Best time to visit Bhutan: The secret kingdom that was once closed to tourists
Updated . First published
It's a located high in the Himalayas between China and India, but is now gearing up to welcome more tourists.
Known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, the Buddhist monarchy of only 800,000 residents only started officially welcoming tourists in 1974.
In the last 50 years it has been gradually opening up to the world and a new international airport is set to make travelling there even easier.
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Construction of the new Gelephu International Airport on the Indian border officially began on July 8, 2025, and it is scheduled to open in 2029 with a planned capacity of 123 flights a day.
Rather than flagging a best time to visit, the Department of Tourism Bhutan is encouraging travellers to consider a holiday to the mountain destination at any time of year.
"Bhutan is not just a destination; it is a journey through time, culture, and nature," Damcho Rinzin, Director of the Department of Tourism, said.
"Whether it's the serenity of the winter valleys, the blooms of spring, the vibrant energy of summer festivals, or the celebrations of autumn, Bhutan offers experiences that awaken the senses and inspire the soul."
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Right now Bhutan is accessible by air through Paro International Airport. Getty
Best time to visit Bhutan
With that in mind, here's what you can expect in Bhutan depending on when you visit.
Winter: December to February
Think snow-capped mountains, pristine landscapes, and serene retreats in remote valleys.
Visitors can enjoy warm hospitality in traditional farmhouses, and partake in unique cultural events such as the Druk Wangyel Tshechu at Dochula Pass.
Spring: March to May
Spring transforms Bhutan into a vibrant tapestry of blossoms, from colourful rhododendrons to blooming orchards across valleys like Paro, Trashigang, and Haa.
This is also the season of Rhododendron Week and spring festivals, celebrating Bhutanese flora, rural traditions, and culinary delights.
Hiking and nature exploration are at their peak, providing travellers with opportunities to engage in eco-tourism activities.
Spring is the best time of year for hiking. Supplied
Summer: June to August
Lush green valleys, flowing rivers, and abundant agricultural landscapes is what shapes Bhutan during the summer months.
It is a time for Matsutake festivals in Genekha and Ura, celebrating the prized wild mushrooms of Bhutan.
Travellers can explore forested trails, enjoy local cuisines, and witness traditional village life in regions such as Bumthang and Thimphu.
It's is also a great time for adventure enthusiasts to engage in trekking, white-water rafting, and fly-fishing in Bhutan's pristine rivers.
Autumn: September to November
Considered one of the most spiritual seasons thanks to major festivals like Thimphu Drubchen and Thimphu Tshechu.
These festivals, featuring sacred Cham mask dances, traditional music, and ritual ceremonies, provide visitors with a vibrant window into Bhutanese culture and Buddhist spiritual practices.
Autumn also offers crystal-clear skies, ideal for mountain viewing and photography.
Autumn is a spiritual time in Bhutan. Getty
Getting to Bhutan
Aussies can go to Bhutan. But it's not an easy country to visit - flights are limited for now and you must obtain a visa before you go.
Right now Bhutan is accessible by air through Paro International Airport, served by Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines and Bhutan Airlines, with direct connections from key regional hubs including Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Singapore, Dhaka and Dubai.
Bhutan charges a Sustainable Development Fee to help manage the impacts of tourism. Getty
Overland entry is available for regional travellers through designated border points in southern Bhutan, providing access to central and eastern regions by road.
In addition to the visa fee, travellers have to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 ($155) per day for adults. This fee supports Bhutan's commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental preservation, as part of the government's policy of "high-value, low-volume tourism".
If you want to visit anywhere other than the main cities of Thimphu and Paro, travelling to other regions means you have to hire a licensed guide.
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