Bhutan small group guided tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION
Bhutan is a global leader in carbon reduction, having achieved carbon negativity, meaning it absorbs more carbon than it emits. This is possible through hydropower projects that generate clean energy, vast forest conservation efforts that keep over 75% of the country covered in trees, and carbon trading that has brought significant revenue from hydropower-based carbon credits.

We understand the value of sustainable development and balancing economic growth with environmental care. To minimize car emissions, we opt to explore sites on foot whenever possible.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
Recognised as one of the world's top biodiversity hotspots, Bhutan boasts dense forests, lush green valleys, snow-capped peaks, and ice-blue lakes. The country is home to more than 165 species of mammals, including tigers, elephants, butterflies, monkeys, sheep, yaks, and the elusive snow leopard. It also supports unique species such as the Red Panda and Takin, as well as the Blue Poppy and over 250 species of rhododendron.

Bhutan has strong environmental policies, including bans on hunting and trading endangered species. Sustainability is a national priority, with initiatives such as community-led reforestation projects and organic farming. The country also relies on hydropower, a renewable energy source, to meet its electricity needs.

The daily sustainable development fee paid by visitors plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, helping preserve Bhutan’s wildlife and landscapes while also funding free education and healthcare. It is also used to regulate visitor numbers, ensuring tourism remains low-impact and environmentally responsible.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
With an extremely rich culture that the Bhutanese people work so hard to protect, as part of their overriding philosophy of Gross National Happiness, it’s important that we encourage and embrace their traditions, and don’t expect or request too many modern comforts or conveniences.

Tourism numbers are low in Bhutan but we still have to tread carefully, as the outside world is very much capable of influencing the administration into making huge and irreparable changes in the way of tourism, risking all of the things that make people want to visit Bhutan in the first place. Also helpful to preserve local traditions is a small donation to the monasteries and dzongs that we visit.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
The government is making strides in inclusive employment and are shifting from rigid employment quotas to incentive-based hiring, encouraging private sector engagement while ensuring workplaces are genuinely inclusive. The Department of Labour ensures fair practices, balancing economic growth with inclusivity.

We work with local guides and drivers for our tours to provide employment opportunities and support the local economy. By working with people from the region, we help preserve traditional knowledge, ensuring visitors gain a deeper and more authentic understanding of the destination. This approach offers more meaningful connections between travellers and the communities visited, promoting sustainable tourism that benefits everyone involved.