Bhutan Optimises For Happiness. What Are You Optimising For?

Why Bhutan

The world’s only country that measures success in Gross National Happiness. No billboards. No fast food chains. A place which prioritises wellbeing over GDP. Bhutan isn’t a holiday. It’s a mirror.

Why Bhutan

The last place that said no to the rush.

No billboards. No fast food chains. A country which prioritises wellbeing over GDP. Visiting Bhutan doesn’t just show you a different culture. It shows you a different set of priorities. And that shift stays with you long after you leave.

“Most destinations give you a change of scenery. Bhutan gives you a change of framework.”

You don't need to be a founder to come here. But you probably have something to figure out.

Starting something, or questioning what you’ve already built. You need space to think without the noise.

You haven’t stopped in years. Bhutan will make you stop — and make it worth it.

You travel for depth, not destinations. Bhutan rewards exactly that kind of attention.

Discover bhutan

14th Nights

Pursuit of Happiness

No billboards. No fast food chains. A country which prioritises wellbeing over GDP. Visiting Bhutan doesn’t just show you a different culture. It shows you a different set of priorities. And that shift stays with you long after you leave.

7 to 16 Nights

The Five Valleys

No billboards. No fast food chains. A country which prioritises wellbeing over GDP. Visiting Bhutan doesn’t just show you a different culture. It shows you a different set of priorities. And that shift stays with you long after you leave.

14th Nights

The Ancient Roads

No billboards. No fast food chains. A country which prioritises wellbeing over GDP. Visiting Bhutan doesn’t just show you a different culture. It shows you a different set of priorities. And that shift stays with you long after you leave.

7 to 16 Nights

The Green Season

No billboards. No fast food chains. A country which prioritises wellbeing over GDP. Visiting Bhutan doesn’t just show you a different culture. It shows you a different set of priorities. And that shift stays with you long after you leave.

14th Nights

The Complete Kingdom

No billboards. No fast food chains. A country which prioritises wellbeing over GDP. Visiting Bhutan doesn’t just show you a different culture. It shows you a different set of priorities. And that shift stays with you long after you leave.

7 to 16 Nights

The Clifftop Pilgrimage

No billboards. No fast food chains. A country which prioritises wellbeing over GDP. Visiting Bhutan doesn’t just show you a different culture. It shows you a different set of priorities. And that shift stays with you long after you leave.

Healing Through Tradition

featured wellness experience

No billboards. No fast food chains. A country which prioritises wellbeing over GDP. Visiting Bhutan doesn’t just show you a different culture. It shows you a different set of priorities. And that shift stays with you long after you leave.

Restore Mind, Body & Soul

Wellness

No billboards. No fast food chains. A country which prioritises wellbeing over GDP. Visiting Bhutan doesn’t just show you a different culture. It shows you a different set of priorities. And that shift stays with you long after you leave.

Adventure Beyond

No billboards. No fast food chains. A country which prioritises wellbeing over GDP. Visiting Bhutan doesn’t just show you a different culture. It shows you a different set of priorities. And that shift stays with you long after you leave.

A Taste of Bhutan

Culinary

No billboards. No fast food chains. A country which prioritises wellbeing over GDP. Visiting Bhutan doesn’t just show you a different culture. It shows you a different set of priorities. And that shift stays with you long after you leave.

Spiritual Immersion

No billboards. No fast food chains. A country which prioritises wellbeing over GDP. Visiting Bhutan doesn’t just show you a different culture. It shows you a different set of priorities. And that shift stays with you long after you leave.

Complimentary Activities

No billboards. No fast food chains. A country which prioritises wellbeing over GDP. Visiting Bhutan doesn’t just show you a different culture. It shows you a different set of priorities. And that shift stays with you long after you leave.

Travel Types

No billboards. No fast food chains. A country which prioritises wellbeing over GDP. Visiting Bhutan doesn’t just show you a different culture. It shows you a different set of priorities. And that shift stays with you long after you leave.

Personalised Journeys

No billboards. No fast food chains. A country which prioritises wellbeing over GDP. Visiting Bhutan doesn’t just show you a different culture. It shows you a different set of priorities. And that shift stays with you long after you leave.

Bhutan is a global pioneer. The first nation of the world to measure its success not by the strength of its economy but by the happiness of its people. Such a unique approach befits a country unlike any other – a wild, spiritual and majestic mountain kingdom where tranquillity reigns. Whether travellers visit in the height of summer, when the Himalayas are carpeted with wildflowers, or the depths of winter, when cobalt skies segue into spectacular starscapes, Bhutan is a year-round revelation.

