| Gay Guides For Bhutan |
| Written by Howie Holben | |
| Friday, 12 February 2010 | |
|
The nation of Bhutan is a tiny Buddhist kingdom tucked into the remote Himalayas between India and Tibet. Here, visitors will discover a rich way of life that has only recently begun to be exposed to modern mindsets and Western culture. This devoutly Buddhist country is home to a distinct culture that is based on age-old Buddhist beliefs and practices and maintains a solid footing in tradition. The government of Bhutan monitors tourism closely as national leaders work hard to protect the cultural heritage and pristine natural beauty of Bhutan, balanced with allowing the adoption of modern technologies and conveniences to enhance the lives of the Bhutanese people.
The nation of Bhutan is a tiny Buddhist kingdom tucked into the remote Himalayas between India and Tibet. Here, visitors will discover a rich way of life that has only recently begun to be exposed to modern mindsets and Western culture. This devoutly Buddhist country is home to a distinct culture that is based on age-old Buddhist beliefs and practices and maintains a solid footing in tradition. The government of Bhutan monitors tourism closely as national leaders work hard to protect the cultural heritage and pristine natural beauty of Bhutan, balanced with allowing the adoption of modern technologies and conveniences to enhance the lives of the Bhutanese people. Although Bhutan is a conservative, traditional country in most ways, folks on gay tours are welcomed by the warm Bhutanese people and the tariffs paid by visitors on both straight and gay vacations are used to improve life in Bhutan through education, public services and economic growth and stability. Because tourism is limited, travelers who have the opportunity to explore this mystical Buddhist kingdom should take advantage of the chance to experience the rich Bhutanese culture to its fullest. 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. 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 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. The Article Author: Post about Bhutan authored by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys presents gay retreats for gay spiritual singles and couples. |
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