In recent years, the concept of wellness travel has grown significantly, with more individuals seeking experiences that foster personal growth, healing, and mindfulness.
Whether it’s through immersive retreats, spiritual journeys, or simply being in nature, travellers are placing a premium on destinations that offer rejuvenation for both the body and mind. This shift is part of a broader cultural trend, where vacations are no longer just about relaxation, but about transformation—with the goal of leaving travellers changed for the better.
One such destination that aligns with this trend is Bhutan. Nestled high in the Himalayas, Bhutan offers a setting for introspection and spiritual growth. The Kingdom of Bhutan is often regarded as a land of deep spirituality, where Buddhism is more than a religion—it is a way of life. Over 70% of the population practices Buddhism, and its teachings on compassion, mindfulness, and inner peace resonate deeply with those seeking to reconnect with themselves. For wellness seekers, Bhutan provides a profound backdrop for personal transformation.
A sanctuary for wellness and reflection
Bhutan’s serene landscapes, from its mist-shrouded valleys to its sacred temples perched on cliffs, create an atmosphere conducive to reflection. The country’s focus on Gross National Happiness—an approach that prioritizes well-being over material wealth—aligns perfectly with the goals of wellness travel. Those who venture to Bhutan are often drawn by the opportunity to engage with a way of life that emphasizes mindfulness, compassion, and respect for nature.
The Bhutanese government has recognized the potential to connect their spiritual heritage with the growing demand for wellness tourism. One of the most notable initiatives is the collaboration with Emma Slade, the first Western woman to be fully ordained as a Buddhist nun in Bhutan. Together, they have created the Tour of Compassion—an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore Bhutan’s spiritual landscape while engaging in meaningful self-reflection.
A journey of inner and outer exploration
The Tour of Compassion is a 10-night experience designed for travellers looking to combine wellness, spirituality, and cultural immersion. Available through any Bhutanese tour operator, the travel offers flexible accommodations ranging from hotels to homestays, providing options that suit different preferences.
The tour includes visits to significant landmarks tied to Emma Slade’s own spiritual journey in Bhutan. One such location is Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, where Slade first met Lama Nima Thsering, the teacher who inspired her to embrace Buddhism. In 2012, she became the first Western woman to be ordained as a Buddhist nun in Bhutan, an event that marked a turning point in her life.
The tour goes beyond physical exploration, offering guided meditation sessions, Buddhist retreats at ancient monasteries, and deep dives into Bhutan’s compassionate practices. Visitors can also engage with the Draktsho Centre for Special Children and Youth, a vocational training center that works closely with Slade’s charity, Opening Your Heart to Bhutan. This charity supports children with special needs in rural Bhutan, providing medical care, disability aids, and educational opportunities.
Emma Slade’s focus on compassion as the core of her Buddhist practice is integral to the tour. “I want the tour to offer the possibility that a journey through Bhutan might light something in the heart of those travellers, expanding the compassion they put into this world,” she explains. Her commitment to sharing the teachings of compassion through both her charity work and the tour reflects her belief in Bhutan’s ability to nurture transformation in its visitors.
The Tour of Compassion
The tour takes participants to some of Bhutan’s most iconic and spiritually significant sites. A visit to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest monastery is a highlight, offering views of the Paro Valley and an opportunity for mindful reflection. Travellers will also hike through Bhutan’s landscape, including a stop at the Dochula Pass for panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Wellness aspects of the tour are integrated throughout, from a relaxing hot stone bath to spa experiences that complement the physical and spiritual journey. As Emma Slade notes, “You cannot beat walking over the cantilever bridge into Punakha Dzong and taking a peaceful, rural walk with huge butterflies leading the way.”
A destination for meaningful travel
Bhutan offers a unique blend of spirituality, wellness, and cultural exploration that resonates with the modern wellness traveller. As Emma Slade’s journey illustrates, the country has the power to inspire transformation in those who are open to its lessons. Through initiatives like the Tour of Compassion, Bhutan continues to foster meaningful connections between travellers and its deep-rooted spiritual traditions.
