When to come?

Bhutan has a season for everyone. The Kingdom stretches across all climatic zones; from the sub-tropical jungles in the south, to the moderate heights of 2000 – 2500 metres in the centre and up to the alpine world of the towering Himalayas and glaciers of the north.

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 Phobjika (in central Bhutan).

In Spring the trekking season commences in moderate altitudes. Above 3000 metres spectacular rhododendron forests bloom. 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.

The Summer brings with it the monsoon, but this should not deter travellers. 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. Treks in high mountain areas, e.g. the Snowman Trek, are characterised 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.

Autumn is the traditional high season in Bhutan. September und 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 colour.

Temperatures and vegetation in the altitudes between 2000 and 3000 metres are comparable to the moderate climate of middle Europe. The tree line lies just under 4000 metres. During winter there is little precipitation. Snow falls rarely below 2500 metres.

Clothing

Visitors are advised to bring appropriate clothings for visiting Dzong (fortress) and festivals. Wearing shorts and hats are not allowed while visiting Dzongs and religious or other sacred places. Further, Bhutan has varied temperature and climatic conidtions depending on the altitudes. Thimphu, Paro and Bumthang is cool even in summer and very cold in winters. While it is warmer at the lower altitudes of Punakha and Wangdi even during winters. Hence it is necessary bring cotton and light woolens for summer (june-sep) while heavy woolens and jackets for the rest of the year. Rain gears for the monsoons and comfortable shoes.

Accommodations

Hotels and tourist lodges in Bhutan are comfortable but not luxurious. Although recently a few luxury hotels have been established in Bhutan, visitors in general can expect an unique combination of traditional Bhutanese style together with modern services, but not international five-star luxury all over Bhutan! Clean and well maintained, most of the hotels are equipped with telephones, fax machines and long distance service. The food offered to the visitors is carefully prepared to suit the western taste combining Bhutanese food and western dishes.

Hotels and lodges are categorized by the Royal Government of Bhutan. International visitors will be accommodated in hotels only which fulfill the standards set by the government. Some of the more simple lodges have a special charm of their own, and convince with the traditional warm Bhutanese hospitality.

Cuisine

Tourist hotels have a choice of Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Continental food but buffet meals are usually served for tourist unless you have the patience to wait for quite a while for specific orders.

Travel within Bhutan

Bhutan does not have domestic air and railway services, it entirely depends on road and foot to reach one place to other. The National Highway connects almost all the District Head Quarters except the Gasa. We use comfortable Toyota Coater Bus, mini van and other imported luxury vehicles depending on the size or number of the visitors.

Tourism Policy

The Royal Government of Bhutan adheres strongly to a policy of low impact/volume, high value tourism.
The tourism industry in Bhutan is founded on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. The number of tourists visiting Bhutan is regulated to a manageable level because of the lack of infrastructure.
The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is a world-wide phenomenon and an important means of achieving socioeconomic development particularly for a developing country like Bhutan. It also recognizes that tourism, in affording the opportunity to travel, can help in promoting understanding among people and building closer ties of friendship based on appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles.
Towards achieving this objective, the Royal Government, since inception of tourism in the year 1974, has adopted a very cautious approach to growth and development of the tourism industry in Bhutan. In order to minimize the problems, the number of tourists has been maintained at a manageable level and this control on number is exercised through a policy of government regulated tourist tariff.