their near and dear ones, to those who are displaced, our thoughts are with all of you.

May God give you courage and strength to get through this hard time.

With deepest sympathy and solidarity from Bhutan. 🇧🇹❤️🙏

27/08/2026

Can you spot these delicacies from Bhutan? 🇧🇹 If you can, chances are you’ve either visited Bhutan or have experienced our unique cuisine before. 😋

If you haven’t, consider this your invitation to come and discover the rich, authentic flavors of Bhutan. From traditional dishes to locally inspired delicacies, Bhutanese cuisine is an experience worth tasting.

Haven’t tried it yet? Come to Bhutan and taste it for yourself! 🇧🇹❤️

27/08/2026

"Oh, My People Are Here" - A Moment I Will Never Forget, an Audience with His Majesty 25.08.2026

I feel deeply humbled to share an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

To be honest, I had no idea when His Majesty was returning to Bhutan. I only knew he was here in Perth. I had heard from friends about an audience with the DeSuups and the business community, and they encouraged me to attend. But I did not, because there had been no public announcement, and I felt it would be beyond protocol to go uninvited. Still, I always held a quiet wish in my heart that one day I might get the opportunity to offer my respect.

Today, while at work at the airport, my supervisor informed me that His Majesty would be departing from our terminal. Normally after a 10-hour shift I feel so tired, but today I didn’t feel tired at all. In that moment, I felt a profound sense of pride. I shared with her how much it would mean to see our King after so long, and I respectfully requested a few minutes to pay my respects. She kindly agreed.

Unlike other days when there are many Bhutanese friends on shift, today it was only myself and my workmate, Kinley Tshering. The two of us decided to wait.

As soon as His Majesty arrived, we bowed in respect. His Majesty looked at me with a gracious smile and said, “Oh, my people are here.” He then placed his hand on my right shoulder and guided me toward the corner of the terminal. As if he knew the wish I had held for so long, His Majesty asked his team to take a photo with us.

After that, he asked me personally how long I had been here. I replied that I have been working at the airport for the last three years. At that point, I was so overwhelmed that I could barely hold my head up. My mind went blank. Hearing His Majesty’s words moved me to tears. Thankfully, my friend Kinley was able to respond with composure.

What touched me even more was seeing how our foreign colleagues reacted. Several of my non Bhutanese team members were standing nearby, and afterward they came to express their appreciation. They said they had never seen such a warm and personal bond between a leader and his people. They were deeply moved by the respect, love, and connection they witnessed between His Majesty and us. Coming from a very humble background, I never imagined in my life that I would be given such a rare opportunity. This is one of my lifetime aspirations, and I feel incredibly humbled.

His Majesty also shared that he looks forward to visiting Australia again soon with his family, and he encouraged us to continue doing good work. He expressed his happiness, saying, “Now everywhere there are our Bhutanese people.”

Thank you, Your Majesty. Your words, “my people are here,” carry deep meaning. I will reflect on them and strive to live up to your expectations.

Wishing you a safe flight back to Bhutan.
With deepest respect,

🇧🇹 Sharing this beautiful and heartfelt story by Minjur, along with his original photo.

Credit: Minjur

07/05/2026

Bhutan is a land of happiness, peace, and comfort, where nature, culture, and serenity come together.

27/04/2026

Start your morning the Bhutanese way, witness the sacred incense offering, where fragrant smoke carries prayers, peace, and blessings into the Himalayan dawn in Bhutan.

Sanctuary Gateway Tours and Trek

02/09/2026

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