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Cut down the noise, slow down the rush. Add a splash of green and a dash of chillies. Dig out every known shade of green in your paint box. Let the mountains rise high. Slip a mask on and dance. Let the flags flutter outside the monastery. This country is a jumble of impressions. A melange of sight, sound and taste.… read more
Bhutan is one of the blessed countries to have seasonal variations. You can find distinct months of summer, winter, spring and fall, making the climate in Bhutan magical and a perfect year-round destination. Perfect for travel in any season, Bhutan offers something unique to visitors depending on the time of their arrival. The best time to visit Bhutan is during the spring months of March to May when the valleys come alive with flowers in bloom. Be it in its festivals or festivities, clear skies and glimpses to the Himalayan peaks, flourishing Himalayan flora and fauna, or simply beautiful snowfall. Bhutan ensures you have a great time amidst nature and all its beautiful offsprings and take back home a memory you will preserve for your lifetime. June to August is considered the low season due to the rains, which makes trekking less of an option.
The three regions of Bhutan experience significantly distinct climatic conditions, where in the northern regions of Bhutan remains perpetually cold and frosty with snow-capped peaks and mountains, the central region fluctuates between dry summers and cool winters and the southern Bhutan that witnesses a sub-tropical climate with hot and humid climatic conditions that remains constant throughout the year.
Bhutan also witnesses travelers from around the world at different times of the year for diverse purposes. From those who intend to know more about Buddhism and monasteries and those who simply want to unwind on the lap of the Himalayas to the ones escaping the European summers and winters, Bhutan becomes a temporary home to visitors and travelers, accommodating them with great zeal of compassion. So regardless of when you arrive, you are always at the right time at home you can call Bhutan.
Summer starts inthe month of June and extends up to August. This is the best season to vist Bhutan if you want to catch a closer and clear look of the Himalayan Mountains and be amazed by the lush green paddy fields and landscapes.
The temperature in Bhutan around this time goes back and forth between 24 and 25 degrees Celsius approximately.
The weather is often clear and crisp with mild humidity filling the air. A major misconception during the summer is that Bhutan is surrounded by rainy clouds of the monsoons. However, that’s not the case. Monsoon in Bhutan is restricted to mild afternoon showers that happen once every two or three days and the country remains comparatively dry during these months.
Summer marks the onset of the Haa festival, which is celebrated amidst high altitude alpine forests, meadows and lakes and is usually the celebration of the Bhutanese way of life, local cuisines and delicacies and cultures.
Thanks to the misconception around the monsoon, this season witnesses low influx of tourists, making it perfect for a more one-to-one conversational style approach to Bhutan tourism. You can see the places more relaxed and speak to the locals and get to know more about the culture and traditions of their communities. It is also the time is clear for perfect views of the Himalayan Mountains and influx of birds and animals.
As mentioned, it can rain at this time of the season. However, the rainfall ranges from low to moderate not posing any threat to your tourism in Bhutan itinerary.
Carry a blend of light clothes to heavy winter garments. If you are visiting the southern regions, it can get really cold. Also, be prepared for the monsoon and carry windcheaters or raincoats for safety.
The winter season in Bhutan begins in December and lasts till February.
The temperature in Bhutan can vary from one region to another but remains in the range of approximately 10 degrees to minus 5 degrees Celsius.
Though winter, most of Bhutan remains comparatively dry in most regions. Towards the northern regions, where high-altitude mountains peaks exist, the temperatures can get sub-zero. In the later weeks of January and early February, you can experience mild snowfall in cities like Thimphu and Paro.
Winter is the season of Punakha Dromche and Tshechu - a festival that marks the founding of Bhutan during the16th century. With festivities unfolding around the regions of Bhutan’s old capital – Punakha – this is usually the time the locals escape the winters in their regions and come to the festival to actively participate in the festivities.
The weather is amazing, the place is perfect,and you also have the chance to experience snowfall in Bhutan. What else is required to simply pack your bags and visit Bhutan at this time?
