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.
However, while Bhutanese culture may be traditional and conservative in many ways, the people of Bhutan warmly welcome tourists on gay vacations, or visiting as part of a gay adventure travel tour, just as they do any other guest. The number of tour groups and tourists allowed to enter Bhutan each year is restricted by the government as part of an overall effort to preserve the cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty of this long-isolated country, so those who have the opportunity to venture into this mystical land as part of an organized tour group should take advantage of the chance to experience all that 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.
There is a noted level of bisexual behavior among men, most of who are either married to women or monastic monks, and this is not considered taboo. There is technically a very old law on the books in Bhutan that states that homosexual activity is punishable by imprisonment with the possibility of a life sentence; however, most residents are not even aware of this law and there are no records of it ever being enforced.
Partaking in gay travel in Bhutan is an experience that provides the opportunity to experience a community and culture that has been left relatively untouched by Western culture and offers an ideal environment for spiritual awakening or renewal. Bhutan gay vacations include opportunities to visit Buddhist temples, hike through the Himalayas and explore sacred sites.
For the most enjoyable, fulfilling experience, it is highly recommended that you visit Bhutan as part of a gay vacations tour, which will provide numerous opportunities to experience all that Bhutan has to offer, while ensuring that you respectfully experience the culture and traditions of this land that has only recently opened its doors to newcomers.
However, while Bhutanese culture may be traditional and conservative in many ways, the people of Bhutan warmly welcome tourists on gay vacations, or visiting as part of a gay adventure travel tour, just as they do any other guest. The number of tour groups and tourists allowed to enter Bhutan each year is restricted by the government as part of an overall effort to preserve the cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty of this long-isolated country, so those who have the opportunity to venture into this mystical land as part of an organized tour group should take advantage of the chance to experience all that 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.
There is a noted level of bisexual behavior among men, most of who are either married to women or monastic monks, and this is not considered taboo. There is technically a very old law on the books in Bhutan that states that homosexual activity is punishable by imprisonment with the possibility of a life sentence; however, most residents are not even aware of this law and there are no records of it ever being enforced.
Partaking in gay travel in Bhutan is an experience that provides the opportunity to experience a community and culture that has been left relatively untouched by Western culture and offers an ideal environment for spiritual awakening or renewal. Bhutan gay vacations include opportunities to visit Buddhist temples, hike through the Himalayas and explore sacred sites.
For the most enjoyable, fulfilling experience, it is highly recommended that you visit Bhutan as part of a gay vacations tour, which will provide numerous opportunities to experience all that Bhutan has to offer, while ensuring that you respectfully experience the culture and traditions of this land that has only recently opened its doors to newcomers.
About the Author:
The author is Howie Holben, the owner of Spirit Journeys, a gay travel and gay vacations company that specializes in spiritual travel. Learn more about Howie, his work and spiritual travel at www.SpiritJourneys.com.
0 comments:
Post a Comment