Travel Etiquette: Respectful Journeying
As you embark on your travels in Bhutan, a small country with a rich cultural heritage and profound beliefs, it is important to be mindful of our local customs. Our warm-hearted and hospitable people are known for rarely refusing guest requests. Therefore, familiarizing yourself with our customs will enable you to tread lightly on our sacred sites and embrace the essence of our kingdom when we extend our warm welcome to you. Let us embark on a journey of mutual respect and cultural appreciation.
Respecting Bhutan's Sacred Heritage
Bhutan, being the last Vajrayana Buddhist country in the world, is home to numerous revered religious sites, ranging from roadside stupas to temples, monasteries, and nunneries.
To honor our people's faith, it is important to maintain a respectful silence when visiting any sacred site.
If you wish to capture photographs of individuals engaged in prayer or participating in our holy festivals, please do so mindfully. Avoid standing between religious observers and altars, ensuring that you do not obstruct our people's right to peacefully practice their faith.
As a gesture of respect, kindly remove caps and hats when visiting sacred sites or when in the presence of elders. If seated on the floor with a monk, nun, elder, or host, it is advisable to sit cross-legged.
When entering a temple, remember to dress modestly with long sleeves and covered legs. Take off your shoes upon entering and refrain from taking photographs inside sacred sites. Additionally, please refrain from sitting on lamas' sacred thrones or touching any religious items or paintings.
Let us embrace the sanctity of Bhutan's heritage by observing these guidelines and honoring the traditions of our people.
