When to Visit Bhutan

Best Time to Visit Bhutan

The best seasons to visit Bhutan are during Spring (March, April & May) and Autumn (September, October & November). The major bhutanese religious festivals are held during these seasons and fine Spring and Autumn weather makes it an ideal time for trekking in Bhutan and for traveling throughout the country enjoying great views of Himalayan mountains peaks.

Nevertheless, it is possible to visit Bhutan throughout the year as Bhutan has 4 seasons in a year and each season has its own charm as given below:

Spring Season-March, April and May

In Spring the trekking season commences in moderate altitudes. Above 3000 metres spectacular rhododendron forests bloom. It is also the perfect time for a rafting tour. In Paro, one of the largest monastic festivals – Paro tshechu takes place.The temperature is pleasantly mild even up to the Alp regions. Rain comes only in May as the harbinger of the approaching monsoon.

Festivals in Spring:

  • Punakha Domchoefrom March 8-10, 2014
  • Punakha Tshechu from March 11-13, 2014
  • Paro Tshechu from April 11-15, 2014
  • Summer Season- June, July and August

The Summer brings with it the monsoon, but this weather should not deter Bhutan travellers. In the settled areas of the medium ranges of Central and Western Bhutan, pleasant summer temperatures without heat or humidity can be found. Rain falls for short periods daily but is manageable with adequate planning and equipment provided by Bhutan tour Operators /Bhutan travel agents like Access Bhutan Tours & Treks. Treks in high mountain areas, e.g. the Snowman Trek, are characterised by mild temperatures, verdant green meadows, and pastures of Blue Poppies and Edelweiss. Nomads tending their yaks in the high Alps are a common sight.

Festivals in Summer:

  • Bumthang Ura yakchoe from May 10-14, 2014
  • Haa Summer Festival from June 30-July 1, 2014

Autumn Season- September, October and November

Autumn is the traditional high season in Bhutan. September and October have the highest number of tshechus (monastic festivals). Trekkers particularly enjoy the clear view of the mountains in October and the low rainfall. Rice harvest means a picturesque landscape remarkable terraces and changing colour.

Festivals in Autumn:

  • Thimphu Drubchen on September 29, 2014
  • Thimhpu Tshechu from Oct 3-5, 2014
  • Wangdue Tshechu from Oct 1-3, 2014
  • Bumthang Thangbi Mani from October 7-9, 2014
  • Bumthang Jambhay Lhakang Drup from November 6-10, 2014
  • Bumthang Prakhar Tshechu from November 7-9, 2014

Winter Season-December, January and February

In Winter the South beckons. Dry and pleasant conditions make this the best time of year for bird watching in the jungles, village to village trekking in the lower altitudes or a bicycle trip along quiet mountain roads. The trekking routes in the high mountains are covered in deep snow and are impassable at this time of year. The impressive and endangered Black Necked Crane spends the winter in the high valley of Bumdeling (in eastern Bhutan) and Phobjika (in central Bhutan).

Festivals in Winter:

Trongsa Tshechu from December 30,2014-Jan 1, 2015

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