Festivals

Bhutan’s 163 vibrant festivals celebrate deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and cultural heritage. Held in monasteries and dzongs, these spectacular events unfold with masked dances, sacred rituals and music to dispel negativity or encourage enlightenment. From the spiritual Tshechus to the nature appreciating Black Necked Crane Festival, Bhutan’s festivals offer captivating cultural and natural explorations, making it a unique destination year-round. 

Starting something, or questioning what you’ve already built. You need space to think without the noise.

You haven’t stopped in years. Bhutan will make you stop — and make it worth it.

You travel for depth, not destinations. Bhutan rewards exactly that kind of attention.

You travel for depth, not destinations. Bhutan rewards exactly that kind of attention.

Seasons

Seasons With each season telling its own, unique story, Bhutan offers year-round beauty: from blooming springs and lush summers to golden autumns and snow-dusted winters.

Valleys

Bhutan’s 163 vibrant festivals celebrate deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and cultural heritage. Held in monasteries and dzongs, these spectacular events unfold with masked dances, sacred rituals and music to dispel negativity or encourage enlightenment. From the spiritual Tshechus to the nature appreciating Black Necked Crane Festival, Bhutan’s festivals offer captivating cultural and natural explorations, making it a unique destination year-round. 

Sustainability

Amankora embraces sustainable, community-based tourism in Bhutan, a carbon-negative country with 70% forest coverage. Efforts include a hyper-local supply chain, eliminating plastic, supporting temple restoration and tree planting ceremonies, ensuring both guests and staff contribute to preserving Bhutan’s environmental and cultural heritage for generations to come.

FEATURED

IMPACT HUB THIMPHU

Operated by ecosystem builders with access to local founders, communities, GNH practitioners, and partners.

What happens when people stop moving fast and start moving differently.

Real Trips. Real Shifts.

Read about founders, leaders, and curious minds who came to Bhutan at a turning point. These are not travel diaries. These are accounts of what changed and what they went back to do differently.

Tell us what you are looking for. We will take care of everything else.

Your Journey Starts Here

Whether you want a structured retreat, a cultural deep dive, or something you cannot quite name yet, we will build a journey around you. Private, small group, or corporate. Just tell us where you are in life right now.

We are a team of Bhutanese entrepreneurs who believe this country changes people.

We Are Not a Tour Company.

Impact Hub Thimphu has spent eight years building Bhutan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Founders.travel is how we share what we have learned about living with purpose, slowing down, and seeing the world differently. Come meet the people behind the journeys.

FOUNDER PHILOSOPHY

Why Bhutan Changes the Way Founders Think

THE LANDSCAPE

A Journey Beyond Speed, Noise & Burnout

THE EXPERIENCE

Inside Founders Retreat Bhutan 2025

Every trip starts with a conversation.

Let’s Build Your Journey.

Not sure which journey is right for you? That is fine. Tell us where you are, what you are looking for, and how long you have. We will come back to you within 24 hours with a starting point.

FAQ

What you are probably wondering

VISA & ENTRY

Yes. All international visitors (except Indian nationals) need a Bhutan e-visa. It costs $40 and we handle the application once your place is confirmed.

Up to five working days. Apply early — we factor this into your pre-retreat timeline automatically.

Yes. Bhutan visas allow up to 90 days. Extensions can be applied for online before your original visa expires.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FEE

A $100 per night government levy paid by all international visitors to Bhutan. It directly funds free healthcare, education, and environmental conservation. For 6 nights, that’s $600 — included in your $1,900 retreat cost.

Yes. Any unused nights are refunded by the Bhutan Department of Immigration. Bank charges may apply.

FIRST-TIMERS

Yes. Most participants are first-time visitors. We manage every logistic — visa, transport, accommodation, meals, and experiences. You show up. We handle the rest.

No. Curiosity is the only prerequisite. We send a pre-reading pack after your place is confirmed.

Layers for shifting mountain temperatures, comfortable walking shoes, one modest outfit for monastery visits, and a journal. You will generate more material worth keeping than you expect.

Hear from the cohort.

Read the reviews.

Real experiences.

Real stories.

Your review helps the next founder find us. 

Lina Graf
I'm usually don't like to use words like "life-changing". But spending time at the Founder's Retreat...