Tucked between India and China, Bhutan is a landlocked Himalayan kingdom about the size of Switzerland—but with far fewer people and far more prayer flags.

​Here, happiness isn’t just a feeling. It’s measured. Literally. Bhutan is the only country in the world to prioritize Gross National Happiness (GNH) over GDP, and it shows in everything from policy to daily life. Bhutan's tourism is carefully managed under a High Value, Low Volume policy to preserve the environment and culture. That means fewer crowds and more meaningful experiences for travelers who come with respect and curiosity.

​And yes, chilies are a staple here, not a side note. We eat them like vegetables. You'll find out soon enough.