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When is the best time to visit Bhutan?

Jan 16, 2024 • 5 min read

Try to schedule your trip around one of Bhutan's spectacular festivals © DUCOIN DAVID / Getty Images

The perfect time to visit Bhutan depends on your reasons for coming. The best seasons weather-wise for general travel are spring (March and April) and autumn (October and November), but it will also depend on whether your main goal is trekking, avoiding the crowds or attending a specific festival.

In general, October is the single most popular month for foreign visitors to Bhutan, closely followed by April.

There are some hotel discounts in the off-season winter months of December to February and monsoon months of June to August but in general, there's not a huge seasonal price difference for tours. Here's everything you need to know about picking the perfect time to visit Bhutan.

October is the single best month to visit – unless you dislike crowds

With its perfect combination of comfortable temperatures, clear skies, spectacular festivals and good trekking, October is the single best month to visit Bhutan – that's why it's the most popular month for international visitors.

The downside is you'll encounter large groups at the more popular sights and throughout western Bhutan , as well as more trekking groups in camping areas. Don’t worry, though, there are still plenty of spots that you can enjoy by yourself. Even at its busiest time, the crowds in Bhutan can't compare to neighboring Nepal or India.

Mid-March to May is the best time to see spectacular rhododendron blooms

Springtime in the eastern Himalaya brings not only delightful weather but entire hillsides of pink, red and white rhododendron blooms, as well as the dramatic spiky blooms of Bhutan’s many red silk cotton trees. Temperatures are warm but not hot, the skies may not be quite as clear as October or November but the fields are greener and snow still shrouds the higher peaks.

April is the second most popular month for foreign visitors, most of whom visit the beloved Paro tsechu (masked dance) festival (usually in late March/early April). Early in the season is also a great time for day hiking sections of the low-altitude Trans Bhutan Trail  – treks into higher elevations are best left until late April and May.

April, May, October and November are the best months for trekking

The spring and autumn (fall) seasons are easily the best times to go trekking in the Bhutanese Himalaya. Spring brings colorful blooms but also more rain and mud than autumn, as well as more snow on the higher passes. Autumn offers clearer Himalayan panoramas and pleasant daytime high temperatures of around 20°C (68°F).

Avoid trekking during the monsoon season (June to mid-September) when leeches, damaged roads and raging river crossings make trekking too much of an adventure to be considered fun. September is also a soggy, cloudy month. March is worth considering for lower-altitude treks such as the Saga La and Bumdrak routes.

November is the best month to spot black-necked cranes

By early November up to 600 black-necked cranes have established their winter home in Bhutan’s beautiful Phobjikha Valley , making it one of the best places globally to spot these beautiful and auspicious birds. The cranes stay in the valley until March but November offers the most comfortable viewing conditions before winter temperatures drop below freezing.

Most of Bhutan is visitable during the winter months of November to February, except for the high mountain passes of the main trekking areas – these are snowbound until late spring. There are very few tourists in winter and not much (if any) snow in the main valleys, making it a potentially lovely, and quiet, time to visit. Just be sure to pack plenty of warm clothing.

February to March is the best time to beat the crowds

Lower-lying areas such as the subtropical Punakha Valley and most of eastern Bhutan are already comfortably warm in February, making this a great time to visit these regions. However, winter snow still lingers in the higher, colder valleys of places like Phobjikha and Bumthang in central Bhutan. Head out to eastern Bhutan in February and you can enjoy the fabulous Chorten Kora festival, which attracts pilgrims from across eastern Bhutan and India’s Arunachal Pradesh .

The Punakha Drubchen Festival in late February is another of Bhutan's most dramatic festivals, reaching a crescendo with the recreation of a 17th-century battle with Tibet that features hundreds of costumed warriors. A three-day tsechu (masked dance festival) then follows.

July is the best time to spot alpine wildflowers

The monsoon months of June to mid-September are not the best time to visit Bhutan. Rain clouds block out the Himalayan peaks, the daily deluge plays havoc with mountain roads, and domestic flights are frequently delayed. But there are some upsides!

