Bhutan is no ordinary place.
It is the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments. The focus here is ‘Low Volume, High Value Tourism’, and the Bhutanese people are such friendly and wonderful hosts that you can be assured an unforgettable trip of a lifetime.
Bhutan is the living embodiment of a sustainable approach to adventure travel, very much in line with the government philosophy of Gross National Happiness (rather than gross domestic product), which the Bhutanese people pride themselves on daily. It is well known that foreign visitors must pay a minimum tariff of US$250 per day, making it seem like one of the world’s more expensive destinations. However, this fee is all-inclusive – of accommodation, food, transport, and an official guide, so a pretty good deal to see this incredible land. There is no need to travel in a large group, and you can arrange your own itinerary.
The apt description of Shangri-La in the Himalayas suits Bhutan well. This is a land of majestic mountain peaks, expansive Himalayan landscapes, primeval forests, deep gorges, and stunning fortress-like Dzongs and monasteries. To really see the country, the only way is taking an extended hike through the mountains as you wander medieval villages, see Buddhist monks going about their daily routines, and watching spectacular Tsechus, or local dance festivals.
In line with the amazing carbon-neutral sustainability credentials Bhutan has built, it is a country dedicated to environmental protection – where by law 60% of the country must be covered in forest, and it currently sits around 70%, so Bhutan is actually carbon positive! As you marvel at the cliff-hugging Tigers Nest monastery, wander past Chortens (shrines), or cross the high passes of this remote mountain kingdom, the wonders and surprises will keep you enthralled. Bhutan really is a hidden gem of the Himalayas, and largely untouched by the modern world. It really is a privilege to experience this magical place, and one you should not miss!
Experience Types
- All Experiences
- Gift Voucher
- 4WD Tours
- Abseiling
- Adventure Journeys
- Aerobatic Flights
- Alpine Hiking
- Ballooning
- Bike Hire
- Bike Tours
- Boat Charters
- Bridge Climb
- Bucket-List Adventures
- Bungy Jumping
- Camel Riding
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Canyoning
- Cars/Go Kart
- Caving
- Courses
- Cruise
- Diving
- Dolphins/ Dolphin Swim
- Eco Tours
- Expedition Cruising
- Fishing
- Fly Board
- Forest / Rainforest
- Geothermal Parks
- Glacier Hiking
- Glowworm Caves
- Hang Gliding
- Heli-skiing & Heli-boarding
- Hiking & Trekking
- Horse Riding
- Hovercraft
- Indigenous & Cultural
- Island Hopping
- Jet Boating
- Jet Ski
- Kayaking
- Kite Surfing
- Live Aboard Diving
- Luge
- Marine Parks / Reserve
- Motorbike Tours
- Motorsports
- Mountain Biking
- Mountaineering and Climbing
- National Parks
- Nature
- Outback
- Packrafting
- Paddle Board
- Paragliding
- Parasailing
- Polar Expeditions
- Quad Biking
- Rafting
- River Cruises
- Rock Climbing
- Safari
- Sailing
- Sand Boarding
- Scenic Flights
- Scenic Tour / Sightseeing
- Self Drive
- Skiing & Snowboarding
- Skydiving
- Skydiving - Indoor
- Skyrail Gondola
- Snorkelling
- Snowshoeing
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Swing
- Training Courses
- Try-It Adventures
- Virtual Experience
- Volcano Tours
- Walking Tours
- Water Sports
- Whale Watching
- Wildlife and Birdwatching
- Ziplining
- Zoos / Wildlife Parks
Climate
Climatic conditions in Bhutan vary vastly across the country because each valley virtually has an independent ecosystem varying in temperature. The temperature in the central valleys, where you will be spending most of your time, is much lower – during the summer the maximum temperature does not exceed above 30°C and the night usually stays between 15-20°C range. During the winter, the day temperature stays along 15°C but the night gets cold, and the temperature falls below sub-zero. Snowfall in the winter around the valley will be low but the mountains and passes surrounding the valley are usually covered with snow throughout the winter months.
The overriding climatic and temperature influence zone of Bhutan:
- Sub Tropical Himalayan foothills has vegetation particularly tropical forest of broad-leaf evergreen forest with rich wildlife; the average rainfall in this region reaches up to 200 inches with climate from warm, humid, damp and misty in the hills. The altitude in this subtropical foothills ranges from 985ft/300m to 3280ft/1000m.
- Inner Himalaya provides cooler temperatures as you climb higher, this region offers broad valleys with densely populated forest along the hillsides. All the major settlements of Bhutan are situated in this zone, with forests thick with blue pine, conifer, oak, magnolia, maple, birch, rhododendron, willow, poplar, walnut, and other flowering trees. The climate here varies from 3280ft/1000m to 11480ft/3500m.
- Greater Himalaya usually stays covered with snow year-round, it is bewitchingly beautiful with many snowcapped peaks, glacier lakes, and alpine meadows. The region has few inhabitants, mostly engaged in yak herding. The alpine region lies at elevations from 11480ft/3500m to the greater Himalayan high peaks of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, towering at 24735ft/7541m.
Best Time To Travel
Bhutan is an all-season destination. Spring and summer fill the landscape with myriad flora and fauna. Autumn casts a bright golden glow on the landscape. The crisp winter air and the clear skies offer great mountain views. All year round, there is a unique sense of peace and contentment marked by traditional festivities. Gifted with astonishing natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, Bhutan is about an authentic experience.
Spring: March, April, and May
The spring season offers visitors an amazing display of flowers. The valley blooms with pear and apple blossoms, and Rhododendron and Magnolia add wonder to the land.
Autumn: September, October, and November
Autumn casts a golden glow on the landscape and is one of the more crowded times of the year for tourism in Bhutan.
Bhutan Trekking
If you are looking for a challenging high-altitude trek, Bhutan is the place to be. Trekking in Bhutan is an experiential journey through stunning natural beauty and offers insight into the serenity of the wilderness. Fitness Requirement: Different kinds of treks require different levels of physical fitness. It is advisable to start training several months before venturing to Bhutan.