The ‘happiest country on Earth’, is set to open a major new international airport in the hopes of drawing in more tourists.
Nestled between India and China on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, Bhutan has long remained untapped by travellers.
However, Gelephu International Airport, located in southern Bhutan near the Indian border, is aiming to change that.
The airport, which is set to be a hub for flights from around the world, will feature spacious gardens, yoga rooms and sound bath zones.
One of its standout features will be the ‘Forest Spine’, a large green area running through the terminal, which will divide domestic and international sections.
Newly-released designs of the airport show it’s made up of wooden diamond-shaped structures, reflecting the shape of the country’s mountain ranges.
Sign up to The Getaway newsletter
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
The small country currently has four airports, including Paro International – the only international airport in Bhutan.
Located in the Paro Valley, it’s known as one of the most challenging airports in the world to land at due to its mountainous location and short, narrow runway.
Only a few planes can land a day, operated by specially trained pilots.
While Gelephu already has a domestic airport, the new one is expected to handle up to 123 flights a day, with a capacity of 1.3 million passengers annually.
Although a miniscule figure compared to major international airports such as London Heathrow – which recorded 83.9 million passengers last year – this would be a significant increase for Bhutan, with its current population of around 795,000 and around 300,000 tourists per year.
For many years, Bhutan has been called the ‘happiest country on earth’ due to its Gross National Happiness Index, a philosophy introduced in the 1970s by the fourth King of Bhutan emphasising wellbeing over economic growth as a measure of quality of life.
The Bjarke Ingels, the architecture group behind the design of Gelephu International, said it has been created to embrace this ‘gross national happiness’ score.
Bjarke Ingels, founder and creative director, said: ‘An airport is the first and last impression you get of a place you visit.
‘For the Gelephu International Airport, we have tried to embody the nature and culture of the country and the Mindfulness City.
‘The forests that cover the highlands are allowed to flow from the arrival plaza through the airport to the tarmac.’
Although British travellers cannot currently fly directly to Bhutan, Gelephu International Airport could open up the country to a worldwide audience.
It has not been confirmed how much the project will cost, but plans are underway for it to open in 2029.
Even then though, if you want to visit Bhutan, you’ll probably have to save up. Tourists have to pay a daily tax of $100 (£77) for adults or $50 (£38) for kids, as part of a Sustainable Development Fee.
This money goes toward the conservation of the country, including its vast forests, which cover 70% of its land.
It is one of the only carbon-negative nations in the world, meaning its forests absorb more carbon dioxide than the entire country emits.
And although it may seem pricey, the original tax was double this at $200 (£154) for adults, with the reduced fee in place until 2027.
Tourist attractions to explore in Bhutan
Aside from the daily fee, tourists will also have to consider the staggering hotel prices, as five-star resorts in the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, can charge as much as £1,800 per night.
However, if you do get a chance to visit, there’s plenty to discover, including the Phobjikha Valley, a glacial basin in central Bhutan that’s home to one of the country’s most grand ancient Buddhist monasteries; Gangteng Monastery.
The Paro Taktsang is another famous monastery in Bhutan, located in the mountains over 10,000 feet above sea level. And another religious site visitors may want to tick off is the Punakha Dzong, a huge 17th-century fortress sits is known for its tranquil courtyards and intricate designs.
Thimphu also has plenty to explore, from its huge golden Buddha statue to its weekend markets that fill up the city.
In Gelephu specifically, the Tshachu – a hot spring believed to have healing properties – is well worth a visit, as is the Royal Manas National Park, described by Bhutan’s government as ‘the conservation showpiece of the Kingdom’ for its wide array of flora and fauna.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE: The 5 best lesser-known France destinations tourists hardly ever visit
MORE: There’s a new name for passengers who try to swap plane seats – and it’s dividing readers
MORE: Plane turns back several hours into 14-hour flight instead of completing journey
