November 15, 2009

Bhutan, A Wonderful Gay Travel Destination

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.

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.

Bhutan has no LGBT scene to speak of; therefore, a gay vacation planned to this magnificent mountain kingdom would certainly not be planned with the intent of experiencing a distinct LGBT community or visiting LGBT establishments. Of course, this is not to say that same-gender behaviors and relationships do not occur. These activities are actually common and accepted and there is a significant amount of bisexual sexual behavior practiced among Bhutanese men.

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.

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 fully enjoy all that Bhutan offers, it is recommended that you plan your gay holidays or gay tours to this majestic land very well. This will help to ensure that you are given the opportunity to discover the beauty and spirituality of this magnificent country, while respecting Bhutans natural and cultural richness.

A gay travel advice article by Howie Holben. He and Spirit Journeys provide gay vacations with a focus on spirituality. Learn more about Howie, his work and a gay travel adventure with a spiritual focus at www.SpiritJourneys.com.