For those seeking not just a vacation but a life-altering experience, Bhutan provides a sanctuary of reflection, mindfulness, and compassion. “The clean air and mountain landscape of the Kingdom, filled with the sounds of Buddhist practice, create a very special and potentially life-changing destination for travellers,” Slade reflects. Indeed, Bhutan stands as a beacon for wellness travellers looking for a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.
Emma Slade: Bridging cultures, compassion, and spirituality in Bhutan
Emma Slade, known in the Buddhist community as Lopen Pema Deki, has lived a life of profound transformation, from a high-powered career in finance to becoming the first Western woman to attain full ordination as a Buddhist nun in Bhutan. Through her work as a nun and the founder of the charity Opening Your Heart to Bhutan, Slade shares her passion for compassion, equality, and helping special needs children in Bhutan.
Her journey, marked by personal and spiritual evolution, offers an inspiring testament to the power of mindfulness and compassion—values she now helps others explore through her Tour of Compassion.
Making history as Bhutan’s first fully ordained Western nun
In June 2022, Bhutan became the first Himalayan nation to fully ordain female nuns, an event that Emma Slade describes as “historic” and personally significant. “I was so honored to be the first, and so far the only, Western woman to attain such ordination,” she shares. The significance of this milestone goes beyond personal achievement; it reflects a broader movement toward gender equality within Bhutanese monastic life.
“This ordination places nuns on the same footing as monks in terms of their ethical vows,” Slade explains. “I feel very passionately that both monks and nuns should have equal chances in their access to teachings and Dharma opportunities. I feel so proud of Bhutan that they took this incredible step forward.”
The Tour of Compassion: Expanding hearts through travel
Slade has visited Bhutan over 40 times, each visit deepening her connection with the land and its people. Out of this bond grew her Tour of Compassion, a journey designed to encourage travellers to explore not only Bhutan’s stunning landscapes but also the concept of compassion at the heart of Himalayan Vajrayana Buddhism.
“Compassion is a key area of study and practice in Himalayan Vajrayana Buddhism,” says Slade. “I felt Bhutan offered such a great landscape to learn and reflect on what compassion means to each and every traveller. I want the tour to offer the possibility that a journey through Bhutan might light something in the heart of those travellers, expanding the compassion they put into this world.”
Slade has curated the experience to allow travellers to engage with Bhutanese spirituality, history, and natural beauty in a way that fosters mindfulness. From walking over the cantilever bridge into Punakha Dzong to taking rural strolls accompanied by butterflies, her favorite travel moments are those where nature and spirituality intersect.
Opening your heart to Bhutan: A charity with compassion at its core
Slade’s connection to Bhutan goes far beyond her personal journey—she has committed to making a tangible impact through her UK-based charity, Opening Your Heart to Bhutan. The organization focuses on supporting special needs children and those in greatest need across Bhutan. Through her charity, she has spearheaded projects like the Draktsho Vocational Training Centre for Special Children and Youth, the only purpose-built school for special needs children in Bhutan.
“I am so proud of all it has done, and I run it with all my heart and a good dollop of financial efficiency!” Slade remarks.
Travellers visiting Bhutan can also engage with the charity’s efforts by meeting with Ugyen Tshering, a representative who is passionate about the work being done. They can also visit sites where the charity has had a direct impact, including the special needs school in Eastern Bhutan at Kanglung.
“There are a few ways visitors to Bhutan can get involved. They can simply donate or while they are in the Kingdom, they can meet with our representative, Ugyen Tshering, who will happily speak to visitors about Bhutan and the work our charity has done.”
Through both her spiritual and charitable work, Slade’s impact continues to ripple across Bhutan, offering travellers a chance to immerse themselves in a country rich with tradition, while fostering a sense of compassion that transcends borders.
This article was originally published on forbes.com.