The high-altitude wildflowers in mountain valleys such as Haa are at their peak and this is the only time to spot the almost mythological blue poppy, as well as beautiful anemones, primula and irises. Bhutan, and the eastern Himalaya in general, receives more rainfall than anywhere else in the Himalaya and boasts a much higher rate of biodiversity. The monsoon months also bring wild mushroom season, as well as summer festivals in little-visited places like the lovely Haa Valley.

Bhutanese festivals

Whenever you visit, do your best to structure your itinerary around one of Bhutan's spectacular and colorful religious festivals. Large crowds of Bhutanese attend the festivals, dressed in their finest traditional robes for the social highlight of the year, and a motley crew of holy men and hucksters also set up shop.

Most festivals are scheduled according to the lunar calendar and dates are only confirmed by astrologers a year or so in advance. Check the website of Bhutan's Department of Tourism and major tour operators for the latest dates.

The most popular of Bhutan’s many tsechus (masked dance festivals) are held in Paro and Thimphu in April and September respectively, and though they are spectacular affairs they do attract a lot of tourists.

Head out to smaller regional tsechus in places like Haa, Gasa, Mongar and Trongsa and you'll likely instead be the guest of honor as the only foreigner in town. The best of Bhutan’s secular festivals is October’s Royal Highland Festival  in remote mountainous Laya, which features horse races, traditional music and even yak beauty contests.

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The Best Time to Visit Bhutan

Climate, Weather, and Festivals

Bhutan is a fascinating, scenic Asian country that's on many traveler's bucket lists. Given the diverse climate and variations in seasonal rates, the best time to visit Bhutan is fall's post-monsoon season, from late September through November. During this time, travelers will find pleasant temperatures and clear days. Of course, those wishing to avoid crowds may want to visit at another time of year.

Read on for more about Bhutan 's climate, significant events and festivals, plus details on each season's weather and can't-miss festivals. This information about what you need to know when visiting Bhutan will help you plan your trip as well.

The Weather in Bhutan

Bhutan has an extremely diverse climate. This is due to the vast variations in altitude, as well as the influence of the southwest and northeast monsoons from India. From late June through September, the southwest monsoon brings heavy rain and high humidity to the southern border region of Bhutan.   However, post-monsoon from late September through November, there are bright sunny days and sometimes early snowfall at higher elevations.

Winter (November through March) is the northeast monsoon season, which brings gale force winds through high altitude mountain passes, giving Bhutan its name "Drukyul," meaning Land of the Thunder Dragon.   Winter sets in with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall often above 3,000 meters. December and January are the coldest months in Bhutan, with overnight temperatures dropping below zero in Paro, Thimphu, and Bumthang.

Spring is generally dry and pleasant, while summer produces occasional showers and maximum temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

Peak Season in Bhutan

Passport holders of countries other than India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives must visit Bhutan on a guided tour. The government has set "Minimum Daily Package" rates for all tours. These rates differ according to high and low seasons as follows. High season encompasses March through May, as well as September through November, whereas low season consists of December through February and June through August.

Popular Events and Festivals in Bhutan

Many tourists visit Bhutan to experience the country's fascinating festivals. The Tshechu festivals , held in temples, monasteries, and dzongs (fortresses) all over Bhutan, are a highlight. Communities come together to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings, and socialize at these grand events. Each mask dance has a special meaning behind it, and it's believed that everyone must attend a Tshechu and see the dances at least once in their lifetime to dissolve their sins.

The Tourism Council of Bhutan has a handy extensive event calendar on their website.

Like Autumn, spring in Bhutan is also high tourist season. While the season may be busy, the weather is beautiful and the season hosts many of the country's best celebrations. The ideal season for rafting and kayaking in Bhutan is spring, too.

