Little over a generation ago, Bhutan tours didn’t exist. This is because Bhutan is a nation fiercely proud of its traditions and it displayed the same unwillingness to communicate with the outside world as its powerful neighbour China. However, from 1974 onwards, international visitors have been allowed to enter the nation and have seen with their own eyes the beauty that is contained within. Now that the floodgates have well and truly opened, tens of thousands of tourists visit each year, a number that is rising rapidly. Yet it is a nation of many climates so when is the best time of year to take part in Bhutan tours?
Knowing The Climate
When it comes to visiting Mediterranean hotspots, climate is seen as all-important. When planning Bhutan tours, it is arguably even more critical such is the difference between climate and temperature during Bhutan’s seasons and in the nation’s various regions. For instance, January in the south of Bhutan greets guests with a lovely, temperate climate with temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius and relatively low rainfall. Contrast this with the north of the country at the same time where snowfall is so heavy that roads are often closed. This means you could potentially be stuck in an area of Bhutan where you have no access to the airport.
Here Comes The Rain Again!
While citizens of Western nations complain bitterly about the amount of rain they experience, the Bhutanese get on with daily life even during the monsoon season where 1,000mm of water can fall in the eastern hills over a 3 month period. Even the wettest winters in places like the UK and Australia look like minor inconveniences in comparison! The monsoon season traditionally hits in June and July which explains why it is cheaper to travel to Bhutan during this time of year. In most cases, you can expect a 20% discount when compared to travelling at peak times which tends to be from November to January. It is also worth noting that Paro airport has been known to cancel flights at this time of year due to poor visibility so bear this in mind when visiting during the monsoon period.
Winter of Content
While the autumn is the most common time of Bhutan tours to take place, there is a level of beauty and tranquility experienced in winter that is not always on offer in the autumn. While the north of the country can be inhospitable at this time, the south resembles a tropical paradise. As you would be staying in Bhutan outside of the traditional rush season, you could get to explore this wonderful nation without having to compete for the attentions of tour guides. The sooner you take advantage of this quiet period, the better because it is only a matter of time before the ‘high season’ extends in December, January and February.
Whether you book Bhutan tours for trekking or sightseeing, there is something in the country for everyone. It is another side of life that you will never see anywhere else so fly to Bhutan and relax as a different world operates around you.
