Ways to Travel
Bhutan’s New Visa Waiver and Crypto Payment System Opens Doors to Wellness and Adventure Tourism
Monday, July 14, 2025
The Kingdom of Bhutan, famous long for the preservation of Vajrayana Buddhism and for following Gross National Happiness (GNH), recently took a surprising step forward in the future of travel and tech. With an unprecedented mix of old heritage and future tech, Bhutan took a historic step as the first-ever country in the world to implement a national-level crypto-based payment system in the travel sector in the country. The revolutionary project is in collaboration with Binance, the largest crypto software firm in the world.
But the Kingdom’s foray into the future doesn’t stop there. Gelephu Mindfulness City is also in the pipelines for Bhutan, an audacious project that will redefine wellness tourism. The new city, which is scheduled to be opened by 2029, will not only house a Vajrayana spiritual center but also a health center for holistic wellness, all set to be accessed through an international airport. The project is poised to open Bhutan, long considered a far and distant destination, to mainstream global tourists in search of a blend of cultural experience, wellness, andtechnology.
Bhutan’s Unique Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Bhutan was appreciated everywhere for preserving its age-old spirituality and for safeguarding its old culture. Old temples, monasteries and rituals are an integral aspect of the country, which is the last bastion of Vajrayana Buddhism in the world. Despite it being relatively smaller in area, and geographically far off in the Himalayas, many developments were welcomed by Bhutan without losing the spiritual and cultural values.
Making a giant stride in fusion between the old and new, Bhutan introduced a national-level payment system in cryptocurrencies, which forms an important step in the national effort to change and revolutionize in the tourist market. Since cryptocurrencies are gaining footholds in the global arena, the country is making the most of the opportunity to stand at the cutting-edge in new economy, and in the tourist area in particular.
The use of cryptocurrency for making payments is seen as a strategic initiative to attract a new generation of tourists who are well-versed in cryptocurrencies. The initiative not only allows tourists to make payments in cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum and Bitcoin but is also aimed for starting a smooth, modern, and secure payment system as per the progressive policy for economy and tourism in Bhutan.
Collaboration with Binance: Revolutionizing Travel Payments
The partnership with Binance, a crypto market behemoth, will render such a payment system easily deployable, allowing local entrepreneurs as well as overseas tourists to engage with the tourism market of Bhutan in an all-new way. The software provided by Binance will provide the technological backbone for transacting in digital mode, making Bhutan a trailblazer in integrating cryptocurrency on the national level for tourism.
It is even more convenient for tourists arriving from abroad, especially from nations where cryptocurrencies are a normal component in everyday life. The tourists arriving in Bhutan can pay for their lodging, pay for trips, buy products in local markets in cryptocurrencies, as well. The trip is made even more convenient for tourists because of this.
As such, the collaboration is in line with the broader aim in Bhutan to use technology to promote the country’s tourist sector without compromising on sustainability and heritage. Through the incorporation of digital currencies, Bhutan is updating its tourist infrastructure, presenting an opportunity for a tech-inclined market that previously might not have considered the country because of logistical or cost-related barriers.
Gelephu Mindfulness City: A New Era of Wellness Tourism
Aside from the crypto payment infrastructure, the country is also making a significant statement in the wellness tourism market through Gelephu Mindfulness City. The specially created metropolis is set to launch before 2029 and targets boosting holistic well-being through the fusion of health and spirituality in a single immersive destination.
Gelephu in southern Bhutan will be a serene retreat and mindfulness center. The capital will be home to a Vajrayana spiritual center, which will offer patrons the opportunity to engage in meditation, spiritual practice, and mindfulness retreats. Gelephu will also be home to an inclusive health center, which will offer a range of wellness, ranging from classical Bhutanese medicine to modern holistic options for well-being.
Blending spirituality, health, and well-being, Gelephu Mindfulness City will be a retreat for those wanting to unwind, explore their depths, and mend. That the kingdom’s quest for Gross National Happiness (GNH) a non-traditional prosperity gauge that puts well-being ahead of growth – is behind the vision for the new city makes Gelephu Mindfulness City an attractive destination for those wanting to renew body and mind.
The New International Airport: Connecting Bhutan to the World
The establishment of an international airport in Gelephu will be central to the development of the city. Paro Airport, the existing international airport in Bhutan, is located in a valley, making it difficult for international tourists to visit the kingdom. The airport will greatly improve accessibility, enabling the kingdom to be reached easily even for tourists from all corners of the world.
