The land of happy people… A country where nature is the greatest power; a carbon-negative country that closely resembles a vegan lifestyle; a mysterious, simple, and deeply natural country.

But is it really like that?

It has a strong belief system, untouched nature, and daily life largely shaped by walking. There are ancestral spices and a generous dance and harmony of colors in every movement of life.

Bhutan had been on my list for a long time. Even though I learned at the last moment that its airport has one of the world’s most challenging runways, my excitement never faded until I arrived.

My curiosity went beyond the values Bhutan has protected for decades. I also wanted to see if the simplicity I had read about so often—and that is so often associated with a long and peaceful life—truly existed. When a friend invited me, I accepted without hesitation and set out on this journey. Adding Nepal to the trip deepened, enriched, and grounded my understanding of happiness, energy, and gratitude.

In this article, I want to share my experience in Bhutan—why it affected me so deeply and how much of what we hear about is actually true.

What Makes Bhutan Truly Unique?

Here are a few remarkable facts that make Bhutan unlike any other country:

• It is the only country in the world with Gross National Happiness (GNH) enshrined in its constitution.
• It has a constitutional requirement that at least 60% of the country remain green (currently around 70%). Mountains are considered sacred.
• It is one of the few nations whose national identity is rooted in spiritual philosophy while embracing modern life.
• It is the world’s only carbon-negative country.
• It has 100% natural agriculture with no use of chemical pesticides.
• The tourism model is based on “high value, low volume.”
• Due to Buddhist respect for life, animal slaughter is prohibited.

Here, happiness is valued more highly than economic growth. Inner peace, not wealth, is accepted as the true measure of prosperity.

Conscious Modernization, Deeply Preserved Roots

Bhutan opened its doors to tourism relatively recently and very deliberately. The number of visitors is limited each year, and individual travel is not permitted. Visitors must enter through officially approved tours. The aim is to prevent mass tourism and protect nature and culture.

Perhaps this is why Bhutan has managed to preserve its sense of mystery. There are still no traffic lights. The country did not have television until 1999. While this may seem like resistance to Western modernity, it actually reflects a stronger commitment to preserving the country’s essence, values, and respect.

The architecture is striking and entirely unique. Public buildings must follow traditional styles, and villages maintain the same visual integrity. This harmony naturally commands respect.

Nutrition, Gut Health, and Happiness

As a functional medicine practitioner, I was most impressed by food and gut health.

Although I had followed a vegan-style diet for a long time, experiencing the cooking methods, food combinations, and spice blends firsthand reminded me how deeply these factors influence gut health. Spices, which are so familiar to our cultural heritage, are used in almost every Bhutanese meal.

In just nine days, I noticed a clear improvement in my digestion, skin (a key indicator of gut and metabolic health), and overall energy levels.

The foundation of Bhutanese nutrition includes:

• black and red rice
• a wide variety of colorful lentils,
• mushrooms, and abundant vegetables.

The main sources of protein are legumes, eggs, and tofu. Dairy products are consumed in small amounts, primarily yogurt and cheese. The absence of pesticides and the belief that killing animals is a major sin result in very limited meat consumption and create a significant health advantage.

For those following a gluten-free diet, Bhutan is surprisingly accommodating. Naturally gluten-free, high-fiber grains such as red rice, buckwheat, and corn are staples and some of my personal favorites.

Chili peppers are the heart of Bhutanese cuisine. Capsaicin, which is often taken in supplement form, is consumed here in its most natural state. I felt it significantly boosted my energy levels, and I believe it plays a real role in weight regulation.

Desserts are virtually nonexistent. Fruit is limited and consumed in moderation. The water, which flows directly from the Himalayas, further enhances the almost “elixir-like” quality of the food.

Movement, slowness, and an anti-inflammatory lifestyle

Another powerful contributor to gut health is regular physical activity. Since transportation is mostly done on foot, movement is naturally integrated into daily life.

There is no modern office culture filled with endless coffee breaks, cigarette breaks, or sugary tea rituals. Meals are regular, foods are well-combined, and walking afterward is common. The result is sustained daytime energy and deep, peaceful sleep at night.

A slower pace of life, lower expectations, and reduced anxiety—supported by strong spiritual beliefs—naturally promote anti-inflammatory processes throughout the body. (I can’t help but look at this through a functional medicine lens. 😊)

Tiger’s Nest: A Physical and Spiritual Journey

One of the most profound experiences for me was visiting the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Reached entirely on foot, the journey takes nearly eight hours and leaves you with a vast, clean inner space.

I don’t regularly go to the gym, but I prioritize daily movement and maintaining a healthy weight. During this extraordinary natural, spiritual, and physical journey, I climbed approximately 1,300 steps and ascended to nearly 4,000 meters, but I was not exhausted.

Moments like these test the physical and emotional strength that we strive to develop through active living, and they truly empower you.

Health Indicators and Longevity

The average life expectancy in Bhutan is around 73 years, which is close to the Asian average but is steadily increasing. Obesity rates are very low, and cardiovascular disease and diabetes are far less common.

With environmental toxins, air pollution, and pesticides almost nonexistent, and a gentle approach to stress, cancer rates are low.

Strong belief systems also mean that alcohol and smoking are minimal. Though depression rates are relatively low, I believe urbanization may cause them to rise over time.

When Wellbeing Becomes a Way of Life

Bhutan is the only country that measures success by the happiness of its people rather than by economic output.

When we ask ourselves, “How can we live better?” or “How do we truly integrate well-being into our lives?” it is deeply moving to see that so many of the principles we read and learn about are simply how life is lived here.

In a country where more than 70% of the land is green, your breath deepens, your eyes relax, your mind clears, and your sleep improves—your entire system begins to heal.

Spiritual traditions, meditation, compassion, and mindfulness are not just personal practices here; they are reflected in state policies. These traditions remind us of the importance of meaning, purpose, and inner balance for physical health and a fulfilled life.

This culture, which is based on harmony with nature, contentment with less, and inner peace, touched me deeply. Rather than emphasizing consumption, materialism, and constant competition, this culture emphasizes equality, compassion, balance, and meaning.

For the first time, a journey had such a positive impact on my health. This is because everything we recommended—nutrition, sleep, movement, meditation, and a simple life in close connection with nature—was not just advice, but a lived reality.

Health and well-being don’t come from what’s imposed on us; they come from the meaning and gratitude we bring to what we already have.

I wish you simple, sincere, and natural journeys—experiences, friendships, and paths that truly nourish your soul.

Dr. İrem Ergün
Functional Medicine Physician
Board Member of Wellbeing Association