With an aim to make Bhutan a global hub for well-being and mindfulness, the country launched its new tourism initiative, “Bhutan for Wellbeing”, over the weekend. The two-day event brought together over four hundred locals, tourists, and wellness practitioners. The event held in Haa ended today.
Around 400 Bhutanese and around 40 international visitors participated in the event. They immersed themselves in a diverse range of traditional and contemporary wellness practices.
From forest bathing and mindful art to spring water immersion and guided meditations, the event fell nothing short of a soothing retreat, bringing calmness. For many, it served as an escape from their daily routines.
“I tried the spring water therapy. It was a little cold for me at first, but after that, I was relaxed; it felt like art. It was a great experience for me,” said Atsuki Iwai, a tourist who attended the event.
“Normally, around this time, we usually go for a retreat elsewhere in the country. This time we chose Haa, thinking it a beautiful time to be here in the valley. When we got here, we found that free therapy classes are going on, and we took a chance and had a great time,” said Tshering Choden, a participant.
“Being a social media influencer, I thought this was a great chance to create awareness about well-being for my audience. That’s why I came here,” said Sonam Wangdi Tshering, who came especially for the event.
The sessions were led by wellness practitioners and facilitators from both Bhutan and abroad.
They say achieving balance and harmony in all areas of life is essential.
“We live in a mindfulness country. It’s been a wonderful event with a lot of different practitioners introducing people to new and different modalities, primarily,” said Fran Bak, a well-being practitioner.
“We are using a modern or contemporary, contemplative and insightful meditation for the purification of our thoughts and mind, thus cleansing our body. So, that is what is happening here,” said Sangay Rinchen, well-being practitioner.
Yangchen Lhamo, another well-being practitioner from Bhutan said, “Well-being is for everybody. It’s a big term. It’s not just for you; it is for every sentient being that surrounds you. It takes care of them all.”
Since Haa was recently featured in BBC Travel’s list of the top 25 destinations for 2025, the Department of Tourism chose the district to launch the “Bhutan for Wellbeing” initiative. The government allocated Nu 3 M from the Economic Stimulus Programme to support the event.
“Bhutan is known for happiness, well-being, and, of course, now Gelephu Mindfulness City. Because of that, Bhutan has made a name globally. That is why the initiation of this event will help promote Bhutan and tourism in particular,” said Damcho Rinzin, the director of the Department of Tourism.
The event will be held annually in June, with its location set to change to other parts of the country in the coming years.
What may seem like just another promotional event is, in fact, the beginning of a broader vision to establish Bhutan as a wellbeing hub within the evolving global tourism landscape.
Karma Samten Wangda, Haa
Edited by Sangay Chezom
