Best Time to visit Bhutan
With its location in the Himalayas and the variation in altitudes that this brings, Bhutan experiences a widely varied climate. Bhutan’s climate is also influenced by the Indian monsoons that bring rain at certain parts of the year.
The monsoons in Bhutan are from June to September with heavy rains and high humidity with it being hottest in the south. Autumn is from October to November when it’s generally sunny with some snow at higher elevations. Late November to early March is dry with pre-monsoon showers starting in May.
The best time to visit Bhutan is during the spring months of March to May when the valleys come alive with flowers in bloom. The Himalayan peaks are at their most visible with the clear skies of October and this is the best time for trekking though temperatures will be on the cold side. June to August is considered the low season due to the rains, which makes trekking less of an option. However, travelling in low and shoulder seasons will warrant lower hotel rates.
Will we meet some Bhutan festivals during my trip dates?
Yes, it is possible as there are so many festivals hosted in Bhutan through tout the year. You should not miss Bhutanese festivals which are known for their magnificence, liveliness, and cheerfulness. Most of the festivals are dedicated to Guru Rinpoche and comprise mystical dances, fearless fire events, and numerous engaging performances. Sure festival days means the busiest time of the year for the tourism industry.
Here are major festivals in Bhutan as follows:
- In spring, you can welcome festivals like Paro Tsechu, Ura Takchoe, Punakha Dromchoe, chorten kora, Gomphu Kora and Gasa Tshechu in different regions of Bhutan.
- Summar, there is Haa festivals held in Haa Valley, it is a celebration of Traditional Bhutanese culture, sports and religion.
- In Autumn, you can get a chance to witness Thimphu Tshechu, Trashiganag Tsechu, Jampey Lhakhang Drup, Haa Tshechu, Tamshing Phala choepa, Jampey Lhakhang Drup, Prakhar Tshechu, Black Necked Crane Festival, Mongar Tsechu and Royal Highlander festival.
- In winter, it is known to host some festivals and ceremonies like Lhosar, Nomad’s festival, Druk Wangyel Tsecu, Lhubtse Tshechu, Trongsa Tsechu and Trashi Yangtse Tsechu.
Travel Information
The easiest way for visitors to enter Bhutan is by air. Bhutan has two carriers – Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. The pilots are specially trained and internationally licensed for mountain flying. Both the airlines have an impeccable safety record, without a single mishap since its inception.
On clear days the flight to Bhutan offers spectacular views of the Great Himalayas, Mt Everest, Mt Kanchenjunga, Jumolhari, and Kula Gangri, and you can also catch a glimpse of the Great Tibetan Plateau and its grandeur stretching in the distance.
Confirm your travel with Quick Travellers, we will book your tickets well in advance to avoid the last minute rush during the peak seasons without any added commission.
Travel by Air
There are flights to destinations that include Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore and Mumbai.
Paro is situated at a height of 2,225 m (7300 ft.) above sea level and is surrounded by mountains as high as 4,876 m (16,000 ft.). There are also domestic airports in Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan.
Flying into Bhutan’s Paro International Airport is typically an exciting experience as the descent into Paro valley brings you closer to the mountain tops than most other flights in the world.
Travel by Land
Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu are the only land border areas open to tourists at present.
The town of Phuentsholing in south-west is located approximately 170 km east of the Indian national airport at Bagdogra. After crossing Phuentsholing, you begin your journey to Thimphu, the capital city with travel time of about six hours for the 170 km stretch.
The district of Samdrup Jongkhar in south-east Bhutan borders the Indian district of Darranga, Assam and is approximately 150 kms away from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. The journey from Guwahati is about three hours. Tourists entering Bhutan through Samdrup Jongkhar will take you to Trashigang, and from there over the lateral route to Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa, Wangdue Phodrang and then finally into the capital, Thimphu. The distance is about 700 kms and will take you a minimum of three days to reach Thimphu.
Gelephu, in south-central Bhutan, is another entry point to Bhutan. It is approximately 250 kms from Thimphu and the journey will take you through the sub-tropical areas of Bhutan before entering the alpine zone and then finally into Thimphu. One will have to traverse across three districts and the travel time will be about ten hours.
Travelling within Bhutan
One can use domestic flight service to visit Bumthang in central Bhutan, Yonphula in eastern Bhutan and Gelephu in southern Bhutan. The other mode of transport within Bhutan is by road. All the major towns in the 20 districts of Bhutan are accessible by road. Despite high mountains, steep slopes and the deep valleys, Bhutan has a relatively well developed network of roads.
