Author’s note: I’ve been lucky to visit Bhutan twice in the past six months – first for the Innovation Forum 2024, and then again for the country’s National Day celebrations. Both trips left a deep impression on me. It’s hard to put into words what makes Bhutan so special. Everyone I met there is incredibly kind and open, from the king to the young founders building the country’s future. I’m excited to be back and show this beautiful place to our community, laying the foundation for a longterm collaboration between Edge City and the country. We’d love to have you with us - Timour

Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is truly a unique and magical place. It is one of the only countries never colonized, with a culture shaped by centuries of Buddhist values and a political system grounded in care and long-term thinking. It’s also where the concept of Gross National Happiness was born; a place where wellbeing is taken seriously as a national priority.

We’re planning an 8-day trip to Bhutan (Sep 16–24, 2025) for ~30 people who want to experience this firsthand, from the spiritual heart of the Himalayas to the bold new future of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, a city-scale project launched by the King.

This will be a deeply transformational trip for those who come. We’ll explore a variety of topics, from consciousness and spirituality to new cities and political systems. The goal of this trip is to strengthen the growing connections between Edge City and Bhutan and lay the foundation for a bigger collaboration in future years.

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If you want to come, fill out the interest form by April 24! We’ll be accepting people on a rolling basis.

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Why Bhutan?

• It feels like stepping into another world. The landscapes are untouched, the buildings are hand-carved, and the people you meet exude warmth and kindness.
• The values run deep. From architecture to governance, Bhutan prioritizes culture, environment, and long-term human flourishing.
• The country is entering a new chapter. With the launch of Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan is opening up to innovation, but on its terms. We want to offer our help in that journey.
• A sandbox for frontier tech. Bhutan is the 4th largest sovereign Bitcoin holder in the world, 100% of which was mined using clean hydroelectric power. They’ve also implemented BhutanNDI (their self‑sovereign ID stack). It’s a place where it’s easy to see the power of frontier tech.

You’ll get to spend time with monks, mountain guides, government leaders, and the team behind GMC. You’ll hike to remote monasteries, walk ancient footpaths, and share ideas with fellow builders.

How much will the trip cost?

The cost of the trip is currently estimated between $3,500–$5,000, not including international flights. This covers:

• Lodging
• All meals and local transportation