Events to check out:

• Punakha Drubehen and Tshechu (February or March) -- At picturesque Punakha Dzong, the Punakha Drubchen hosts a dramatic recreation of the scene from Bhutan's 17th century battle with the Tibetan army, who came to seize a precious relic. It's one of the country's most popular Tshechus.
• Paro Tshechu (April) -- Held every spring at Rinpung Dzong, this is the most popular religious dance festival in Bhutan. Early in the morning on the last day of the celebration, the monks display a huge  thangka (painting) inside the  dzong.
• Gomphu Kora (April) -- Unlike other Tshechu festivals, pilgrims circumambulate the path around the meditation cave at this scenic temple.
• Ura Yakchoe (April or May) -- The Ura Valley in Bumthang is renowned for its Ura Yakchoe dance, performed at this festival. During the festival, a sacred and important relic, passed on from generation to generation, is put on display so that people can receive blessings from it.

Bhutan's monsoon season usually arrives in mid-June, bringing lots of rain. Despite that, the country's lush greenery and lack of crowds can make it an appealing time to visit.

• Kurjey Tshechu (July) -- The festival takes place at Kurjey Lhakhang, in Bumthang's Chokhor Valley. Apparently, Guru Rinpoche (who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan) meditated there and left an imprint of his body on a rock inside the temple.
• Haa Summer Festival (July) -- The perfect way to be immersed in the culture of the nomadic herders of the Haa Valley, this festival showcase's their traditional lifestyle, food, and sports. You can even stay in a village home and experience local hospitality.

Fall has mild weather, and like spring, many crowds. The scenery is beautiful, with rice fields turning gold before harvest. Many festivals, including Thimphu Tshechu—one of the country's biggest, take place during fall.

• Thimphu Tshechu (September or October) -- This is one of the biggest festivals in Bhutan and people travel from all over the country to see it. It takes place at Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu. Days and nights of prayer and rituals are undertaken to invoke the gods before the festival.
• Wangdue Tshechu (September or October) -- This Tshechu is known for the Raksha Mangcham , the Dance of the Ox. It concludes with the unfurling of the great Guru Tshengye Thongdrel (large tapestry)
• Tamshing Phala Choepa (September) -- Celebrated at Tamzhing Lhakhang in Bumthang, this festival has some rare mask dances unique to the monastery.
• Jambay Lhakhang Tshechu (November) -- Jambay Lhakhang, in Bumthang, is one of the oldest temples in the kingdom. The feature of this festival is an unusual fire ritual with naked dance at midnight.

Winter in Bhutan can be quite cold. Visiting during December, before peak winter has set in, can make for a pleasant trip with minimal crowds and lower prices. You can also see the country's beautiful black-necked cranes in the Phobjikha Valley.

• Druk Wangyel Tshechu (December) -- This unique Tshechu is performed by the Royal Bhutan Army (rather than Buddhist monks) as a tribute to the wise leadership of the fourth king of Bhutan, and as a celebration of the army's protection of the country. It takes place agains the Jigme Singye Wangchuck mountain range, named after the king.
• Trongsa Tshechu (January) -- One of the oldest festivals of Bhutan, at 17th century Trongsa Dzong. It's believed that the country's festivals were spread from here.
• Nomad Festival in Bumthang (February) -- This special festival brings together the herders of the northeastern and northwestern Himalayan frontiers in an unforgettable celebration of their culture and traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Late September to November is one of the best times to visit Bhutan, since it's right after the rainy season. However, it's also one of the busiest times for visiting the country.

Summer brings lots of rain and high humidity to Bhutan, beginning in June and lasting until September. In the winter, expect snow at high elevations.

The most popular times of year for visiting Bhutan are spring and fall. Hotel rates are at their highest and there are lots of tourists, but the mild weather and beautiful scenery help to make up for it.

Bhutan Travel. "Climate & Weather." Retrieved February 25, 2021.

British Library. "A Temple of Bode." Retrieved February 25, 2021.

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Best Times to Visit Bhutan for the Perfect Vacation

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 16/02/2024

Planning a trip to beautiful Bhutan? I highly recommend visiting this magical Asian country. It offers a fascinating history, beautiful landscapes for trekking, friendly people, charming customs, fantastic boutique hotels and much more.

But what are the best times to visit Bhutan? There is no straightforward answer to this question, as it will depend on your itinerary. This article should provide all the information you need to choose the best time for your perfect visit to Bhutan.