Gelephu airport shall be an international gateway to the south of Bhutan, offering an alternative, speedier, and direct connection for tourists aiming to discover the Kingdom’s distinct assets. The airport shall also be pivotal in promoting international exchanges and businesses, further connecting Bhutan in the global economy while retaining the nation’s rich heritage.
Bhutan’s Future as a Destination for Tech and Wellness Enthusiasts
Bhutan’s experiments in blending together tech, crypto currency, and wellness are opening new pages in the Kingdom’s tourist story. With its unique development model, Bhutan is presenting itself as a novel destination that embraces the future without losing national identity. If you are a crypto enthusiast in pursuit of a smooth transaction or a person in pursuit of quiet and renewal amidst a serene, spiritual atmosphere, Bhutan’s new experiments will appeal to a varied class of travelers around the globe.
By introducing the visa waiver policy, crypto-friendly payments, and Gelephu Mindfulness City conceptualisation, the Kingdom is opening the way for a new era in tourism which beautifully merges the best moments from the old and new. As the Kingdom moves ahead on the development axis, it will, no doubt, remain a destination for choice for all those in pursuit of a substantive, distinct, and refreshing vacation experience.
Tags: Bhutan, Bhutan crypto, Bhutan cryptocurrency, Bhutan international airport, Bhutan tourism 2025, Bhutan visa waiver, Bhutan wellness tourism, Binance crypto partnership, cryptocurrency travel Bhutan, Gelephu, Gelephu Mindfulness City, Gross National Happiness, Haa Valley, international airport Bhutan, Paro, Vajrayana Buddhism, wellness tourism Bhutan
MUSTANG: An eight-kilometer cycle trail has been completed connecting Gharpajhong-4 Jomsom to Baragung Muktikshetra-5 Dharkajung in Mustang.
The Tourism and Industry Office, Mustang, confirmed that the trail was built with a budget of Rs 2 million to promote tourism and encourage longer tourist stays in the region.
Prem Poudel, Chief of the Tourism and Industry Office, explained that the trail was developed by upgrading an existing road and opening a new two-kilometer track. To support the route, two iron bridges were constructed over the Sukkawal and Gavin Wall sections along the Jomsom-Dharkajung path.
This new high-altitude mountain cycle trail offers tourists an adventurous alternative route, allowing cyclists to travel from Mustang to Dolpa via Dharkajung without using the traditional Jomsom-Kagbeni road.
Poudel highlighted that cyclists passing through Dhalkedanda, located approximately 4,000 meters above sea level, will be treated to spectacular natural beauty and panoramic views. From Dhalkedanda, visitors can see the Upper Mustang region, the Nepal-China border, as well as Lower and Central Mustang.
Along the trail, cyclists can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, the Kaligandaki corridor, local apple orchards, Jomsom town, and other scenic settlements visible from Dhalkedanda.
Special Trips Offered During the Insider’s Season for Global Exploration
NEW YORK, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Exodus Adventure Travels, the award-winning leader in small-group guided travel, has unveiled its “September to Remember” program, highlighting special trips and the unmatched magic of the September travel season.
September is a travel sweet spot and a time many adventurers wait for all year. Temperatures mellow, crowds thin, and destinations reveal cultural gems, rare wildlife moments, and once-a-year festivals that are best experienced when the world slows down.
Recent research reveals travelers crave authentic, untouristed moments. Exodus Adventure Travels’ “September to Remember” promotion delivers just that: special tours, availability, and access to experiences that make September one of the most richly rewarding times to travel.
From the scenic vistas of Italy’s Amalfi Coast or the vineyard harvest rituals in France’s Loire Valley to the lantern-lit moon-viewing festivals in Japan, Exodus invites travelers to rediscover this season as a time of deep connection, golden light, and local celebrations that most visitors miss. Listed below are a few examples of special “September to Remember” trips and destinations:
France: Celebrate la vendange (the grape harvest) in full swing. Join brotherhoods of winemakers in the Loire Valley and take part in the torchlit Heritage Night in Saint-Émilion. Travel on the enlightening trip, “Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Châteaux.”
