Bhutan

Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is no ordinary place. This is a country where buying cigarettes is illegal, where the rice is red and where chilies aren’t just a seasoning but the entire dish. It’s also a deeply Buddhist land, where men wear a tunic to work, and where Gross National Happiness is deemed more important than Gross National Product. Tourism in Bhutan is also unique.

Bhutan

Tourist Information for Bhutan

First off, there are the early Buddhist sites in the cultural heartland of Bumthang Dzongkhag and the undisturbed traditional Tibetan-style culture that sets Bhutan aside as the last remaining great Himalayan kingdom. Then there are the textiles, outrageous trekking as well as the stunning flora and fauna of Phobjika Valley. Trashigang is an interesting town and also useful for launching into a trip in Eastern Bhutan.
 
Thimphu, the capital, has a youthful exuberance that constantly challenges the country’s conservatism and proud tradition. The ever-present juxtaposition of old and new is just one of its appealing qualities. Thimphu is also the world’s only capital without traffic lights. A set was installed, but the residents complained that it was impersonal, and so gesticulating, white-gloved police continue to direct the ever-increasing traffic. As well as being a classic Bhutanese anachronism, it may well be the city’s most photographed spectacle.
 
It is also a country of surprises. This is not just a nation of saintly, otherworldly hermits. Bhutan is straddling the ancient and modern world and these days you’ll find monks transcribing ancient Buddhist texts into computers as traditionally dressed noblemen chat on their mobile phones.
 
If you do visit Bhutan, you will become one of the few who have experienced the charm and magic of one of the world’s most enigmatic countries – the ‘last Shangri La’ – and you’ll be playing your part in this medieval kingdom’s efforts to join the modern world, while steadfastly maintaining its distinct and amazing cultural identity. Most of all, Bhutan offers an opportunity to glimpse another way of living, an alternative vision of what is truly important in life.

Best time to travel

The best time to visit Bhutan is during the dry season, which lasts from October through to May. Although the winter months of December and January can be very cold at night, touring is possible at this time of year with moderate daytime temperatures and beautiful clear views. No matter what time of year you travel, Bhutan will provide you with a rewarding and enriching experience.

AVERAGE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE (°C) – based on Thimphu

JAN
10
FEB
13
MAR
14
APR
17
MAY
23
JUN
25
JUL
26
AUG
25
SEP
23
OCT
18
NOV
14
DEC
11

Best Time to Travel

The best time to visit Bhutan is during the dry season, which lasts from October through to May. Although the winter months of December and January can be very cold at night, touring is possible at this time of year with moderate daytime temperatures and beautiful clear views. No matter what time of year you travel, Bhutan will provide you with a rewarding and enriching experience.