Best Time To Visit Bhutan
You might have heard travel advocates or travel specialists give testimonials on travel websites about Spring and Autumn being the best time to visit Bhutan . However, Bhutan is a year round destination and each season has its own Charm & Beauty. Here is a sneak peek into the seasons of Bhutan & what each season has to offer .
Spring (Mid of March to May)
Best time to enjoy weather, festivals & trekking
Yes, Spring is the season of rejuvenation. With the winter chill slowly waning, the weather is pleasant at this time of the year. The vegetation is verdant , displaying the natural wonders of Himalayan Landscape at its best. The spring season offers the visitors an amazing display of Rhododendrons, Magnolias, and many other flowering shrubs in full bloom. And there is more. The Grand Paro Festival takes place in Spring. Add to it Punakha Domchoe, a theatrical reenactment of ancient military victory in the fortress of Punakha and the popular Chorten Kora Tshechu in Eastern Dzongkhag of Trashiyangtse. Even the Rhododendron Festival and Ura Yakchoe Festival takes place in spring. The Spring begins from Mid of March to May. It is the best time to visit Bhutan to enjoy pleasant weather.
Summer & Monsoon ( June, July & August)
Best time to visit Bhutan if you are looking for lower tariff & lesser crowd but not favorable for trekking
This is the time of the year when the natural vistas of the kingdom of Bhutan are lush & green. The mountains exudes a spectacular air of freshness. One can soak in the sight, sound and smell of raw earth and nature.
Apart from the glorious sapphire skies and warm weather, Summer comes with vibrant green foresting and flourishing paddy fields against a backdrop of the clear skies after the rain.
This is the time of the year when rain, clouds and rainbows add color to the quiet serene life. An evening walk in the woods, through a shroud of thin mist, or drive through the serpentine roads can be enchanting experiences-even surreal & out of the world!
It’s a pleasant time to visit places of cultural and historical interest, although not perhaps the best time to visit Bhutan for trekking. There are also few festivals available in summer. Haa Summer Festival being one of the popular ones. You can check the Bhutan Festival Calendar here. The Monsoon in Bhutan is not the kind of rainy deluge that one experiences in many parts of South Asia. It is usually heaviest in July, although we mostly get rainfall at night or as afternoon rain every few days.
Autumn (September, October & November )
Best time to enjoy Bhutan festivals, nature, weather, photography & trekking
Autumn follows until late November, characterized by sunny days. It is also a season of festivities. A number of Bhutan’s major festivals are celebrated in the months of September , October & November. Thimphu Tshechu (main festival of Thimphu district) draws large crowds within and outside Bhutan to witness magnificent dance performed at the courtyard of Thimphu Dzong. The Famous Black Necked Crane takes place on 11th November.
At this point of time, life is a whole symphony of creation and burial. No wonder the land of the happiest people look unusually fresh and vibrant in the festive mood.
Note: The Spring and autumn are also the best time to visit Bhutan for trekkers
Winter (December, January,Feb)
– Best time to visit Bhutan to enjoy snowfall , lower tariff , snow capped Himalayas & photography
Winter until the middle of March is marked by snowfall for regions above 2,500mts. You will be visiting Bhutan at a time when the country exudes ethereal beauty and a calm that is soothing to the senses. The country landscape looks amazing with snow capped mountains, something that photographers may look forward to. It is the nostalgia inducing season of the year.
Winter is also one of those times when most locals are holidaying. You can share in the holiday mood to live out wonderful moments, making it an experience to count. The only issue could be unexpected road blocks due to heavy snowfall. So, if you want to enjoy the magic of winter, you should build in buffer days in your itineraries.
Some travelers consider visiting Bhutan in Summer(June,July & August) & Winter (December,Jan & Feb). By doing so, they avoid the higher tariff as well as the crowds of earlier months. So as such there is no best time to visit Bhutan, it all depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for low tariff Summer & Winter is the best time to visit and for trekkers it is Autumn & Spring. You can check Bhutan Daily Tariff as per season here .
So put on your adventure gear and experience Bhutan which is as revealing as it is mysterious.
Frequently Ask Question
- Q: What are the visa requirements for visiting Bhutan?
- A: Travelers to Bhutan must obtain a visa through an authorized Bhutanese tour operator. The visa is usually processed as part of a pre-arranged tour package.
- Q: What is the best time to visit Bhutan for trekking enthusiasts?
- A: The best time for trekking in Bhutan is during the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is pleasant and the trails are at their best.
- Q: Are there any special cultural events or festivals worth experiencing in Bhutan?
- A: Bhutan hosts several vibrant festivals throughout the year, such as the Paro Festival, Thimphu Tshechu, and Black Necked Crane Festival. These events offer a unique opportunity to witness Bhutanese culture and traditions.
- Q: What should I pack for my trip to Bhutan?
- A: It’s advisable to pack comfortable clothing suitable for the season of your visit, including layers for cooler evenings. Sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle are also recommended.
- Q: Is there a specific currency used in Bhutan? Can I use credit cards?
- A: The Bhutanese currency is the Ngultrum (BTN), but Indian Rupees are also widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in some establishments, especially in larger towns, but it’s recommended to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in more remote areas.
