Special Tour Packages
Eco-tourism and nature activities give me a profound sense of connection to the environment, allowing me to appreciate the beauty of our planet while promoting sustainable practices.
Bhutan is actively promoting sustainable tourism to preserve its rich natural environment and cultural heritage. With 70% forest cover and a vast array of biodiversity, Bhutan aims to become a leading ecotourism destination, guided by the principle of “high-value, low-volume” tourism. The Royal Government of Bhutan defines ecotourism as responsible travel that conserves the environment, respects local cultures, and enhances the well-being of its people, all within the framework of Gross National Happiness.
The GEF Ecotourism Project, led by the Department of Tourism, focuses on Bumdeling and Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuaries and five districts, aiming to boost the rural economy through wildlife-based tourism and community engagement. Key initiatives include developing homestays, birdwatching sites, and nature-based activities.
Bhutan’s ecotourism highlights include flagship species like the red panda, black-necked crane, Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory butterfly, golden langur, and various swallowtail butterflies. These species, found in Bhutan’s protected areas, are central to the country’s ecotourism appeal, offering unique opportunities for visitors to connect with nature in a sustainable way.
Bhutan is actively promoting recreational catch-and-release fishing for the golden mahseer, a prized species among anglers. This migratory fish, known for its impressive size—reaching up to nine feet—and golden hue, thrives in Bhutan’s rivers, particularly during the summer spawning season at elevations up to 1,000 meters, before returning to lower elevations in winter.
Despite population declines elsewhere, the golden mahseer is flourishing in Bhutan, thanks to strong environmental protections and cultural reverence. Following research conducted between 2015-2018 and the recommendations from the 2018 International Mahseer Conference in Bhutan, the ban on mahseer fishing was lifted in February 2022 for exclusive catch-and-release fishing.
Anglers, including foreign visitors, must obtain a permit from the Department of Forests and Park Services and be accompanied by a certified local fishing guide. The prime fishing seasons for the golden mahseer are from March to June and September to November.