In the eastern and central regions of Bhutan, the climate can get adverse due to heavy snowfall, disrupting roads and everyday transportation. Such conditions usually make the routes unfavorable for thecommute.
Carry heavy winter garments to survive the sub-zero temperatures. Keep in hand SPF creams, sunglasses, thermals, adequate water, woolen socks and gloves to tackle the frost. Also carry necessary medication to fight common cold, cough and fever.
Spring in Bhutan starts in March and extends up to May.
The temperature in spring varies across regions but usually remains 3 degrees and 25 degrees Celsius approximately.
Spring is perhaps the best season to visit Bhutan, where the weather is dry and less humid with perfect conditions to explore Bhutan on foot and indulge in some trekking activities.
This is the time the Jacaranda flower blooms in Bhutan in the month of May. Also, treks to Jomolhari and Drukpath commence and the Paro Tshechu festival unfolds in full swing.
Apart from the flowers and Himalayan peaks, this is also the best time to visit Bhutan to meet Bhutan’s king during the Paro Tshechu, where you can see him taking part in the festivities.
Being the ideal time to visit Bhutan, the place is filled with tourists during this time andflight tickets generally get sold out. This is also a kind of a peak season, where hotel prices shoot up and guides and taxis are pre-booked. Do plan in advance if you intend to visit during spring.
Simply carry a camera, a hat, sunglasses and light clothes and enjoy the beauty of Bhutan on foot. Trek wherever possible.
Another popular time to visit Bhutan is the fall season, which starts in September and lasts up to November.
The average temperature varies between 10 degrees to 23 degrees Celsius approximately across the diverse terrains and altitudes of the country.
Weather is mildly sunny and chilly during this time, making it the second best season after spring to visit Bhutan. There is no rainfall and nature is equally majestic and rewarding at this time.
During this time, festivals like the Black-Necked Crane Festival that happens around the gorgeous Phobjikha Valley and the ThimphuTshechu around Thimphu, the modern-day capital unfold in full swing. Hotels are booked during this season and a lot of indigenous festivals happen across the country. The deeper you explore, the more festivals and gathering you will find.
The landscape that you are used to seeing in beautiful hues of green turn gold, with farmers harvesting rice crops during this season! This is the time of a lot of festivals, where each place has something unique to offer to its visitors. The festivals are marked by indigenous faiths, customs and traditions.
Being the festive season, hotels are again crowded and pre-booked. Prices go high and Bhutan flights get sold out too. Plan in advance if you want to book accommodations and flights at good deals.
Carry light clothes, adequate water and all essential trekking amenities and get started seeing the place on foot. This is the season.
Also get insured with an Asia Travel Insurance by Thomas Cook.
The best way to reach Bhutan is by air. The only international airport in Bhutan is in Paro and it is called Paro International Airport. It is around 7 kms from the city. It has connecting flights from various cities such as Mumbai and Guwahati. Direct flights to Bhutan can be found from Kolkata, Bagdogra International Airport and Delhi.
You can also take a direct flight from Nepal to Bhutan. In fact, this journey is quite exciting by air as you can see four of the highest mountains in the world (Mt. Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Kangchenjunga) from the airplane. It takes an hour to reach Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan, from Paro. Paro itself is surrounded by mountains and it is at a height of 7300 feet above sea level. Descending into Paro to land can be quite a spectacular and unforgettable experience as mountain tops are so close by.
Of late however, Yonphulla and Bathpalanthag have stopped operations. Bhutan’s national carrier is Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. Druk Air operates regular flights from Paro to Kolkata, Delhi, Dhaka, Kathmandu and Bangkok.
Indians do not need a visa to travel to Bhutan although they do require a valid Indian passport or a Voter Identity Card and an Entry Permit from Immigration Office of Royal Government of Bhutan at Phuentsholing. This is located on the Indo-Bhutan border opposite Jaigaon, West Bengal. However, travellers can visit only Paro and Thimphu using this entry permit. If you wish to visit other places, then you have to get a special area permit from the Royal Government of Bhutan Immigration Office in Thimphu.
