Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Gay Tours to Bhutan

By Howie Holben

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.

Although Bhutan is a conservative, traditional country in most ways, folks planning gay travel 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.

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.

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.

Gay travel to Bhutan allows an opportunity to experience a culture that is largely untouched by the outside world and is the ideal setting for a spiritual awakening or renewal. From hiking to visiting monasteries and exploring ancient villages, Bhutan gay vacations are unlike anything you will experience anywhere else in the world.

To fully enjoy all that Bhutan offers, it is recommended that you plan your gay holidays or vacations to this majestic land through 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.

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