Druk Asia
A Heart of Community
Travel, at its most meaningful, is less about crossing borders than about crossing into lives unlike our own.
A Heart of Philanthropy
Travel, at its most meaningful, is less about crossing borders than about crossing into lives unlike our own. For our guests, travel is a chance to listen as much as to give — to offer time, skills, or resources while receiving new ways of seeing the world. In these raw and unfiltered encounters, generosity becomes a bridge connecting cultures.
Our expertise stems from 15 years of guiding visitors in Bhutan, aligned with their "High Value, Low Volume" tourism policy and the principles of Gross National Happiness. Building on this foundation, we partner on projects in education, environmental stewardship, and empowerment — connecting local initiatives to a wider, worldwide audience.
For discerning travellers and organisations seeking meaningful engagement, cultural depth, and social impact, philanthropy travel offers a path to purpose. We curate tours built on deep respect for people, culture, and place — delivering positive economic impact by partnering directly with local communities.
Collaborate with Organisations Driving Meaningful Change
Through thoughtfully designed experiences, you can engage directly with communities, contribute to sustainable development, and leave a tangible impact.
1. Supporting Education — "Guardians of Culture"
The Experience: Participate in skill-sharing workshops where you share your professional expertise, inspiring curiosity, creativity, and confidence in young learners.
The Impact: Your engagement cultivates global citizenship. Contributions support educational resources, technology, and infrastructure, empowering teachers and students while fostering cultural understanding.
2. Collaborating with Social Enterprises & Artisans
The Experience: Go behind the scenes with a local social enterprise. Spend a morning with a women's cooperative producing traditional textiles, learning their techniques and stories.
The Impact: Your participation provides direct income and market access. You become an ambassador for their craft, helping preserve cultural heritage and create dignified employment.
3. Engaging in Environmental Projects
The Experience: Participate in community-led initiatives including reforestation, sustainable farming, clean water projects, or habitat restoration, working alongside local residents.
The Impact: Your efforts support the long-term resilience of natural ecosystems while empowering communities to implement sustainable solutions.
4. Contributing to Food Security
The Experience: Visit a local farm, help with planting or harvesting, and participate in a cooking class using ingredients you've cultivated together.
The Impact: Your involvement supports local growers, promotes sustainable practices, and strengthens community resilience through enhanced food security.
Ethical & Impactful Engagement
Projects are initiated by and for the community. As invited guests, we learn from local challenges while contributing meaningfully.
Activities are matched to the strengths and interests of our travellers to ensure genuine, valuable contributions.
All encounters are built on mutual respect, cultural sensitivity, and a shared desire to learn.
Initiatives are designed for long-term viability, continuing to benefit the community well beyond our visit.
We clearly communicate how your time and financial contributions directly support the local project.
We handpick experiences that encourage collaboration and empower communities with economic opportunities and long-term benefits.
Some of Our Community Contributions
Organisations We Work With
Museums of Bhutan
The Museums of Bhutan — comprising the National Museum of Bhutan in Paro, the Royal Heritage Museum in Trongsa, and Ta-Dzong, Trashigang — are powerful symbols of Bhutan's unique cultural and spiritual heritage as the last Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom.
Originally designated as watchtowers, our museums have evolved into sacred sites dedicated to preserving and sharing Bhutan's rich heritage. We have launched the Building Fund for the Museums of Bhutan — a US$12 million global fundraising campaign to reimagine our museums as dynamic community hubs, blending tradition with modernity.
Visit website →
Laptsakha Community School
Laptsakha Community School is a small school for the Laptsakha village at Talo in Punakha, with 143 pupils across 7 classes. Projects we have completed for them:
- New green boards for all classrooms — replacing old boards that caused reflection and dust problems.
- Water filter — providing clean drinking water for students during peak summer season.
- 2,000-litre water storage tanks — ensuring adequate water supply during important celebrations and monsoon season.
The Gyalyum Charitable Trust
The Gyalyum Charitable Trust, under the visionary leadership of Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck (Queen Mother), ensures the long-term sustainability of organisations under her Royal Patronage. Initiatives include:
- RENEW — Empowering vulnerable women and survivors of domestic violence.
- Gyalyum Scholarship Programme — Helping disadvantaged children continue their education.
- The Craft Gallery — Dedicated outlet for Bhutanese handicrafts.
- Royal Textile Academy — Training in traditional weaving arts.
- Gyalyum Dharma Initiative — Restoration of monasteries and support for monks and nuns.
Image credit: RENEW via Facebook
VAST Bhutan
Voluntary Artists Studio Thimphu (VAST), set up in 1998, provides Bhutanese youth with opportunities to develop artistic talents in contemporary art and explore art as a vocation. What we have done together:
- Sponsored 3 artists to participate in USK Symposium 2016 in Singapore.
- Art exhibition in Singapore — Happiness 2014.
- Art exhibition — Discover Breathtaking Bhutan @ ION, October 2016.
- Nomination to IFC Congress 2018 Scholarship.
- Bringing travellers to VAST studio and gallery.
Other Past Community Work
- Druk Asia donated towards the establishment of a staff canteen for the Gyalyum Charitable Trust, providing staff with a comfortable space to enjoy daily meals and foster a sense of community.
- A new Heritage Gallery was established in Lingzhi Dzong, showcasing the history, culture, and traditions of Bhutan. Druk Asia supported the establishment as part of our commitment to preserve Bhutan's unique culture.
- As title sponsor for six years, Druk Asia provided financial support, resources, and opportunities that greatly benefited Paro Football Club — enhancing training facilities, securing equipment, and attracting talented players and coaching staff.
- Druk Asia sponsored two girls from Punakha, who had lost both their parents and were staying with their grandmother, through their middle and higher secondary school. Together with friends of Bhutan, we also rebuilt the roof of their house.
Book a Philanthropy Tour
Each journey is tailor-made, offering an intimate experience that nourishes the soul, combining meaningful impact with the highest standards of comfort and service.
- Private touring with knowledgeable guides and drivers
- Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
- Itineraries customised according to your interests and schedule
- Seamless travel experience — all logistics, private airport transfers, internal transportation, and access to our global network of experts
