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 find Spring and Autumn weather make 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 meters spectacular rhododendron blooms. 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 Drubchen : 19th – 21st February 2021.
  • Punakha Tshechu : 22nd -24th February 2021.
  • Tharpaling Thongdrol : 27th February 2021.
  • Rhododendron Festival : 16th – 18th April 2021.
  • Gomphukora : 21st -23rd March 2021.
  • Talo Tshechu : 21st -23rd March 2021.
  • Gasa Tshechu : 21st -23rd March 2021.
  • Zhemgang Tshechu : 21st -23rd March 2021.
  • Paro Tshechu : 24th -28th March (Thongdrel on last day) 2021.
  • Chhorten Kora : 27th February & 13th March 2021.
  • Domkhar Tshechu : 22nd -24th April 2021.
  • Ura Yakchoe : 24th – 28th April 2021.

Summer Season- June, July, and August

The Summer brings with it the monsoon, but this weather should not deter Bhutan Travelers. 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 World Tour Plan. Treks in high mountain areas, e.g. the Snowman Trek, are characterized 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:

  • Nimalung Tshechu : 18th – 20th June 2021.
  • Kurjey Tshechu : 20th June 2021.

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 color.

Festivals in Autumn:

  • Tour of the Dragon : 7th September 2021.
  • Thimphu Drubchen : 12th September 2021.
  • Wangdue Tshechu : 14th – 16th September 2021.
  • Tamshing Phala Chhoepa : 16th – 18th September 2021.
  • Thimphu Tshechu : 16th – 18th September 2021.
  • Gangtey Tshechu : 18th – 20th September 2021.(Thongdrel on last day)
  • Thangbi Mani : 19th – 21st September 2021.
  • Jakar Tshechu : 12th – 16th October 2021.
  • Chhukha Tshechu : 13th – 15th October 2021.
  • Jambay Lhakhang Drup : 21st -23th October 2021.
  • Prakhar Duchhoed : 21st –23rd October 2021.
  • Dechenphu Tshechu : 15th October 2021.
  • Black Necked Crane Festival : 11th November 2021.
  • Mongar Tshechu : 12th – 14th November 2021.
  • Trashigang Tshechu : 12th – 14th November 2021.
  • Pemagatshel Tshechu : 12th – 14th November 2021. (Thongdral on last day)

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 Phobjikha (in central Bhutan).

Festivals in Winter:

  • Nalakhar Tshechu : 30th – 2nd Dec 2021
  • Druk Wangyel Tshechu : 13th Dec 2021
  • Trongsa Tshechu : 10th – 13th Dec 2021. (Thongdrel on last day)
  • Lhuentse Tshechu : 21st – 24th Dec 2021.(Thongdrel on last day)
  • Nabji Lhakhang Drup : 29th –31st Dec 2021.