Tourist Attraction/Places to visit in Bhutan
Western Region: Thimphu, Paro, Haa, Punakha, Wangduephodrang & Gasa
Thimphu: (Altitude: 1,800 – 5,400m approx.)
Thimphu, the capital city, is a bustling town on the banks of the river Wang Chhu. It is home to the Bhutanese Royal Family, the Royal Government and to several foreign missions and development projects.
Tashichho Dzong: The “Fortress of the glorious religion” houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, government offices and the central monk body.
Memorial Chorten: This stupa was built in 1974 in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk by his mother.
Takin Preserve Motithang: Takin Preserve is located in Thimphu is a wildlife reserve area for takin, the national animal of Bhutan. This is a mythical animal that was created by a great saint Lama Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Madman) in the 15th century
Semtokha Dzong: Five miles from Thimphu, on a lofty ridge, stands Semtokha Dzong the oldest fortress in the Kingdom.
The Institute of Zorig Chusum: This is the Institute where students learn the 13 traditional Arts and Crafts.
Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point): The Buddha Dordenma Statue which is 169ft is the world’s tallest Buddha statue and it is located about 6kms from Thimphu city.
The Folk Heritage Museum: Founded by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the museum portrays the lifestyle of a genteel family in the Thimphu valley in the olden days.
The Institute of Traditional Medicine: The complex has the traditional medicine production unit, the treatment hospital and the school.
Druk Wangyal Chortens at Dochula: On the way to Punakha from Thimphu is the Dochula pass from where a beautiful panoramic view of the mountain range can be seen. The place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens -108 stupa built by the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.
Centenary Farmers’ Market: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday the weekend market is held in the capital. Here villagers from the valley and other nearby places come to sell their agriculture products.
Paro (Altitude: 1,800 – 5,400m approx.)
The beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan’s old monasteries and temples. The valley is also home to Mount Jhomolhari (7,314 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley. Paro international airport is located in this district and Paro is one of the most important tourist hub in the country with wide range of tourist attractions as well as facilities.
Drukgyal Dzong: Built in 1649 to commemorate the victory of Bhutanese over the allied Tibetan-Mongolian forces. The Dzong as a defense fortress is said to have housed the finest armory in the country.
Ta Dzong: Built as a watchtower it was converted into a national museum in 1968. Ta Dzong or the National Museum depicts the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan and it’s just 8km away from the Paro main town.
Taktsang Monastery: The Taktsang, popularly known as the “Tiger’s Nest” is perched on the side of a cliff at a height of 900m above the Paro valley. Tasktshang Monastery: Your visit to Bhutan will be incomplete without visiting Tasktsang monastery. This monastery is an extraordinary monastery with spectacular beauty and a hike normally 3-4 hours for a tourist from the road point. It’s also one of the 100 wonders of the world.
Kyichu Lhakhang: This monastery dates back to the 7th century and is one of the eldest and sacred
Chelaila: It is the highest motor able road point in the country with an altitude of 3,988 meters (13,084 ft.) between Paro & Haa. The spectacular view Jumolhari and the rising sun will be the supplement of your morning tea at the highest road point. It is 35km from Paro & 26km from Haa.
Tachogang Monastery: This monastery is located across the main Paro- Thimphu Highway. It was built by a great saint Thangthong Gyelpo before 15th century and it’s popular for an iron bridge. You can have a short trek just to breath the fresh air and a scenic view of the river.
Tshenden incense: Located just 5 minutes’ drive from Paro International Airport. Tshenden Incense manufactures traditional herbal incense for more than a century. Incense is used as a room refresher and to drive away the evil spirit (Buddhist beliefs). Visit and purchase some if you wish to gift your friends back in the country. processing of the incense will be showcased while visiting the company.
Haa Altitude:(2700 m (8,900 ft.)
The valley of Haa is blessed by the presence of Meri Puensum, three small mountains symbolizing Rigsum Gonpo: Jampelyang(manjushri) Chana Dorjee (Vajrayana) and Chenrezi (Avaloketeshvara). The beautiful majestic valley of Haa will bless the guest with panoramic view of the nature, wonderful farm house with rich cultural etiquette and a fresh air to breathe.
Haa Summer Festival (First Weekend of July):
This festival is specially designed and initiated by the Dzongkhag administration with the support from the Tourism Council Bhutan. Haa summer festival showcase the nomadic lifestyle, unique Bhutanese cuisine, culture & tradition and traditional sports and performance by various groups. More and more tourist is attracted with the warmth of this summer festival.
Punakha (Altitude: 1,200 – 4,800m approx.)