Italy: Hike Amalfi’s iconic Path of the Gods in cooler air and dive into olive harvest season. If you prefer biking, cycle the unspoiled Cilento to the Amalfi Coast. See it all on “Walking the Amalfi Coast” or “Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast.”
Portugal & Spain: Experience one of the most scenic trails of the Comino de Santiago while enjoying coastal towns along the way. Feel the thrill on this highly rated trip, “Cycle the Coastal Portuguese Camino.”
South Africa: It’s spring, and wildlife is thriving—from breaching whales off Hermanus to baby elephants and zebras around watering holes. Have memories of a lifetime on “South Africa: Walking and Wildlife” and on other Africa tours.
Vietnam: Golden rice terraces and festive celebrations around Independence Day await. Cycle through the rice paddies with local guides who know every hidden route on the favorite “Cycling Vietnam“ trip.
Japan: Watch temple lanterns glow under the full moon during Tsukimi and catch high-octane floats at the Danjiri Matsuri in Osaka. Experience it with local experts on “Ancient & Modern Japan” and other September trips to Asia.
Costa Rica: Discover Costa Rica’s greatest wildlife-watching secrets: the hidden animal hotspots of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Enjoy this special adventure on the “Costa Rica’s Coastal Secrets” tour.
Additional Reasons to Travel in September with Exodus Adventure Travels
- Insider Expertise: With more than 50 years of experience and deep local connections, Exodus gets travelers closer to the moments that matter—often ones only the locals know about.
- Beyond the Ordinary: Small group sizes and immersive itineraries mean fewer queues, more time, and deeper cultural understanding.
- The Comfort of Convenience: No need to spend endless hours researching the best places to see. Travelers can have the confidence and comfort knowing that Exodus’ expert teams and guides have carefully curated itineraries for the convenience of passengers.
- Travel That Matters: These small group tours support local economies year-round while offering a more relaxed, responsible adventure.
For more information about Exodus’ many adventures including cultural holidays, wildlife expeditions, scenic hiking trips, cycling tours, solo travel and the best last-minute getaways, please visit ExodusTravels.com.
About Exodus Adventure Travels
For more than 50 years Exodus Adventure Travels has been the leader in active hiking, biking, culture and wildlife adventures and is known for its commitment to “improve life through travel.” Exodus Adventure Travels is a winner of the National Geographic Traveler Reader Awards and is a recipient of the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award, Good Housekeeping’s Family Travel Award, Wanderlust Magazine’s Best Tour Leader of the Year, USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Award, and the Men’s Journal Travel Awards. This year, Exodus Adventure Travels also received the coveted Global Vision Award from Travel & Leisure.
Exodus Adventure Travels is a certified B Corporation (B Corp), further demonstrating its commitment to improve life through travel, dedicated to creating incredible, community-driven adventures, and understands the importance of nature and wildlife conservation through programs such as rewilding and partnering with scientists to restore biodiversity.
Exodus Adventure Travels is part of Travelopia, the world’s largest collection of experiential travel brands. Travelopia’s more than 20 award-winning travel brands lead the way in creating unique experiences for guests around the world. To learn more about Exodus Adventure Travels and the company’s adventures visit ExodusTravels.com, or follow the company on social @ExodusTravels.
SOURCE Exodus Adventure Travels
Camp Chevrah Day Travel girls kicked off another unforgettable week packed with energy, excitement, and nonstop adventure! Monday began with the Wibbits at Darlington Beach—a floating obstacle course that had the girls laughing, climbing, and diving all morning long.
Tuesday turned up the intensity with a full-body workout on the water—kayaking! The girls paddled hard and showed off their strength and teamwork as they powered through the lake.
By Wednesday, it was time to cool off! The girls headed to Dave & Buster’s for some arcade fun and then laced up their skates for a super fun afternoon on the ice.
Thursday brought a splash of excitement at the American Dream Waterpark, where the girls zipped down slides and rode the waves with huge smiles and high energy.
To wrap it all up, Friday brought them to Power Up—an interactive arcade that had everyone cheering, playing, and racking up the points to finish the week strong.
Slurpees and Carvel were delicious treats the campers enjoyed this week, adding a sweet touch to the fun-filled days.
Camp Chevrah Travel is all about big adventures and warm friendships. Girls entering grades 5—9 enjoy a fresh, exciting trip every single day! Campers experience the thrill of travel with the comfort of a day camp.
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