One of the first things that strike you when you arrive in Bhutan is how classy and well-dressed locals are. All Bhutanese are required, by law, to observe a national dress code and this is to protect and nurture Bhutan’s identity and uniqueness, dating back to the early 1700s. It starts at school of course with uniforms, but also for all adults who in the main centers are required to observe the national dress code during office hours and religious/official holidays.

Men wear a “gho”, a knee length robe, usually in darker color with wide sleeves tied in a wide belt and women wear a “kira” combining colorful silk/cotton/wool blouses and ankle length dresses. The patterns are stunning, and during festivals, one wears his/her special dress code. After I bought my first “gho” at a tailor I found that there was a trick in folding your coat and it took me a while to get the hang of it. Our Bhutanese guide was successful in hiding his iPad, wallet, keys and iPhone amongst his folds… 

LITTLE KNOWN FACT:

Bhutan is the only carbon negative country in the world.

BEST MONTHS TO VISIT:

October to December

Longitude 80 offers a private Bhutan expedition that will restart as soon as the borders re-open and flights operate to Bhutan. See our Bhutan itinerary under our Dream Journeys section.