Things to Do in Bhutan

About Bhutan

Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan stands as the world's last surviving Buddhist kingdom, where Gross National Happiness takes precedence over GDP and ancient traditions thrive in harmony with carefully managed modernity. This carbon-negative nation, draped in pristine forests and crowned by snow-capped peaks, opens its doors to only a select number of visitors each year, preserving a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Here, dzongs rise majestically above river valleys, prayer flags flutter in mountain winds, and an entire country has chosen deliberate, mindful progress over the relentless pace of the modern world.

Travel Tips

• Daily Tourism Fee: All tourists (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) must pay a Sustainable Development Fee of $100 USD per night, which covers accommodation, meals, transport, and a licensed guide—independent travel is not permitted, so book through a registered tour operator.

• Dress Modestly at Dzongs: When visiting monasteries and dzongs (fortresses), men should wear long pants and women should cover their shoulders and knees; remove your shoes before entering temple halls, and never point your feet at Buddha statues or monks.

• Cash is King Outside Thimphu: While the capital accepts cards at some hotels and restaurants, most of Bhutan operates on cash (Ngultrum or Indian Rupees), and ATMs are scarce in rural areas—withdraw sufficient money in Thimphu or Paro before traveling to remote regions.

• Altitude Preparation: Many popular sites like Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) and Dochula Pass sit above 3,000 meters—arrive a day early to acclimatize in Paro (2,250m) before attempting high-altitude hikes, and carry altitude sickness medication if you're sensitive to elevation changes.

When to Visit

When to Visit Bhutan: Timing Your Journey to the Land of the Thunder Dragon

The optimal time to visit Bhutan is during the spring months of March through May or autumn from late September through November, when clear skies reveal stunning Himalayan vistas and temperatures range from a comfortable 15-23°C in the valleys, though you'll pay premium rates ($250-290 daily sustainable development fee during peak). Spring brings spectacular rhododendron blooms carpeting the hillsides in crimson and pink, while autumn offers the magnificent Thimphu Tshechu (September/October) and Paro Tshechu (March/April) — masked dance festivals where locals don their finest kiras and ghos — though these festival dates shift annually based on the lunar calendar, so confirm specific dates when planning. The monsoon season from late June through August brings heavy rainfall (up to 1,000mm monthly in southern regions), leeches on hiking trails, obscured mountain views, and challenging road conditions, but also lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, and discounted hotel rates for those willing to trade convenience for authenticity. Winter months (December-February) see temperatures plummet to -4°C to 10°C at higher elevations with snow blocking passes like Dochula and Thrumshingla, but crystal-clear skies offer the year's best mountain photography, virtually empty dzongs and monasteries, and the colorful Black-Necked Crane Festival in Phobjikha Valley each November as these endangered birds migrate from Tibet.