The Best Time to Travel to Bhutan

You might be thinking about planning a trip to this beautiful country… but when is the best time to travel to Bhutan — and why?

Bhutan is the last Great Kingdom of The Himalayas, a beautiful treasure trove of ancient monasteries and Buddhist art in the misty mountains. The country boasts a fascinating mix of old traditions and modern innovations amid an extraordinary landscape of snow-capped peaks and dense forests that will truly take your breath away! In fact, the mountains are so spectacular that Bhutan is referred to as the “Switzerland of Asia.”

This country is largely untouched by the outside world and is notoriously difficult to visit. Visitors pay a fee of $250 USD per day, which keeps visitor numbers down and supports sustainable tourism. The fee is all inclusive and covers all transportation, food, accommodation, and the services of a local guide.

Visiting Bhutan means falling in love with the magic of the city’s medieval architecture, the spectacular traditional dance festivals, ancient religious rituals, and the breathtaking hiking trails. However, you might be wondering: when is the best time of year to plan your perfect visit?

When Should You Travel to Bhutan?

Although Bhutan is situated high in the mountains, the climate is not as cold as you might expect. In Southern Bhutan the weather is subtropical, ranging from 15 degrees Celsius in the winter to 30 degrees Celsius or more in the summer. The east of the country is generally the warmest area — but the higher in altitude you go, the cooler it will be.

The mountain peaks of the Himalayas are covered in snow all year round and the temperatures up there fluctuate from freezing in the winter to 10 degrees in the summer.

Perhaps the best time to travel to Bhutan is from October to December, as this is when the air is fresh and clear and the weather is bright and sunny. If you visit in October you will see the valleys transition to a beautiful shade of gold as the rice farmers get ready to harvest their crops.

However, if you want to see the rare black-necked cranes during your trip to Bhutan, it is best to visit between late October to mid-February. The autumn months are also when the largest number of festivals take place, which can add plenty of captivating colors to your visit!

It is also a good idea to travel to Bhutan in the spring, as this is when the Rhododendrons will be blooming and the forests will be filled with colors. Also, if you are really lucky, you might see the rare Blue Poppy.

June to September will not be the perfect time to visit the mountains, as the monsoon rains will be pouring down. However, if you don’t mind a little bit of rain during your visit, the summer months can be a good time to beat the crowds and get the cheapest possible prices. When will you plan your trip to the fascinating Kingdom of Bhutan?