Best times to visit Bhutan

The best time of year to visit Bhutan will depend on the primary purpose of your trip. If you are traveling to Bhutan because you want to go trekking, then between March and May is the best time to visit. If you don’t want to trek and are interested in exploring Bhutan’s many tourist attractions and want good photos, then plan a trip between November and February.

Let’s break down the year in more detail:

January/February

January is the coldest month of the year in Bhutan and February isn’t too far behind. There may well be snowfall. However, maximum temperatures in Paro are still over 9 degrees in January and 13 degrees in February. Thimpu can reach 12 degrees in January and 14 degrees in February. But it does get cold at night when the temperatures regularly drop below freezing. This is why it is not a good idea to go trekking in Bhutan in the winter.

If you’re planning on heading to Eastern Bhutan and visiting cities like Trashigong and Mongar temperatures can reach as high as 20 degrees and won’t drop much below 8 degrees at night.

There are two major advantages to visiting Bhutan in the first two months of the year. The first is the clarity of the air and the light. If you are a passionate photographer, definitely plan on visiting Bhutan in the first or last couple of months of the year.

The second major advantage is the lack of crowds. This is a much quieter time of year to visit and allows visitors to get a better feel for Bhutan’s spiritual side in its temples and fortresses. It is difficult to meditate or take in the aura in some of these sites with large crowds.

One disadvantage of visiting this time of year is that there are none of Bhutan’s famous festivals apart from the birth anniversary of the King at the end of February. However, there are some major national holidays:

January 2 is Nyilo or “the return of the sun”. This marks the winter solstice and this is one of the most auspicious days of the year in Bhutan.

At some point in Jan/Feb (the date changes according to the Gregorian calendar), Bhutan celebrates the Traditional Day of Offering. On the Traditional Day of Offering, special offerings are made to the memory of Ngawang Namgyal, who united Bhutan under one government in the 1600s and who also united Bhutan religiously.

February 21-23 is the Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the King. This is a three-day celebration and all three days are national public holidays. The current king was born on February 12, 1980. Major festivals and parades are held during this time.

March/April/May

The flowers in Bhutan begin to bloom in March, bringing the beautiful countryside to colorful life. In April, Bhutan’s famous 46 rhododendron species begin to come out. However, this time of year is quite foggy and it can be difficult to see the country’s famous mountains.

This is the best time of year for trekking in Bhutan as the days are long and it isn’t so cold at night. By May, temperatures in Paro and Thimpu will be in the mid-20s.

This is the busiest and most expensive time of year to visit Bhutan.

This is a peak time of year for festivals. Festival Dates change each year, but generally, there can be up to 12 festivals over this time. April is one of the busiest months of the year for festivals in Bhutan. The major festivals of Talo Tshechu, Paro Tsechu and the Rhododendron are usually held in April. Ura Yakchoed is held in May.

The Losar, or Bhutanese New Year, is celebrated between February and March each year. Celebrations and festivals can last up to two weeks; however, the first three days tend to have the biggest events.

May 2 is the birth anniversary of the 3rd Druk Gyalpo, the third King of Bhutan. He is considered the architect of modern Bhutan and is very popular with the people. It is a national holiday. May 2 is also Teacher’s Day in Bhutan, as Gyalpo established the modern education system.

May 11 is Zhabdrung Kuchoe. This event takes place on the 10th day of the third month of the Bhutanese calendar each year and marks the day that Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal passed away at the Punakha Dzong in 1651.

June is hot and foggy and not an ideal time of year to visit Bhutan. There are no major festivals in June. June 14 is Lord Buddha’s Parinirvana. This is the day that the Buddha was conceived, born, subdued evil and gained enlightenment and attained Nirvana. The day is normally marked by visits to temples and monasteries as well as meditation.

The end of June brings the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche. This public holiday celebrates the birth anniversary of Padmasambhava, credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan.

July to Mid September

This is monsoon season and it is not advisable to visit Bhutan during this time. Over three months, half a metre of rain will fall in Thimpu. There are some festivals held during this time.

