It has been almost six months since Ed Sheeran made history in Bhutan, and the echoes of his groundbreaking concert still resonate. On January 24, 2025, Thimphu’s Changlimithang Stadium, typically a hub for archery and football, transformed into a vibrant concert arena as Ed Sheeran became the first international artist to perform in Bhutan as a part of his Mathematics tour.
The landmark event set a precedent, proving Bhutan’s unique approach to global engagement. Reflecting Bhutan’s “Gross National Happiness” philosophy, tickets were exceptionally affordable, starting at approximately $10 (Nu 860), which sold out within hours.
While the stadium’s usual capacity is around 15,000, organisers successfully expanded the venue with temporary stands to accommodate an astounding 23,000 fans. This drew a diverse crowd, not only from across Bhutan but also from neighbouring India, Nepal, and beyond, all eager to witness this historic occasion. The energy was palpable even before Sheeran took the stage, thanks to an electrifying opening performance by local hip-hop collective Rebellions Bhutan.
Armed with just his signature loop station, Ed Sheeran delivered an intimate and powerful performance on a stage-in-the-round. He captivated the audience with a string of his biggest hits, including “Shape of You,” “Perfect,” and “Castle on the Hill.”
Taking a moment to absorb the unique atmosphere, Sheeran later shared his appreciation on social media: “Had the honour to be the first ever international artist to play Bhutan last night… what a gig, what a country, what a beautiful place with incredible people. Lemme know if I can move there, please and thank you.”
His sentiments resonated deeply, and social media buzzed with images and videos of fans singing under the stunning Himalayan sky.
The concert was a testament to Bhutan’s thoughtful approach to tourism and cultural engagement, with Their Majesties the King and Queen of Bhutan even attending from the VIP stand. Co-presented by Gelephu Mindfulness City and global promoter AEG Presents, the event was part of a broader initiative to host world-class events while steadfastly upholding Bhutanese values. It showcased the Bhutan’s ability to seamlessly blend global entertainment with its unique cultural identity.
If Ed Sheeran’s historic performance has inspired you to explore Bhutan, here are some key considerations:
- Time it right: While Bhutan beckons year-round, the Spring (Mar – May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) seasons are particularly popular. During these months, you will find clear skies, pleasant weather and the perfect opportunity to combing trekking / walking with several local festivals.
- Book early: To ensure a seamless journey, early booking is highly recommended. Accommodation across Bhutan, and especially in popular places, tends to book up well in advance. Securing your flight tickets well in advance, particularly during peak seasons, is also crucial.
- Consider a local travel company: For a truly authentic and personalised experience, we highly recommend collaborating directly with a local travel company like ours. Our deep local knowledge ensures a bespoke itinerary, perfectly tailored to your interests. Check our tours here.
Ed Sheeran’s unplugged concert in Thimphu culminated with fireworks illuminating the snow-dusted peaks, but its true legacy is far more profound. It demonstrated that Bhutan can welcome the world, on its own terms, one perfectly strummed chord at a time, proving its capacity to be a global cultural destination while remaining true to its cherished traditions.
Image – Marcus Westberg, Dept of Tourism Bhutan
