Nightclubs and bars in Bhutan

My visit was during the off-season, so I was the only "foreign soul" in my hotel at this time. But at one night, there was a celebration for the Ministery of Trade and Tourism (or so) and I witnessed a traditional dance. The women, dressed in bright colourful clothes danced in a circle and sang traditional songs (according to my guide) to the music of a live band. Later people mixed so that men and women danced together in a circle.

Before that Sangay and me were eating our dinner, when a well-dressed man approached our table. I dint think of anything, but when I saw Sangays shocked face, jumping off his seat to greet this man - I realized here was something special going on. Well, this man was introduced as the Minister of Trade and Tourism (if I remember correctly) and he was so friendly and easy going you cant imagine. My hometown was the capital city of Germany for quite a while, but the only thing you had from politicians were blocked roads, traffic jams and hundreds of bodygards and policemen. But Bhutan really is relaxed - everything is easy going here. Where do you find a minister talking to a simple tourist?

In Thimpu, the nightlife is interesting! There are lots of pubs that serve local brews as well as standard brands, along with local food and live music.
To enter, one has to pay a cover charge of 50/-, which is adjusted against the bill.
The atmosphere is lively, lots of young folks clad in western wear / traditional dress throng to these places, to sway to the strumming of guitar.
Bhutanese music is lilting, sweet and sometimes a little melancholy. Even if one does not understand the lyrics, the melifluous tunes are good enough to get your feet tapping !

Dress Code: Most Bhutanese people wear their traditional dress, but western clothes are not a taboo anywhere.

There isnt much nigthlife in Bhutan but those who want it can try 'Club X' nightclub or the disco at Riverside Hotel. Both saturdays only. There are also a few bars in Thimphu and you will find them if you walk along the main street in town. There is also a cinema in centre of town that supposedly show one hindi and one english film daily. I spent my evenings with the locals in their homes and never took part in any nightlife. Found it more interesting than spending my time in Bhutan dancing to english/american music ;) THE PHOTO: THIMPHU CINEMA.

Laugh about this and take enough books with you on your trip !
Without joke: I was told, not to share the nightlife.
Many fights are here and some Bhutanese don't like foreign tourists so much, so better make yourselve tired enough till nighttime, so not to need to go out !