Mid-September to Mid October

This is the best time to go to Bhutan if you are planning on doing one of Bhutan’s longer treks. However, the views are often not great due to fog and it can still rain in September day and night. The rain in Bhutan tends to stop at the end of September.

October is perhaps the most popular month of the year for festivals in Bhutan. One of the biggest festivals of the year, Thimpu Tshechu, is held in the first half of October. This is also known as the National Festival of Bhutan and was created in 1670 to commemorate the birth of Guru Rinpoche.

Mid-October to Mid November

There will be minimal rain, but there is usually fog. Minimum temperatures are starting to drop, which can make trekking not as pleasant. However, this is a great time of year for festivals. Three of Bhutan’s major festivals may run over this period based on the lunar calendar.

The Royal Highland Festival is one of Bhutan’s newest festivals. It was introduced in 2016 in the Gasa district to celebrate the culture and legacy of the highland communities in Bhutan. It also provides an opportunity for visitors and the people of Bhutan, to visit the region.

Jambay Lhakang Drup is a five-day festival held at one of Bhutan’s oldest temples in Bumthang. The Black Necked Crane Festival celebrates this bird which is native to the Tibetan plateau. It is a one-day festival and has a special costumed crane dance.

Mid-November to the end of December

This is an ideal time to visit Bhutan if you are planning a cultural trip. It will be too cold for trekking, but there will be clear skies. This is a great time of year for photographers. I visited Bhutan at the end of December. I wore a t-shirt during the day, but it was cold at night. This is also when I visited Tiger’s Nest Monastery and had some terrific views.

How to Travel around Bhutan

There is quite a bit of conflicting information online regarding the “rules” around visiting Bhutan. The key reason is that major changes have happened to Bhutan’s tourism policy since Covid. I will try to break down the key points visitors need to know.

In the past, most visitors to Bhutan paid a $USD65 “tourism tax” for each day of their stay in Bhutan. This also covered basic services such as a 3-star hotel. To stay in, say a 5-star hotel, visitors would have to pay to upgrade. Neighboring countries tended to pay a lower tax or none at all. Independent travel was not allowed.

Since covid 19, the Bhutanese Government has introduced a new SDF or sustainable development fee of USD$200 a day. This must be paid by all visitors to Bhutan and does not cover any services eg visitors pay the SDF in addition to all of their other costs, such as accommodation, guides, food etc. The purpose of the new SDF is to fund local programs and prevent over-tourism.

Independent travel to Bhutan is now allowed. However, if you want to visit tourist attractions, go trekking, or explore outside Paro and Thimpu, a guide will be required. Also, the roads in Bhutan are of varying quality and can be very tricky due to the country’s mountainous terrain. I would absolutely recommend having a driver rather than doing your own driving.

A visa and travel insurance are required to visit Bhutan.

I traveled to Bhutan with the wonderful MyBhutan . MyBhutan is run by an American, Matt, who spends a good deal of time in Bhutan and locals staff the company. We had a guide and a driver for our entire stay. As I have already mentioned, I would not want to drive in Bhutan.

MyBhutan put together our itinerary and booked everything. We were able to review the itinerary ahead of the trip and provide feedback for changes, as well as ask questions on everything from the quality of the accommodation to the difficulty of the hikes. I have an allergy to spicy food. MyBhutan ensured that everywhere we ate was aware of my allergy and nothing spicy appeared on my plate.

MyBhutan did cover part of the cost of my trip to Bhutan. However, I only recommend organizations with whom I have worked that offer excellent services at fair prices and I highly recommend using MyBhutan for your trip to Bhutan.

When you book your trip with MyBhutan use the code BOUTIQUE and you’ll receive a free hot stone bath with your booking.

How to Travel to Bhutan

Fewer than ten pilots worldwide are licensed to fly in and out of Paro Airport. There are only two airlines that fly to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines . These airlines operate from Bangkok, Kathmandu and five cities in India (New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Gaya, and Bagdogra). However, if you fly in and out of India, you will need a visa, even if you are only in transit.

MyBhutan can book flights to and from Bhutan for you as part of their service.

