Visiting Bhutan

The tourism industry in Bhutan is founded based on the principle of sustainability; tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable, and also economically viable. Therefore, the number of tourists visiting Bhutan is limited and kept to an environmentally manageable level.

It is necessary for all the tourists to know that the only authorized tour operator will make their travel arrangements for whatever the travelers opt to do in Bhutan. The tour operator is solely responsible for any arrangements to be made and for the safety of the travelers. The tour operator will arrange necessary permits such as road permits and temple visiting permits.

Recommended seasons

The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is covered by all climatic zones, starting from sub-tropical jungles in the southern Bhutan(bordering with India) to the moderate heights of 2000 – 2500 meters in the center and alpine towards northern Himalayas and glaciers of the north (bordering with Tibet-China).

Climate is one of the features you should know while planning your trip to Bhutan especially trekking. Bhutan’s altitude range from subtropical valleys to alpine peaks, If you want to explore Bhutan and witness colourful festival and unique culture, you can visit Bhutan at any time of the year.

The autumn (late September to late November) is the time for trekking, travelling throughout the country. Autumn is also the time of the popular Thimphu Tsechu (Festival) and heralds the arrival of the black necked crane in central and eastern Bhutan. Avoiding the busiest tourist seasons can save your money and hassle, as half of the tourist arrives between September and November.

The summer (June to August) is the monsoon season; heavy rainfall up to 500mm is received in Thimphu and eastern region. You can have beautiful view of green rice paddies field and market bursting with fresh fruits and Vegetables. Thick couds and vegitations cover the mountains.However, summer is still great time to visit various western part of country.

The spring (March to May) is the a further best time to visit Bhutan for touring and trekking, even though you will experience more rain and clouds than autumn, but you can enjoy the nature in best way with the glorious rhododendrons, magnolias and other wildflowers are in bloom and bird is abundant.

The winter (December to February) is the good time for bird watching on the south’s subtropical forest, river rafting and kayaking, the days are usually sunny, cool and pleasant but it is quite cold once the sun sets. There is often snowfall in higher regions, you can sometime see snowfall in Thimphu and amazing snow views of the greater Himalayas but the road to east may be closed because of heavy snowfall. It would be best not to plan to visit these regions at this time.