TaggedBest Time To Visit Bhutan
Google Reviews
Jenny Chua
In Nov 24, we had the privilege of exploring Bhutan with the guidance of an exceptional tour guide, Kinlay Dorji & Jigme Tshering from Bhutan Best Inbound Tour agency and I couldn’t be more impressed with the experience. From the moment we arrived, they ensured every detail of our trip was perfectly planned and executed, making it truly stress-free and enjoyable. Their deep knowledge of Bhutan’s history, culture, and traditions was remarkable, and they shared stories and insights that brought the country’s rich heritage to life. Whether we were visiting iconic landmarks like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery or strolling through serene villages, their passion for Bhutan was evident and contagious. What truly stood out was their dedication to providing personalized service. They were always attentive to our needs, ensuring we were comfortable, well-fed, and immersed in the beauty of Bhutan. Their warm hospitality, patience, and ability to adapt to our preferences made the journey unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip to Bhutan, I cannot recommend this tour guide enough. They truly go above and beyond to ensure you experience the heart and soul of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. An absolute five-star experience!
Reviewed on: 1/14/2025
Terri KimOur first time in Bhutan couldn’t have been as amazing & memorable as it was without the wonderful team behind Bhutan Best Inbound Tour who were with us every step of the way. We decided (very last minute) to go to Bhutan with only weeks to spare. I decided to go with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour based on online reviews, responsiveness (via WhatsApp), and reasonable pricing. Because our trip was short (5 days/4 nights) and we already rushed to book our flights/accommodations, we were mainly looking for a dedicated tour guide/driver to explore Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Deki, who planned our itinerary, was responsive and accommodating to all my inquiries and requests. She answered my questions, and put my mind at ease when it came to our visas. She was lovely to work with, and made us feel prepared before our trip. But what she couldn’t have prepared us for was how amazing Bhutan would be and how much we would love our trip. We arrived at Paro International Airport early in the morning, and were greeted outside with white scarves by our guide and our driver who were patiently waiting for us. Our guide, Phub, was fantastic. Not only was he like a walking encyclopedia about his country, the culture, and Buddhism, he was personable and so funny. He was also quite the photographer, capturing the best angles and even directing us on how to pose. Phub was also very flexible with our daily schedule, and accommodating to our requests, which we appreciated immensely. He also shared tips & tricks that only locals would be privy to, which made this trip much more intimate and fulfilling than if we decided to go without a tour guide. I HIGHLY recommend a tour guide if you are thinking of going to Bhutan for the first time. We had two drivers, both very humble and excellent drivers. I felt very safe in the car despite impatient drivers, the occasional cow and dog, and landslides. On our day trip to Punakha from Thimphu, a landslide extended our trip by an hour each way, but our driver was patient and made sure we were comfortable. The breathtaking views (and company) made the delays worth it. We were so fortunate to have such wonderful drivers who prioritized our safety. From the kindness of the people to the delicious food, from the beautiful weather to the rich culture, and of course, Tiger’s Nest (which left us breathless, both figuratively and literally), Bhutan is truly a special country that left us with so many beautiful memories. We plan to visit Bhutan again, and when we do, we can’t wait to work with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for all our needs. If you’re looking for a tour guide, I highly recommend reaching out to Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for a seamless experience
Reviewed on: 12/24/2024
Suresh KaruI had an amazing 7 nights 8 day trip to Bhutan, Phub my guide and driver Nima made it a memorable vacation. They were professional , kind and always helpful , also their local knowledge made it an experience unforgettable to me. The hotels they choose had excellent service, the cook made my favourite dish Idli. The home stay hostess was always smiling and kind. They also had the best price for the tour package.If I ever return to Bhutan I would choose them again Hands down .
Reviewed on: 9/30/2024
Charles VrtisEverything about my experience in Bhutan was outstanding from start to finish! It is very serene, stunningly beautiful, and its people are exceptionally kind and welcoming! Of course, had I not chosen the right tour operator, I might have left with different feelings. Fortunately, I selected Bhutan Best Inbound Tour. From the start, my experience with them was smooth and seamless. Deki, my contact in arranging the logistics, could not have been more responsive and helpful. She made everything so easy, including arranging for a visa. And, I cannot say enough good things about my guide and driver. They really made my experience in Bhutan so wonderfully memorable. I felt completely comfortable and safe with the driver, Jigme. Not only that, he always had a smile on his face. My guide, Tenzin (“Tax”] Loday was great. He was prompt, reliable, and very engaging. He is now my Bhutanese brother! His love for his country shows, and his clear and helpful explanations about its history and sites could not have been better. Thank you Bhutan Inbound Tour!
Reviewed on: 3/30/2024
Brian NYCHuge thanks to Bhutan Best Inbound Tours for an amazing experience in magical Bhutan! My guide Phub is a true expert who taught me so much about the history and culture of Bhutan, and he took perfect care of me each and every place we visited. Our driver Lobzang got us to all of our destinations safely and on time, and they made a great team, always keeping me smiling and in awe of the beauty of bucket list Bhutan. Everything was smooth from start to finish, the hotels were all excellent and comfortable, and I highly recommend Bhutan Inbound and my friends Phub and Lobzang to anyone planning a trip to stunning Bhutan!
Reviewed on: 10/14/2023
