Etiquette
With their unique culture and religion, the Bhutanese people have different ways of behavior than normal Westerners. Please keep in mind the following tips:
- Respect local traditions and culture.
- Although local people do not mind you taking their pictures, it is polite to ask their permission before taking photographs.
- Giving anything directly to children is strictly discouraged This encourages begging. Donations to schools and charities are more constructive.
- If you are asked to sit down, please cross your legs and do not stretch your legs forward and face your sole to others.
- Dress modestly, particularly when visiting temples, shrines and walking through villages and public places.
- Avoid holding hands and kissing in public.
- Do not touch, walk over, or sit on any religious texts, objects or prayer flags in monasteries.
- Remove your shoes before entering temples.
- Do not smoke in the monasteries.
- It is banned to touch the statue of Buddha and other religious articles and to take pictures of them. In addition, all visitors should walk clockwise around religious objects.
- When passing monasteries or Mani piles, please go around them clockwise and do not avoid them.