Where to Stay in Bhutan

Bhutan spirit sanctuary hotel – paro.

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary Hotel is the first and only 5-star traditional spa resort in Bhutan. The hotel is laid out in a traditional Bhutanese style. Entering the hotel feels as much like arriving at a high-end monastery as it does a boutique hotel.

Get ready to drop your jaw when you enter the main building and see the two-story floor-to-ceiling windows of the Neyphu Valley. We were also invited to light butter lamps and choose our own locally-made soap for our stay.

My room was huge at 54 square meters plus an 8 square meter terrace. The rooms are simply designed with wooden floors, white walls, and wooden beams on the white ceilings. My massive bed was homed in a traditional Bhutanese structure, and I had a living area with a coach, coffee table, armchair, and table with two chairs. A small wardrobe to the side of the room took care of my case.

The bathroom had two sinks, a deep tub, a walk-in shower and a walk-in toilet. The floors were heated, and bathrobes were provided. In addition to the usual toiletries, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary provides a toothbrush and toothpaste pills (just add water) for guests.

All rooms have coffee and tea facilities, including a large range of herbal teas. We also received some wonderful chocolates and a copy of the book, which was part of the inspiration for Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, The Restful Mind by Gyalwa Dokhampa.

Dinner was a six-course farm-to-table in the lovely restaurant. We began with a quirky nachos amuse bouche followed by pumpkin soup. Grilled vegetables were next, and then a single ravioli. The dessert was a creamy custard tart. We washed all of this down with some Bhutanese wine, a cabernet sauvignon from Raven.

Breakfast the next morning was just as good. We received homemade pastries, bread, local cheeses and and fruit. A selection of “main” breakfast dishes are then available, from yogurt and granola to pancakes to porridge and more. I enjoyed a cheese and vegetable omelet.

All hotel guests can make use of the spa. The heated indoor swimming pool is huge and has floor-to-ceiling windows. There are two saunas, one steam room, and two jacuzzis. Free yoga and meditation classes are available and there is a fitness center.

The spa has six treatment rooms. A consultation with an in-house traditional medicine doctor is included in the room rate for all guests. The doctor can then advise you on the best treatments to suit whatever is ailing you. I had two fantastic massages at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary that worked miracles on my tight neck and shoulders.

After trekking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, I tried out a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. These baths are regularly taken by Bhutanese people throughout the year but particularly in the winter. The stones are heated and then placed in a bath to heat them. It is believed that the stones contain valuable minerals that are transferred into the water and then into the guest!

I needed to add some cold water to my hot stone bath before I was brave enough to immerse myself. But wow once I did, it felt amazing!!! I managed to stay in the hot stone bath for only 10 minutes (one hour is recommended). However, the combination of my post-trek hot stone bath and massage meant that my muscles were virtually pain-free the day after the trek to Tiger’s Nest.

Zhiwaling Ascent – Thimpu

Zhiwaling Ascent is located just outside Thimpu near the Royal Takin Preserve. Its design is very simple but beautiful. The hotel makes the most of its beautiful green location with floor-to-ceiling windows on the ground floor, large windows in the rooms and a stunning open-air attic with 360-degree views.

The rooms are big, open and airy, with polished wooden floorboards and lots of windows. The interior design is very simple, with lots of white with rich embroidered rugs. The room has been designed to focus your eye on the beautiful cypress trees outside with a small table and chairs and a lovely window seat.

The rooms also have coffee and tea-making facilities and a big-screen tv. The bathroom is big and lined with small pale grey tiles. There is a large bathtub with a shower.

Dinner consisted of four courses which included a choice of mains. We began with lentil soup, followed by a melon salad with watercress, pomegranate, bacon and sherry vinegar. I had the grilled strip loin as my main course with beet puree, potatoes, steamed broccoli, carrots and beef jus.

The dessert was a banana cake with vanilla ice cream. Zhiwaling Ascent also has a nice wine list with some reasonably priced good quality international wines.