It served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. It has a temperate climate and its rich fertile valley is fed by the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.
Punakha Dzong: The Punakha Dzong was built by Zhabdrung in 1637. It stands majestically at the junction of the two Rivers-Pho Chu and Mo Chu.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: Built by the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, this Chorten is a splendid example of the Bhutanese architecture. It was built over eight and a half years and its details have been drawn from religious scriptures.
Wangduephodrang (Altitude: 500 – 5,400m approx.)
This town is located south of Punakha and is the last town before central Bhutan. The district is famous for its fine bamboo work, slate and stone carving
Gangtey Goenpa (Phobjikha): The valley of Phobjikha is well known as the winter home of the Black-Necked Cranes (Grus Nigricollis), that migrate from the Tibetan plateau. The birds can be observed from early November to end of March. Overlooking the valley is the Gangtey Goenpa that dates back to 17th century.
Central Region (Trongsa, Bumthang, Sarphang, Gelephu & Zhemgang)
Trongsa (Altitude: 800 – 4,800m approx.)
It forms the central hub of the Kingdom and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched.
Trongsa Dzong:It was the ancestral home of the Royal Family, built in 1648. All kings hold the post of Trongsa Penlop prior to being crowned as the King.
Ta Dzong:It served as the watchtower for Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion and it is now a heritage museum
Bumthang (Altitude: 1,800 – 5,400m approx.)
The fascinating valley is the spiritual heartland of the nation and home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. The valley is famous for the production of honey, cheese, apples and the yatra (woollen materials). Bumthang valley is been benefited with the Domestic airport that had enabled the tourist and travellers to visit the beautiful district in a short span of time. It takes maximum 30 minutes to reach Bumthang from Paro International Airport.
Jambay Lhakhang: It is one of the 108 monasteries built by King Songtsen Goenpo in the 7th century to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region.
Kurje Lhakhang: It is dedicated to Saint Guru Padmasambava who was supposed to have meditated here in the 8th century.
Tamshing Lhakhang: It lies on the other side of the river opposite to the Kurje Lhakhang. It was built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, a re-incarnated disciple of Guru Padmasambava.
Jakar Dzong:It was initially built as a monastery in 1549 and like any other administrative Dzong, it is used for civil and monastic administration.
Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake): It is a sacred lake for the Bhutanese who believe that Terton Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasures from this lake in the late 15th century. This lake is a hot spot for tourist and one of the most important spiritual site of the Buddhism.
Zhemgang (Altitude: 100 – 4,520m approx.)
It is a region blessed with incredibly rich biodiversity. Its lush forests are home to 22 endangered animal species including the Golden Langur. Though much of the district has warm and humid climatic conditions, its northern regions have moderately cool temperature.
Eastern Region (Mongar, Tashigang, Tashiyangtes, Lhuntse & Samdrup Jongkhar)
Mongar (Altitude: 400 – 4,000m approx.)
The journey from Bumthang to Monggar is one of the most beautiful in the Himalaya, crossing the 3,800m high Trumshingla pass. Monggar marks the beginning of eastern Bhutan.
Tashigang (Altitude: 600 – 4,500m approx.)
This is the largest district in Bhutan. It was once the center of busy trade with Tibet and India. The nomadic people from Merak and Sakten use Trashigang town as their market place mostly during winter.
Trashigang Dzong:It was built in 1659 and it commands remarkable view of the surrounding countryside.
Gom Kora: It is said that Guru Padmasambava meditated in this place to subdue a demon that dwelt in a big rock. A temple was then built.
Tashiyangtse (Altitude: 500 – 5,400m approx.) It is also home to the Black-Necked Cranes especially found in Bumdeling. This is the eastern most part of Bhutan and borders Arunachal Pradesh in India.
Chorten Kora:It is similar to the stupa of Boudhanath in Nepal and was built in 1740 by Lam Ngawang Loday. During the second month of lunar calendar an interesting celebration known as “kora” takes place here. The people from neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh also join in the festivities.
Lhuntse (Altitude: 600 – 5,800m approx.)
It is the ancestral home of our Kings and hosts several of the sacred sites of pilgrimage in the country. It is also one of the most isolated districts in Bhutan. The region is famous for its weavers, (generally considered to be the best in the country) especially at weaving a textile called Kishuthara. Picking up a Kishuthara here will be much cheaper than buying one from the capital.
Samdrup Jongkhar (Altitude: 200 – 4,200m approx.) It is one of the land entry points to Bhutan. Tourists entering Bhutan through Samdrup Jongkhar will take you to Trashigang and other parts of Bhutan.