Gay Travel Tips for Bhutan

Sunday, November 15, 2009 ·

By Howie Holben

The country of Bhutan is a remote Himalayan kingdom nestled between Tibet and India, where travelers will find a way of life that is largely untouched by Western culture and modern mindsets. Every aspect of the Bhutanese culture is steeped in tradition and is based on age-old Buddhist practices and beliefs. In an effort to allow the inclusion of modern technology, conveniences and ideas, while retaining the pristine natural beauty and cultural heritage of Bhutan, growth and tourism is carefully monitored by the government, which allows only a limited number of tourists and tour groups to visit each year.

To this end, the number of tour groups and tourists allowed to visit Bhutan each year is limited. While Bhutanese culture is very conservative and traditional, the warm, friendly Bhutanese people welcome gay travel tours, just as they would any other guest to their country. Due to the limited tourism allowed, anyone who has the opportunity to travel to this mystical mountain kingdom should take full advantage of experiencing all that the country of Bhutan has to offer.

The LGBT scene in Bhutan is non-existent, meaning that anyone planning a gay vacation to this remote mountain kingdom would certainly not be doing so in hopes of meeting up with a visible community or experiencing an established LGBT culture in this tiny Asian country. This, of course, does not mean that there is no same-gender intimacy in Bhutan; rather, it is a common and accepted part of the culture.

In fact, bisexual behavior among men is not considered taboo and is a commonplace occurrence that does not affect ones identity. Languages in this region do not have words for lesbian, gay or bisexual and most of the men who would perhaps be defined as bisexual in Western cultures are monastic monks or are married to women. While there is an old law outlawing same-sex sexual activity that is still technically on the books, there is no evidence that this law, which includes the possibility of life imprisonment, has ever been enforced.

Choosing gay vacations to Bhutan opens visitors up to a chance to fully experience a culture that has been isolated from the outside world until just three decades ago. From hiking in the majestic Himalayas to visiting mountainside Buddhist monasteries and exploring the valleys below, Bhutan is an ideal atmosphere for a spiritual renewal or awakening.

To truly experience Bhutan, visit this majestic land as part of organized gay travel tours, which will ensure that you have the opportunity to fully discover this beautiful, spiritual country, while respecting the local culture and traditions.

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