I enjoyed dinner at Zhiwaling Ascent, but I loved breakfast! We could sit outside and feel like we were eating in a forest. Breakfast began with banana bread, muffin and a croissant with a selection of preserves. We had a choice of four juices as well as coffee or tea. Multiple hot breakfast options were available. I chose the eggs florentine, which I very much enjoyed.

There is a second Zhiwaling Ascent hotel in Paro, which is supposed to be fantastic.

Dhumra Farm Resort – Punakha

Get ready for a very windy, very basic road that will make you extra glad you have a driver in Bhutan when you head to the lovely Dhumra Farm Resort. When you arrive, you will see that the road was worth it as the views over Punakha, particularly Punakha Dzong, are breathtaking.

This small resort is run by local people who also own Dhumra farm. Although the website says it is a 3-star hotel, it felt more like a 4-star. My room was very simply decorated but had a wonderful wooden floor and ceiling. There is a lot of wood at Dhumra resort which gives it a slight ski lodge feel. This is softened through colorful rugs.

My room and its bathroom were both huge. I could have fitted two standard-sized rooms in. The room has many windows, and a window seat, as well as a chair and table, lined up next to one of the windows. Of everywhere I stayed in Bhutan this felt most like staying at someone’s home.

The property itself is beautiful, with small paths and lovely fauna. We had a tasty dinner at Dhumra, all sourced from the farm, and they had wine! A fire pit had been lit for us outside, and we were able to enjoy stunning night views of Punakha Dzong.

The highlight of my stay at Dhumra Farm Resort was breakfast. We couldn’t resist checking out the view first thing and oh my it was spectacular. Just the right amount of fog/cloud to create some ambiance against the beautiful Punakha Dzong. And Dhumra served us a delicious breakfast outside so we could enjoy the view. This was one of the highlights of my visit to Bhutan.

MyBhutan Comfort Camp

MyBhutan offers a unique glamping experience with its Comfort Camp. The location regularly changes depending on the weather and the itinerary. We experienced our comfort camp not far from Thimpu. Each sleeping tent had its own proper bed and bedside table with electricity and a bedside table and lamp. I could stand in my tent, which is always a key glamping test for me.

The comfort camp gave us a chance to experience some different elements of Bhutan. We were able to try out archery and I am delighted to say that I was much better than I expected. This was followed by traditional dancing while we sat by the fire, followed by a Bhutanese whiskey tasting. Dinner was a tasty dish of vegetables and rice.

The camp has toilet tents for your convenience but of course no further bathroom facilities. In the morning, we were taken from the comfort camp to Zhiwaling Ascent, where an early check-in had been organized so we could use the shower facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to visit bhutan in the rainy season.

Yes, it is possible to visit Bhutan during the rainy season, which runs from June to September. However, the rain can make some outdoor activities, such as trekking, more difficult. The rain also makes some roads in Bhutan more difficult to access, so it’s important to plan your trip carefully if you are visiting during this time.

What is the weather like in Bhutan during the dry season?

During the dry season, the weather in Bhutan is generally dry and sunny. The temperature can range from cool to warm, depending on the time of year and the elevation of the area you visit. In lower elevations, the temperature can be quite warm, while in higher elevations, it can be quite cool.

What is the weather like in Bhutan during the rainy season?

During the rainy season, Bhutan experiences monsoon rains, which can sometimes be heavy. The weather can be cloudy and overcast, and there is a higher risk of landslides on the roads. However, the rain can also bring beautiful, lush green landscapes and make for dramatic views.

Can I visit Bhutan during the winter months?

Yes, it is possible to visit Bhutan during the winter months, which run from December to February. However, the weather can be quite cold, especially in higher elevations, and some roads and mountain passes may be closed due to snow. If you do visit Bhutan during the winter, it is important to be prepared for cold temperatures and to dress warmly.

You might also enjoy the articles written by my travel buddy Laura on this trip. She has written about how to travel to Bhutan and the 21 top things to do in Bhutan.

