How it works
Three steps: we match you with a guide, you schedule conversations that fit both time zones, and you talk — with as much or as little structure as you like.
Short explainer video
A two-minute introductionOur short explainer video is being produced and will appear here.
1. Guide matching
When you join, we ask a few short questions: what draws you to this, the topics you’re curious about, and when you’re usually free. From that, we suggest up to three guides whose interests and availability overlap with yours.
You can also browse guide profiles directly. Every profile shows a guide’s real name, a bio written in their own words, the themes they enjoy talking about, and the languages they speak. You choose — or let the match stand.
Guides rotate over time so you hear more of Bhutan’s perspectives. Many members keep the same guide weekly; others enjoy meeting several. Both are normal.
2. Scheduled 30-minute video conversations
Conversations are 30 minutes, scheduled ahead of time, and happen right in your browser — no app to download. Book two back-to-back slots when you want a full hour.
Bhutan is 10–13 hours ahead of the continental United States, which works better than it sounds: a guide’s weekday morning is your previous evening. The calendar shows every slot in both time zones, and you’ll get reminders a day and an hour before.
Reschedule or cancel up to 12 hours before your conversation at no cost. Inside 12 hours, the session counts as used — your guide reserved that time and is paid for it either way.
3. Structured topics — if you want them
Some people arrive with questions. Others prefer a thread to follow. Each week you can pick a theme, or leave it open:
- Daily life — work, food, seasons, routines
- Family and community
- Buddhist practice in everyday lay life
- Nature and rural living
- How Bhutan thinks about wellbeing and contentment — including Gross National Happiness, Bhutan’s own national framework, described by people who live within it
There is no script and no performance. Guides speak for themselves, from their own lives.
Built-in care
Conversations are recorded and monitored for safety, and everyone agrees to PG standards. If a conversation ever raises a concern about someone’s wellbeing, a licensed clinician — not the guide — steps in. Read more on our trust & safety page.