Bhutan a Spa Destination

Bhutan’s aspiration to become a unique spa destination may not be arduous given the abundance of rich medicinal herbs in the country. This is what the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) envision as the two organizations are collaboratively planning to introduce Sowarigpa (traditional medicine) spa and wellness services in the country.

The introduction of Sowarigpa services will not only promote and sustain the practices of traditional medicine of Bhutan, but also promote Bhutan as a unique spa destination for the high-end tourism industry in the world because of the unique advantages Bhutan enjoys in this sector. We do have potentials to develop our traditional medicines and achieve new heights. Sowarigpa system identifies two major areas of health, which are health promotion and prevention services, and the specific treatment services in treating diseases.

However, the wellness and health promotional services in Sowarigpa system are recognized as having immense potential for the high end spa and wellness Industry, and one that will also add value to the unique medical heritage of Bhutan. Lingzhi Dungkhag has the largest number of high altitude medicinal plants in the country.

With environment and culture being the two important pillars of Bhutan’s unique development paradigm (GNH), the spa and wellness industry will contribute towards the support of this important pillar. However, for this to be realized, constant and assured supply of medicinal raw materials is needed to produce products.

The traditional medicine services have identified over 200 different species of high altitude medicinal plants for use in traditional medicines. And many more species of high altitude medicinal plants are yet to be identified and studied for their medicinal properties.