Passion and Purpose: The Transformations You Don’t Photograph
A Bhutanese woman shares her journey in tourism, her views on happiness, and how women play a vital role in shaping Bhutan’s compassionate future.
Please tell us a little about your background.
My name is Yeshey Dema, and I am from Paro. Growing up, I was surrounded by strong cultural traditions and close family ties, which shaped how I see the world and how I relate to people. Over time, my interest in people, culture, and storytelling naturally led me towards tourism and guiding. I'm now fulfilling my purpose as a tour guide with Druk Asia.
What inspired you to join the tourism industry?
Honestly, it was the people and the stories. I was drawn to the tourism industry because it sits right at the crossroads of culture, connection, and experience. I love the idea that a simple trip can turn into a lifelong memory, and being part of the team that makes that happen feels deeply meaningful. Tourism allows you to share your home, your traditions, and your values with the world, while also learning something new from every guest you meet.
There’s also an energy to it that I really enjoy: no two days are the same. One day you’re solving problems; the next, you’re celebrating someone’s dream holiday or helping them discover a place in a deeper way. That blend of service, creativity, and human connection is what truly inspired me to step into this field.
What does guiding mean to you beyond showing places?
To me, guiding goes far beyond pointing out landmarks or following an itinerary. Guiding is about connection—helping people understand the soul of a place, not just see it. It means translating culture, values, history, and everyday life in a way that feels human and alive. A good guide doesn’t just explain what something is, but why it matters.
It’s also about care and responsibility. Guiding means looking after people, making them feel safe, welcomed, and respected, while also protecting the place itself—its culture, environment, and community. In that sense, a guide becomes a bridge between visitors and the destination.
Most importantly, guiding is about impact. If guests leave with a deeper appreciation, a changed perspective, or a genuine emotional connection, then guiding has done its job—not just showing places, but shaping understanding.
In your opinion, what role do women play in shaping Bhutan’s future?
In my opinion, women play a central role in shaping Bhutan’s future—not just as participants, but as leaders, caretakers, and changemakers. Bhutanese women have always been the backbone of families and communities. From managing households and farms to preserving culture, language, and values, women quietly shape everyday life, and the future grows from those daily choices.
As Bhutan moves forward, this role is expanding beyond the home into education, entrepreneurship, governance, tourism, and environmental conservation. Women bring perspectives rooted in care, balance, and long-term thinking, which align closely with Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Their involvement strengthens decision-making, especially in areas such as sustainable development, community-based tourism, and social wellbeing.
Most importantly, when women are educated, empowered, and given equal opportunities, the impact multiplies—stronger families, healthier communities, and more inclusive national progress. Bhutan’s future becomes more compassionate, resilient, and sustainable when women’s voices are heard and valued.
Many young Bhutanese are leaving for Australia and other countries for work. As someone who stayed to work in tourism, what motivates you to remain in Bhutan?
For me, staying in Bhutan and working in tourism is about purpose more than opportunity. Tourism allows me to earn a living while staying deeply connected to my culture, family, and values. I feel both a responsibility and a privilege to represent Bhutan, to protect what makes it special and to share it in a respectful way.
What motivates me most is meaning. Through guiding, I see how deeply Bhutan can touch people, and knowing that I play a small role in that exchange gives my work value beyond income. I also believe that change doesn’t only happen by leaving; it also happens when people stay, contribute, and grow from within.
While working abroad may offer exposure and financial benefits, staying here allows me to live close to nature, community, and balance. For me, that sense of belonging and alignment with Bhutan’s philosophy of happiness is what keeps me rooted, choosing to build a future at home rather than elsewhere.
We are seeing more solo female travelers coming to Bhutan who specifically request female guides for safety and comfort. Do you find any difference in guiding solo female travelers versus group travel?
Yes, there is a difference, and it’s an important one. When guiding a solo female traveller, the role goes beyond logistics and interpretation. Safety, trust, and emotional comfort become central. Many solo women travellers look for a guide who can help them feel secure, respected, and at ease—especially in unfamiliar places. Guiding them often involves being more attentive, flexible, and communicative: checking in regularly, respecting boundaries, and creating a space where they feel heard and supported. The connection is usually more personal and built on trust.
With a group tour, the focus shifts more towards coordination, time management, and group dynamics. Safety is still important, but it is shared within the group. The guide balances multiple needs, keeps the energy up, and ensures everyone feels included, rather than focusing deeply on one individual’s comfort.
Both require professionalism, but guiding a solo female traveller demands a higher level of sensitivity and responsibility. When done well, it empowers women to travel confidently and independently, turning the journey into not just a trip, but a positive and affirming experience.
