What's Happening in Bhutan Today

On this page, we'd like to keep our visitors updated with what's happening in Bhutan today and some local news and also articles that may have no relevance at all but maybe interesting.

Lifting of the requirement for mandatory travel insurance
April 2024

The mandatory requirement of travel insurance for tourists visiting Bhutan was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to cover unforeseen emergencies including medical expenses relating to the pandemic.

The mandatory requirement of travel insurance is hereby withdrawn with immediate effect for processing visa to facilitate seamless travel for tourists. However, it is recommended for tourists to possess travel insurance as a precaution in case of unlikely emergencies associated with any international travel.

Gelephu Mindfulness City

Gelephu Mindfulness City is an ambitious and innovative urban development project in Bhutan, designed to integrate principles of mindfulness, sustainability, and well-being into its core. Here’s an overview of its key aspects:

1. Concept & Vision

Mindfulness-Based Development: The city is envisioned as a place where economic growth aligns with spiritual and emotional well-being, reflecting Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).
Sustainable Living: It aims to be a model for eco-friendly urban planning, with minimal environmental impact and a focus on renewable energy, green spaces, and sustainable infrastructure.

2. Location

Gelephu is a town in southern Bhutan, near the border with India. Its strategic location makes it a potential hub for regional trade and connectivity while preserving Bhutan’s cultural and ecological values.

3. Key Features

Wellness & Mindfulness Centers: The city will likely include meditation centers, retreats, and spaces promoting mental and physical health.
Green Architecture: Buildings and infrastructure will incorporate traditional Bhutanese design with modern eco-friendly technologies.
Economic Zones: Designed to attract ethical businesses, startups, and industries that align with Bhutan’s values of sustainability and well-being.
Cultural Preservation: The city will celebrate Bhutanese heritage while fostering global connections.

4. International Collaboration

The project is expected to involve partnerships with global experts in urban planning, sustainability, and mindfulness practices.
It may serve as a destination for tourists, spiritual seekers, and businesses looking for an alternative to fast-paced urban life.

5. Challenges & Opportunities

Balancing Growth & Tradition: Ensuring modernization doesn’t compromise Bhutan’s cultural and environmental integrity.
Funding & Implementation: Attracting investment while staying true to the project’s mindful ethos.

6. Significance

If successful, Gelephu Mindfulness City could become a global benchmark for holistic urban development, blending economic progress with well-being and environmental stewardship.

His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck announced Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region based on the Gross National Happiness Philosophy to drive development in Bhutan. Read the entire press release here

Bhutan’s Crypto Secret: How the Land of Happiness Quietly Mines Bitcoin
Beyond monasteries and mountains, Bhutan has a surprising high-tech side—sovereign Bitcoin mining powered by clean energy.

Bhutan & Bitcoin: A Digital Twist in the Himalayan Kingdom

When you think of Bhutan, images of towering dzongs, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) likely come to mind. But did you know this serene Buddhist kingdom is also a secret player in the world of Bitcoin mining?

While Bhutan doesn’t advertise it to tourists, reports reveal that the government has been quietly mining Bitcoin since at least 2020, using its vast hydropower resources to fuel a high-tech, eco-friendly crypto operation. Here’s what makes Bhutan’s Bitcoin story so fascinating—and what it means for travelers curious about the country’s modern side.

1. The Green Bitcoin Mine: Powered by Hydropower

Bhutan is one of the few carbon-negative countries in the world, thanks to its lush forests and clean hydroelectric dams. But what happens to the excess energy? Instead of wasting it, Bhutan’s sovereign investment arm, Druk Holding & Investments (DHI), has been using it to mine Bitcoin—a process that requires massive computing power but can be sustainable when run on renewable energy.

Why Bitcoin? The government sees it as a way to diversify revenue beyond hydropower exports to India.
Eco-Friendly Mining: Unlike coal-powered Bitcoin mines in some countries, Bhutan’s operations align with its environmental values.

2. A Sovereign Crypto Experiment—Done Quietly

Unlike El Salvador (which made Bitcoin legal tender), Bhutan has taken a low-key approach. There are no Bitcoin ATMs in Thimphu, and you won’t pay for momos with crypto—yet. Instead, the government treats Bitcoin as a strategic investment, not an everyday currency.

Secretive Start: Mining operations were kept under wraps until leaked documents exposed them in 2023.
Challenges: The 2022-2023 crypto crash may have hurt profits, but Bhutan’s long-term strategy remains intact.

3. What This Means for Travelers

You won’t see Bitcoin mines on tourist maps, but Bhutan’s crypto venture reflects its balance of tradition and innovation.

Tech Meets Tradition: While monasteries preserve ancient culture, Bhutan is also exploring blockchain and digital currencies behind the scenes.
Future Possibilities: Could Bhutan launch its own digital currency? Talks of a CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) with Ripple suggest more fintech developments ahead.

The Bottom Line: A Hidden Layer of Modern Bhutan

Bhutan’s Bitcoin mining is a reminder that this mystical kingdom isn’t frozen in time—it’s quietly adapting to the digital age while staying true to its values. For travelers, it’s a fascinating footnote: behind the prayer wheels and trekking trails, Bhutan is also a green crypto pioneer.

Next time you visit, ask your guide: “So… where are the Bitcoin mines?”