Tucked between Tibet and India in a remote region of the Himalayan Mountains, lies a tiny Buddhist kingdom called Bhutan. Visitors to this spiritually and culturally-rich country will find a simpler way of life that is largely unaltered by Western culture and modern attitudes. Every aspect of life in Bhutanese villages and towns is steeped in the age-old traditions, beliefs, customs and practices of Buddhism, which is the basis of this countrys conservative, traditional way of life.
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.
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 ones 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.
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.
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 ones 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.
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:
Howie Holben, the owns Spirit Journeys, a gay travel and gay holidays company that specializes in spiritual travel. Learn more about Howie, his work and gay travel or gay tours with a spiritual focus at www.SpiritJourneys.com.
0 comments:
Post a Comment