Visiting Bhutan in December-Feburary
From December to February is the coldest season in Bhutan, especially in the mountain areas, but the clear skies and fresh air and few other travelers reward those who brave the cold. The views of the snow-capped Himalayas are clear and fantastic. It is great time to visit the black-necked cranes nested in the lower regions in the south.
Events & Festivals
- The Trongsa Tsechu: it is a small local festival taking place in early February. Lamas dress up in the most elaborate costumes of the kingdom and dance.
Visiting Bhutan in March - April
March and April are among the best times to travel to Bhutan, when temperatures are pleasant and early spring flowers start to bloom. The valleys become green and lush and abundant in nature. It is wonderful time for trekking and you will see beautiful scenery along the way. The teahouses in higher altitude open again for walkers.
Events & Festivals
- Rhododendron season (March to May): The hillsides cover with colorful rhododendrons during this season, the landscape of the kingdom is at their best at this time of year before the monsoon arrives.
- Paro Tshechu (April): Takes place in April, Paro Tshechu is one of the most popular festivals in the kingdom. Monks dress up in colorful costumes with masks performing the Bhutan’s history of Buddhism and the ancient legends of Lei Kingdom. Thangka unveiling ceremony is the culmination of the festival. A 350-year-old, four stories high Thangka shows the deeds of Guru Rinpoche.
- Trekking in Bhutan (October to November and March to April): Trekking is a marvelous way to see this little-visited wonderful land. These are the months offering the perfect weather for mountain walks and overnight stays in characterful teahouses.
Visiting Bhutan in May
With the temperatures and humidity starting to increase as well as cloud obscuring the views of mountains, May is the time of fewer visitors to Bhutan. However, it is a great time for visitor to get a little peaceful relaxation before the monsoon rain arrives. The rhododendrons are still in bloom, which is the perfect time for nature lovers.
Events & Festivals
- Rhododendron season (March to May): The hillsides cover with colorful rhododendrons during this season, the landscape of the kingdom is at their best at this time of year before the monsoon arrives.
Visiting Bhutan in June-August
June to August and sometime lasting to the first half of September is the monsoon season in Bhutan. Normally the monsoon rains occur at night without spoiling daytime outdoor activities, but it is not ideal trekking weather as some trails may be waterlogged and muddy. Sightseeing is still possible and a raincoat should be prepared. Best views are in the morning after the nighttime downpours.
Events & Festivals
- Haa Summer Festival (July): This summer holiday celebrated in the Haa Valley with wonderful sweeping views of the surrounded mountains. This festival showcase Bhutan’s traditional food, sports and lifestyles. You can participate in the event and stay overnight with the locals in the village. It is the perfect way to immerse yourselves in the culture of the kingdom.
Visiting Bhutan in September
September is the start of hiking season as well as the start of the major festival season. One of the biggest festivals of Bhutan – Thimphu Tshechu takes place in the mid-September in Thimphu. People flood into the city to celebrate the festival. The temperatures are pleasant and the views are stunning in this month which is the great time for trekking through the mountains.
Events & Festivals
- Thimphu Tsechu (September): Held in the mid-September in Thimphu, the capital city of the kingdom, Thimphu Tsechu is one of the biggest festivals in Bhutan. It lasts three days and was set as a national holiday. Religious mask dances are performed throughout the holiday.
Visiting Bhutan in October
October is the busiest season in Bhutan and about 80% international visitors expect to visit the kingdom in this month. Because of the restriction on numbers of visitors at any one time, you should plan well in advance. October is the best month for trekking, and the trails are all dried up. Temperatures are pleasant and skies are clear, and the highest mountain peaks shows their awesome views.
Events & Festivals
- Trekking in Bhutan (October to November and March to April): Trekking is a marvelous way to see this little-visited wonderful land. These are the months offering the perfect weather for mountain walks and overnight stays in characterful teahouses.
Visiting Bhutan in November
November is the tail end of autumn and it is the time that black-necked cranes migrate from Tibetan Plateau to the protected Phobjikha Valley to spend their winter. It is the perfect time to see them. They remain in Bhutan until late February, when try fly back to the plains around Lhasa in Tibet. A special festival is held every November to celebrate the arrival of these unique birds in Gangtey. Please plan in advance if you are interested to be a part of it.
Events & Festivals
- Trekking in Bhutan (October to November and March to April): Trekking is a marvelous way to see this little-visited wonderful land. These are the months offering the perfect weather for mountain walks and overnight stays in characterful teahouses.
- Black-necked crane festival (November): They migrate from Tibetan plateau to Phobjikha Valley to spend their winter time each year. The festival celebrates their arrival in the courtyard of the Gangtey Gompa to promote the preservation of these endangered birds.