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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The best time to visit Tawang

In the eastern Himalaya, at an elevation of 10,000 feet, bordered by Tibet to the north and Bhutan to the southwest, Tawang, in the westernmost part of Arunachal Pradesh is a captivating district and one of India’s final frontiers on the border. Tawang is deeply influenced by Tibetan traditions and Buddhism, displayed in the numerous monasteries that create a spiritual ambiance in the region. The vibrant culture of Tawang comes alive during its major festivals —Torgya, Lossar, and Choekhor harvest. The religious festivities bring fervour to the scenic landscape, making the Tawang district a rich cultural tapestry. Whether you’re looking for snow-capped mountains views or immersion in the Bon-Buddhist culture, here is a guide on the best time to visit Tawang:

What is the best time to visit Tawang?

The best time to visit Tawang is between March and October when the weather is pleasant, providing optimal conditions for travel and sightseeing. Early March is an ideal time to experience the Losar Festival, a vibrant celebration of the Tibetan New Year . During these months, the drive through Sela Pass, at an elevation of 13,700 feet, offers travellers clear views of snow-capped peaks and serene valleys. Nuranang Falls, also known as Jang Falls, is in full force during this time, cascading 100 metres into the Tawang River . The Tawang Monastery, the largest in India, is a must-visit destination located at an elevation of 10,000 ft. This period also allows visitors to enjoy the serene P.T. Tso Lake, or Madhuri Lake , surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains. Additionally, the lakes near Tawang, such as Sela Lake and Sangetsar Lake, thaw in the summer, attracting migratory birds, making it the perfect time to experience Tawang's natural beauty.

Temperatures throughout the year

March to June: -3°C to 21°C July to September: 9°C to 22°C October to February: -11°C to 15°C

When is the best time to visit Tawang for snow?

For snow-lovers, the best time to visit Tawang is from December to February . Heavy snowfall is common, so it's wise to keep itineraries flexible in case roads close. During this period, Tawang becomes a snow-covered paradise. One of the highlights of this season is the Gorichen Peak, standing tall at 22,000 feet, located 164 km from the main town and locally known as Sa-Nga-Phu. Another must-visit is the Bumla Pass, at over 15,000 ft and just 37 km from Tawang’s district headquarters. This pass remains snow-covered for most of the year, offering stunning views of the Tibetan plateau. The journey to Tawang also takes you through the Sela Pass, a 14,000-foot-high gateway that offers views of the snow-clad Himalayas , making the winter months an unforgettable time to explore this region.

How many days are enough for a trip to Tawang?

A four to five day trip to Tawang is enough to strike the perfect balance in experiencing its natural beauty and rich culture. Start your journey by visiting the Tawang Monastery, Tawang’s main attraction, where the current Dalai Lama arrived in 1959 from Tibet. Explore the vibrant village of Thembang, where you can engage with the Monpa people and learn about their Bon- Buddhist culture . On the second day, visit the 15th-century Urgelling Monastery, the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, and take a scenic ride on the ropeway connecting Tawang Monastery to Anni Gompa. The Tawang War Memorial, an ode to the Indian martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the 1962 Indo- China war, is also worth a visit. The memorial features two main halls: a museum of the martyr’s belongings and an auditorium that hosts a sound and light show.. On the drive back, stop by at Jaswant Garh, a memorial dedicated to Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat and his heroism in the 1962 Sino-Indian war. Take breaks at local favourites like Dharma Coffee House, Mon Valley, or Dragon Restaurant for a taste of the local cuisine. Additionally, include a day-trip to Bumla Pass, located 37 km from Tawang, known for its stunning high-altitude views.

How to reach Tawang

The nearest domestic airport to reach Tawang is Salonibari Airport in Tezpur, Assam , located 317 km from Tawang, with Air India regional flights connecting to Kolkata and Silchar. From there, it’s a roughly six-hour drive to Tawang. However, the airport in Guwahati is a more feasible connection to Tawang. Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, 480 km away, is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata , and Mumbai . Take a four-hour drive to Tezpur from the Guwahati airport and take a Tata Sumo or Mahindra Bolero from Tezpur to reach Tawang. Alternatively, a direct drive from Guwahati to Tawang stretches to 511 kilometres that can be completed with halts en route.

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