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 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.
There is not any scene to speak of in Bhutan, which means that a gay vacation planned to this majestic mountainous region would certainly not be for the purpose of seeking out and experiencing LGBT life in a different culture. This is not to say that there is not same-gender intimacy in Bhutan; in fact, it is a common and accepted occurrence. However, there are no words for gay, lesbian or bisexual in the languages of this region and one’s identity is not influenced by sexual behavior.
Most of these men are either married to women or are monastic monks and these behaviors are not considered taboo, and do not influence how one identifies. In fact, there are no words to describe sexual orientation in this regions language; sexual expression is simply part of everyday life. A law from over 100 years ago is still on the books that criminalizes same-sex sexual behavior and allows for punishments that include life imprisonment; however, there are no indications that this law has ever been enforced.
Choosing gay vacations in 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 spiritual travel or awakening.
For the most enjoyable, fulfilling experience, it is highly recommended that you visit Bhutan as part of gay adventure travel tours, 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.
Exposition written by Howie Holben regarding Bhutan and gay travel tours. Spirit Journeys can help with your next gay trip.
