A lot of people describe Bhutan as a land that seems untouched, where mountains stand in quiet strength and rivers run clear through green valleys. Yet this sense of purity is not accidental. It is the result of choices: deliberate, careful, and deeply rooted in values that consider balance above growth, and well-being above endless consumption.
Bhutan measures wealth differently. While much of the world measures progress by production, this country has chosen a different path. Guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, decisions are not made solely for economic gain but for the wellbeing of the people and the land. It might sound like somewhat of a utopia, but it’s entirely real.
The Bhutanese Constitution requires that at least 60% of the country remain under forest cover at all times. In reality, Bhutan has exceeded this: over 70% of its land is covered in forests today! And these forests aren’t just scenic (although they are a beautiful sight), they also act as a living, breathing safeguard, absorbing carbon and protecting biodiversity. This commitment allows Bhutan to stand proudly as one of the only carbon-negative countries in the world.
Hydropower, generated from the country’s fast-flowing rivers, supplies almost all of Bhutan’s electricity. Plastics are being phased out, and traditional practices like weaving, farming, and herbal medicine continue to thrive, reducing reliance on imports and preserving cultural wisdom.
Farmers often work in harmony with the seasons, relying on natural cycles rather than forcing yields from the land. Markets are filled with locally grown produce, and the slow food culture, rooted in simplicity and respect for nature, remains strong.
Travelling gently
For visitors, Bhutan’s approach to tourism reflects the same philosophy of care. The government limits the number of travellers through its “High Value, Low Impact” tourism policy.
This makes sure that Bhutan never becomes overwhelmed, that its sacred sites remain places of reflection, and that communities benefit directly from the presence of guests. It keeps the essence of the country alive, avoiding the busy crowds that would make such a beautiful place lose its peace.
As a traveller, this means that every choice you make carries weight. Choosing eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local artisans, and respecting cultural traditions all make you part of participating in Bhutan’s wider vision for sustainable living.
At Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, we hold this vision closely. We source local ingredients whenever possible, grow our own vegetables and herbs, and support traditional Bhutanese medicine through our in-house doctors. We never forget that our role is to welcome, but also to protect. To share Bhutan’s gifts without diminishing them.
You can read more about our sustainability efforts here.
A lesson for all of us
Through Bhutan’s approach, you might realise that sustainability doesn’t have to mean sacrifice. It can mean breathing cleaner air, hearing rivers run freely, and seeing forests that will outlast us all. It can mean valuing connection over consumption, well-being over speed.
This philosophy reaches beyond the country’s borders. It reminds us that sustainability begins with the choices we make every day: how we eat, how we travel, how we listen to the land.
Sustainability here isn’t a project with an end date. It is a way of living, steady and enduring. By protecting its forests, limiting its growth, and holding space for traditions, Bhutan has shown that a country can prosper without losing its soul.
Let this be your gentle reminder that true luxury lies not in excess, but in balance. And that, perhaps, is Bhutan’s greatest gift to the world.