Best Time to Visit Bhutan

The best time to visit Bhutan is during the spring, when the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold. The Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan is located in the eastern part of the Himalayas. The country is known for its beautiful topographies, monasteries, culture, and historical importance. Furthermore, many festivals take place in Bhutan, including Paro and Thimphu festivals which are popular among tourist

Even though Bhutan has a mild climate, it varies from region to region. The spring season prevails from March to May.

Spring Season

• Months: March to May
• Range of Temperature: 14 to 25 degrees Celsius
• Average Rainfall: 90 to 95 mm

After the snowy cold winter days, the spring season in Bhutan is a delight. The bright sunny days, clear skies, lush greenery, and mesmerising atmosphere invite many tourists across the world to this country. The time is ideal for spending a vacation with family or for a couple deciding to go on a romantic holiday. This is why spring is considered the best season to visit Bhutan.

Following are the things you can enjoy during your tour in Bhutan in spring:

1. Enjoy the fascinating Gomphu Kora Festival that takes place between 1st April and 3rd April.

2. Visit the Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang Monastery

3. Explore the Jigme Dorji National Park

4. Go for a mountain trekking

5. Go for the famous Punakha White Water rafting

6. Try local delicacies of Bhutan, including momos, Ara, Kewa Datshi, and so on.

Summer Season

• Months: June – August
• Range of Temperature: 24 to 30 degrees Celsius
• Average Rainfall: 200 to 220 mm

The summer season of Bhutan is calm and serene with bright and clear weather and slight humidity in the air. Even though heavy rainfall occurs during summer, if you want to make a trip to Bhutan, then this is an ideal time. During this period, you can get a clear view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. In addition, the summer season is ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the beautiful landscapes and vibrant festivals.

Check out the following things you can do while going on a tour to Bhutan in the summer:

1. Go to the Dochula Pass

2. Explore the Haa Valley

3. Attend the Nimalung Tshechu

4. Take part in mushroom picking

5. Try the Snowman Trek

6. Experience Bhutanese arts and architecture at the Paro Dzong

Monsoon

• Months: July – September
• Range of Temperature: 25 – 32 degrees Celsius
• Average Rainfall: Approx. 240 mm

Monsoon is usually the time when you should avoid planning your Bhutan tour. Even though the temperature of Bhutan differs in its various sections depending upon its altitude, there are several places that receive heavy rainfall.

Many tourists hesitate to visit here during this season due to heavy rainfall. Also, various outdoor activities and tourist places in Bhutan remain closed during this time.

Furthermore, owing to torrential rain, the chances of sightseeing are also nil. Often torrential rains lead to landslides, thereby causing roadblocks. Consequently, it can stop you from visiting your desired sightseeing spots. This is why monsoon is not the ideal time to visit Bhutan.

However, if you plan a trip to Bhutan during this time, ensure that you carry raincoats, gumboots, umbrellas, silica gel packs, and so on. Also, when heading to Bhutan in the monsoon, prepare for floods. The temperature of the monsoon remains hot and humid, with temperatures ranging between 13 degree Celsius and 26 degree Celsius.

In general, the months from January to March are considered the off-season in Bhutan, and it is the cheapest time to go for a tour here. Moreover, since maximum tourists avoid going to this country during this time, it adds an extra benefit for you to grab the opportunity of those inexpensive tour packages of Bhutan.

Tour packages, including flight expenses and hotel charges, remain low since the weather keeps maximum tourists away. Moreover, being an off-season, the lesser crowds enable you to enjoy the sceneries, sightseeing, historical artefacts, art and architecture of Bhutan more comfortably.

In addition, another reason to visit Bhutan during monsoon is due to the famous festivals which take place during this time. This includes the Haa Summer Festival, Sakteng Festival, Matsutake Festival, etc. Therefore, if you are calculating the Bhutan trip cost from India, this will be the most economical phase of the year.

Visiting a foreign country often appears like you are entering a different world. However, you have to consider several things during your tour. Following are some pointers you should keep in mind while setting your foot in Bhutan:

• Bhutan is known for astrology
• No micro SIM card is available in Bhutan
• Some regions require security checks
• Tuesday is considered a ‘Dry Day’ in Bhutan, which means you will not be allowed to consume alcohol on that day.
• Production and sale of tobacco are strictly prohibited in Bhutan
• Always wear proper clothes while going to temples and monasteries

When you land your foot in a foreign country, it is obvious that you have to follow certain norms, social customs, and rules. Following are the travel tips you should remember during your Bhutan tour:

• Make sure that you are completely vaccinated
• Book hotels and buy tickets beforehand
• Keep your ID and passport in a safe place from where you can access them.
• Always wash your hands before eating
• Hire a local guide while travelling, if necessary
• Enjoy the local cuisines, and do not forget to try the national dish of Bhutan, Ema Datshi.
• Buy a travel insurance policy before planning your trip
• Indian Rupee and US dollar are accepted in Bhutan
• Always show respect to the royal family
• Plenty of pharmacies are there in Thimphu from where you can get medical support during an emergency.

Following are the common phrases one should know while going to Bhutan:

• Hello – Kuzungpo la
• Thank you – Kadrin Cheyla
• Food – Shay Go
• Which? – Gadee?
• Where? – Ga tey?
• What is your name? – Chhoe gi ming ga chi mo?
• Welcome – Tashi Delek
• Is it far? – Tha ring sa in-na
• Where are you from? – Choe gatey ley mo?
• Where does this road lead to? – Lam dig a thay jow mo?
• How are you? – Ga day bay ye?
• My name is… – Ney gi ming … inn la
• I am from… – Nga … ley in

Now that you are aware of the best time to visit Bhutan, you can decide your tour plan in accordance with your preference and affordability. Also, carry the necessary belongings based on the season you are travelling there. Last but not least, buy a travel insurance plan that can offer you sufficient coverage while travelling. Buying a travel insurance policy will safeguard your finances in case of accidents, medical emergencies, loss of documents, etc.