Which Bhutanese tradition do you feel most connected to?
I feel most connected to the traditions that are woven into everyday life, especially those that reflect mindfulness, respect, and community. One is the practice of offering prayers and butter lamps. It’s simple but deeply grounding, reminding me to pause, show gratitude, and stay connected to something larger than myself, no matter how busy life gets.
Another is Driglam Namzha—not just as etiquette or how we dress, but as a way of carrying oneself with dignity and respect. Wearing the kira and gho, speaking politely, and showing consideration for others feels like honouring both our past and who we are today.
I’m also deeply connected to community gatherings and tshechus. Beyond the dances and colours, they bring people together—young and old, locals and visitors—to celebrate shared values, stories, and blessings. That sense of unity is something I find truly powerful.
Overall, Bhutanese traditions ground me. They don’t just preserve culture; they guide how we live, how we treat others, and how we move into the future.
Which is your favourite place in Bhutan and why?
My favourite place in Bhutan is Bumthang. There’s something about Bumthang that feels calm and powerful at the same time. Surrounded by mountains and forests, it carries a deep spiritual energy, especially in places like Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Burning Lake, and many others. Every visit feels grounding, as if the place quietly invites you to slow down and reflect.
I also love how Bumthang blends history, culture, and everyday life so naturally. You can visit ancient temples and fortresses, then walk through villages where traditions are still lived, not just remembered. The valley feels welcoming and peaceful, yet rich with stories.
For me, Bumthang represents the heart of Bhutan—spiritual, resilient, and beautifully balanced between the past and the present.
Is there a particular guest experience that left a lasting impression on you?
Yes, there’s one incident that really stayed with me. I once guided two elderly travellers who had always dreamed of coming to Bhutan, not for sightseeing, but for peace. Throughout the trip, they were quiet, observant, and deeply respectful, listening more than speaking. During our visit to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, I invited them to sit and meditate for a while in the second temple. When they returned, there were tears in their eyes.
Later, they shared that after a long life filled with loss and pressure, that moment of silence gave them a sense of calm they hadn’t felt in years. Before leaving Bhutan, they thanked me—not for the places, but for giving them space, patience, and understanding. They said the journey helped them heal in a small but meaningful way.
That moment reminded me that travel isn’t always about excitement or photographs. Sometimes, it’s about quiet transformation. Being part of someone’s healing journey, even in a small way, deeply touched me and reinforced why guiding matters so much to me.
What has guiding taught you about human connection?
Guiding has taught me that human connection doesn’t come from grand moments; it comes from presence. When you spend time with travellers from different backgrounds, you realise that everyone—no matter where they’re from—wants the same basic things: to be understood, respected, and welcomed. Guiding has shown me that listening often matters more than speaking, and that small gestures such as patience, kindness, or even simply sharing silence can build deep trust.
It has also taught me that connection goes both ways. While I may be guiding others through Bhutan, they are guiding me too, through their stories, emotions, and perspectives. These exchanges remind me that beyond cultures, languages, and borders, we are connected by our shared humanity.
Most of all, guiding has shown me that real connection happens when you lead with empathy. When you do, a journey becomes more than travel—it becomes a meaningful human experience for everyone involved.
What do you hope travellers remember about you?
I hope my guests remember me not just as a guide, but as someone who made them feel genuinely welcomed and understood. I would like them to remember the warmth, the care, and the small moments of feeling safe, unhurried, and comfortable enough to be themselves. More than the facts or the routes, I hope they remember how I listened, respected their pace, and helped them connect with Bhutan in a meaningful way.
If they leave carrying a sense of calm, kindness, and authenticity, and feel that their journey was more personal because of me, then I know I’ve done my job well.
What does happiness mean to you?
To me, happiness is a sense of inner peace and contentment rather than constant excitement. It’s about feeling aligned with who I am and what I do—knowing my work has meaning, my relationships are genuine, and my actions do not harm others. Happiness often shows up in small, quiet moments, like sharing a meal, walking in nature, or feeling grateful at the end of the day.
I also believe happiness grows when it is shared. When you can contribute to someone else’s wellbeing, even in a simple way, it creates a deeper and more lasting joy. For me, happiness isn’t about having more; it’s about appreciating enough.
This interview is part of the Passion and Purpose series where we shine a spotlight on the extraordinary individuals shaping Bhutan’s industries and communities across the different industries. Each feature explores the unique journeys, challenges, and achievements of Bhutanese professionals across diverse fields—tourism, arts, entrepreneurship, and more. Through heartfelt stories, we uncover what fuels their dedication and how they contribute to preserving Bhutan’s heritage, sustainability, and Gross National Happiness ethos.
