Secret Himalaya Travels and Tours
Authentic Adventure Tours, TrekkingSacred RealmsDecade Long ExpertiseAffordable Rates
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Custom & Religion
Bhutan has a rich and unique cultural heritage that has largely remained intact due to its isolation from the rest of the world until the early 1960s. Bhutanese tradition is deeply steeped in its Buddhist heritage. Hinduism is the second dominant religion in Bhutan. The government is increasingly making efforts to preserve and sustain the current culture and traditions of the country. Due to its largely unspoilt natural environment and cultural heritage, Bhutan has aptly been referred to as the The Last Shangri-la.
The National Dress for Bhutanese men is the gho, which is a knee-length robe tied at the waist by a cloth belt known as the kera. Social status and class determine the texture, colours, and decorations that embellish the garments. Jewellery is mostly worn by women, especially during religious festivals and public gatherings. Bhutanese law requires all Bhutanese citizens to wear the national dress in public areas and as formal wear. Rice, buckwheat, and increasingly maize, are the staple foods of the country. Dairy foods, particularly butter and cheese from yaks and cows, are also popular, and indeed almost all milk is turned to butter and cheese. Popular beverages include butter tea, tea, locally brewed rice wine and beer. Bhutan is the only country in the world to have banned the sale of tobacco. Bhutan's national sport is archery, and competitions are held regularly in most villages. Another traditional sport is the digor, which can be best described as shot put combined with horseshoe throwing.
Inheritance in Bhutan generally goes in the female rather than the male line. Daughters will inherit their parents' house. A man is expected to make his own way in the world and often moves to his wife's home. The tradition of arranged marriages is still common in the villages. Although uncommon, polygamy and polyandry are accepted; often being a device to keep property in a contained family unit rather than dispersing it.