Travelling to Bhutan by car is a popular way to reach Bhutan especially for those people who love going on road trips. India has three border points - Jaigaon – Phuentsholing Border, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar. Phuentsholing is the more preferred option for those trying to reach Bhutan by road. It is around 170 kms from Bagdogra in West Bengal. It is easily accessible and you can even halt here before you head on towards Bhutan.
You can hire private taxis from various places such as Bagdogra Airport or Siliguri stand and the fares can be between 2000 to 3000 INR. Phuentsholing is on the Bhutan side of the border and once you reach there, the journey to Thimpu can be around 5 to 6 hours. The journey is rather scenic as you cross various sub-tropical areas or even the alpine zones. For those who love the idea of the journey being as vital as the destination, a road trip can be quite an exhilarating way to reach Bhutan.
You can travel to Bhutan from Kolkata by bus. There are direct buses from Esplanade Station in Kolkata which will take you directly to Phuentsholing. Do be warned though, the bus journey is around 18 hours from Kolkata but around 4 hours only, from Siliguri. The trip is quite comfortable as the buses are maintained in good condition as they are run by the Royal Bhutanese Government.
It is not possible to reach Bhutan by train but visitors can reach stations like Siliguri, Hasimara, New Alipurduar etc. and then take a taxi or bus to reach Bhutan. Hasimara is only 17 kms away from Phuentsholing.
1)What is the best time to visit Bhutan?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons to visit Bhutan as the weather is pleasant and there is no rain or snow.
2)Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan?
No, Indian citizens do not need a visa to visit Bhutan. But you need an ‘Entry Permit’ that gives you access to Paro and Thimphu and is issued by the Bhutanese Immigration Office's outpost at the border crossings. To go beyond these two cities, you need a ‘Special Area Permit’ from the immigration office in Thimphu. Do carry a photo id and a photocopy of your passport along with two latest photos.
3)How much does it cost to visit Bhutan?
The Bhutan holiday packages from Thomas Cook start at Rs 19,799 and go up to Rs 67,999. The price varies, depending on the duration of your stay and the type of holiday experience you’re seeking.
4)What is the currency of Bhutan?
Ngultrum (Nu, BTN) is the official currency of Bhutan. 1 Ngultrum is equal to 1 Indian Rupee.
5)Can I use Indian rupees in Bhutan?
Small denomination Indian currency, below 500 INR, is also accepted as legal tender in Bhutan. It is recommended to use the local currency, Ngultrum, for any transactions above BTN 500.
6)How many days can Indians stay in Bhutan?
The ‘Entry Permit’ obtained at the border is valid for 7 days. If you wish to extend your stay beyond 7 days, you must get it extended at the immigration office in Thimphu.
7)Can you drink alcohol in Bhutan?
Yes, alcohol consumption is allowed in Bhutan. You will find local and well as imported alcohol in shops and restaurants around Bhutan.
8)Can I apply for a Bhutan visa online?
Citizens of India, Maldives and Bangladesh do not need a visa to visit Bhutan. All you need is an entry permit that is easily available at border crossings. For the rest, their visa is processed online by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator before arriving in the country.
9)How many days will I require to see Bhutan?
Around 5 to 7 days are enough to explore Bhutan. If you want more days to just relax and disconnect, you can simply extend your stay.
10)What is the language of Bhutan?
Dzongkha is the national language of Bhutan. Overall, there are around two dozen languages spoken in Bhutan, which also includes Nepali.
My friends and I had planned to visit Bhutan from Mumbai. A package offered by Thomas Cook was too good to deny. We took a flight from Mumbai and reached Bagdogra, from here, we had a connecting flight to Paro. The bookings done at beautiful homestays and hotel all across Bhutan is the best part of the trip. Couldn’t thanks them enough.
Thomas Cook hosted a bike trip to Bhutan for 12 of us. This was an unconventional request and we were not sure if they could handle it. But we are glad that we stayed on our decision and trusted in them. Their team inside Bhutan is really strong and well connected. They made sure that our travel experience is adventurous yet comfortable.
