Best Time To Visit Bhutan

Bhutan Visit - March - May (Spring)

March –April-May is generally the best time visit Bhutan. Springtime in Bhutan brings moderate temperatures and the weather is pleasant, mild with clear mountain views. Bhutan is a bio-diversity hotspot and so it’s wide array of flora and fauna species come alive and bloom during this season. This allows for great outdoor activities from tours, walks or treks. There could be occasional clouds but mountains are visible most of the days. Bhutan is famous for Rhododendrons and blue poppy and spring is the perfect time to see them bloom. Temperature rises up a bit during the month of May. Spring is also the time for the fantastic Paro Tsechu (Festival).

Festival & Events

• Paro Tsechu – Witness the local festival at Paro Dzong (fortress). It displays a unique and vibrant Bhutanese culture, tradition, religion and history. It’s a festive day with colorful masked dances in a spiritual, positive atmosphere.
• Jacaranda blossoms at Punakha Dzong in mid-May is an absolute delight to the eyes.
• Rhododendrons - Before the monsoon arrives, colorful rhododendrons carpet the hillsides and change the way forests look in Bhutan.
• Gasa Festival: Gasa Festival is a magnificent event held at Gasa, celebrated with the highlanders in the north western Bhutan. It is a perfect opportunity to witness and experience Bhutan's diverse culture and tradition. In addition to various mask dances, you can also witness the community’s folk dances which are very unique.

Trekking in Bhutan

Jumolhari Trek and Drukpath Trek: Trekking is the perfect way to see the amazing vistas that Bhutan has to offer. These months offer the best weather for mountain walks and any general tour.

Bhutan Visit - September - November (autumn)

The temperate, mild weather in autumn means clear skies and so sightseeing is a fantastic experience in this season. This is the time of year when the weather tends to be tranquil, with a maximum of 70°. While September might see a little rain, later in the season, the sky becomes clear, revealing the best mountain views. This is also the time when the entire country becomes vibrant with festivals. The famous Thimphu Tsechu takes place in this season. This is also a perfect time for trekking in Bhutan. The pleasant weather allows you to see the Himalayas in full glory.

Festivals & Events

Thimphu Tsechu (Late September/Early October): Observed in honor of Saint Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche) this festival which takes place at Tashicho Dzong, features masked dances performed by monks. There are also spiritual chants, and the unfolding of the Thangka, or sacred scroll painting.

Jumolhari Mountain Festival (Mid October): Jumolhari mountain festival trekking is a two-day event  where celebrations at the base of Mount Jumolhari is observed by local communities. This is one of the most picturesque regions of Bhutan. The festival celebrates the traditions of the communities living in harmony with nature and their special relationship with the endangered Snow Leopard.

Black-necked Crane Festival (Early November): The Black Necked Crane Festival is observed at Gangtey. This is not merely a celebration but also the means to create awareness to help conserve and protect these rare birds. The cultural program contains folk songs and dances where the central theme is the Black Necked Cranes.

Bhutan Visit - December - February (winter)

The winter months may be the coldest season in Bhutan but this is the time when you will find a perfect destination with the clearest skies of the year. This is why tourists do not shy away from the drop in temperature. These months provide some of the best views of the Bhutan Himalayas with almost no obstruction. However, you can expect cold evenings and nights, especially at higher altitudes. Visiting Bhutan during the winter means that there’s not much traffic at tourist places and also presents the incredible opportunity to see the endangered black-necked cranes.

Festivals & Events

Chorten Kora Festivals (February & March): The Chorten Kora festival at Trashiyangtse is of religious and historical significance. The Chorten (Stupa) itself was built in 1740 A.D by Lama Ngawang Loday to subdue the demon who was believed to have been living on the present site of the Stupa. The festival marks the power of good over evil and the subsequent emergence of man from the dark age of magic.

Punakha Tshechu Festival (February): This is the one festival which depicts Bhutan's extremely vibrant and spiritual culture and traditions. It propagates the belief that one accumulates merits and purifies sins by just witnessing this festival. Historical folk dances and spiritual Buddhist chanting are the highlights of this festival.

Bhutan Visit - June - August (Summer)

Summer comes with a bit of monsoon n Bhutan. But it means that the days are long and it’s rarely crowded at any place you go to. You can expect afternoon showers generally, but not always. July and August are the months when Bhutan gets maximum rainfall. There could be low clouds covering the hills during the day which sometimes obscure your views.  This is a wonderful time to move away from the urban areas of Paro and Thimphu and hit the countryside where the lush green hills and valleys will become alluring. It’s also a nice season and a perfect time to choose to meditate among the tranquil hills of Bhutan.

Festivals & Events

Haa Summer Festival (Early July): The Haa Summer Festival is symbolic of a vibrant living culture, tradition and spiritual treasure of Bhutan. It displays the nomadic lifestyle of the distinctive Haaps (people of Haa) and their culture, cuisines, local traditional sports, religious performances and folk songs and dances.

Matsutake Mushroom Festival (Late August): During this festival at the splendid backdrop of pristine Bumthang, you can mingle with the locals for mushroom picking, and for short walks along the beautiful and mystic forest around the valley. You can also receive a chance to prepare mushroom dishes or relish mouth-watering feasts.

Kurjey Festival (June): This festival is held at Kurjey Lhakhang (temple) in Bumthang in honor of Guru Rimpoche. This is where the Thongdrol, which is a massive scroll painting of Guru Rimpoche is displayed. Meant to ward off all negative energies, the scroll being displayed is the highlight of this festival. There are also ceremonial scripture reading and masked dances.