Are you a travel enthusiast planning a winter trip to Bhutan?
Bhutan is a tiny landlocked country that experiences various climatic and physical changes. If you visit Bhutan in winter, you will undoubtedly fall in love with the country and its climate.
While the country’s northern half is covered in thick snow, the southern part experiences warm winters in Bhutan.
Winter is the best time to visit Bhutan because of the subtropical climate, which is ideal for sightseeing and recreational activities.
Winter in Bhutan also brings a whirlwind of celebrations around the country, painting a colorful picture for those in attendance.
Here is a complete winter travel guide to Bhutan to assist you with travel arrangements.
Plan your trip to Bhutan with Norbu Bhutan Travels to experience the magical winter festivals around the kingdom.
Winter In Bhutan
Bhutan in winter comes alive with colors as the weather shifts between cold and warm, sunny and snowy, and green and white.
Winter in Bhutan is a sight to behold, draped in colorful prayer flags with iconic landscapes in a blanket of snow acting as the perfect backdrop!
Winter in Bhutan also provides ideal conditions for visiting Dzongs and religious sites with fewer visitors.
Trekkers can also rejuvenate their souls in the highlands of Bhutan and enjoy Bhutan’s gentle river currents during the winter, making winter in Bhutan the best time for rafting!
Winter Attire On Your Bhutan Trip
With the chilly temperatures around the country, it is important to carry warm clothing to withstand the wintery flakes.
There are areas places in Bhutan, like the capital, Thimphu, where the temperature can drop below freezing during winter.
Warm sweaters and down coats are recommended for your trip to Bhutan in winter. A raincoat and umbrella will come in handy to keep you dry, and hiking boots are a must for climbing steep and rocky slopes.
Locals will be dressed warmly in western coats or thick hand-made attires made of cotton and yak fur. You can also try this traditional clothing to keep warm while experiencing the charm of Bhutanese textiles.
Winter Festivals in Bhutan
Tshechu Festival
Bhutan has a plethora of festivals throughout the year, with the tshechu festival being one of the most popular winter festivals. This 3-day festival dates vary from year to year and valley to valley.
The Cham dance, a religious performance featuring monks dressed in vibrant religious garb and headwear, uses choreographed dances to convey religious tales.
Druk Wangyel Tshechu
The Druk Wangyel Tshechu festival in Bhutan in December is a one-of-a-kind event held on December 13.
This event honors and expresses gratitude to the country on behalf of the Royal Bhutan Army. This winter festival is held in the Jigme Singye Wangchuck mountain range region r to honor the fourth king of Bhutan.
Things To Do On Your Bhutan Trip In Winter
1. Discover Bhutanese Monasteries
Bhutan’s majestic monasteries all around add to the realm’s charm.
The Taktsang Monastery in upper Paro valley, at a height of 3120 meters, is a wonderful hiking spot with colorful flags and a golden prayer wheel.
The Cheri monastery, also known as the Tango Monastery in Thimphu, is another example of pure mysticism and righteousness that gives you a panoramic view of surrounding villages and mountains covered in the snow.
Kurjey Lhakhang Monastery in Bumthang is one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries, carrying on centuries-old traditions and history.
2. Midday On The Punakha Suspension Bridge
Nothing beats a sun-kissed afternoon with gentle wintry winds, high-climb mountains, deep gorges, swinging valleys, a diminishing river, and the Punakha Suspension Bridge.
The 520-foot-long suspension bridges connect the Punakha Dzong to the villages of Shengana, Samdingkha, and Wangkha. The flying flags, decorated throughout, add to the pleasant and memorable experience.
3. A Tour of Thimphu’s Royal Textile Academy
Bhutan’s rich textile tradition has been diligently preserved over centuries.
You can witness Bhutan’s unique cultural identity by taking the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan tour. This textile academy was founded in 2005 to preserve and encourage weaving, an important aspect of Bhutanese culture.
The textile tour educates visitors about the art of Bhutanese weaving and helps preserve the age-old tradition for future generations.
4. Winter Trek In Bhutan
The sloppy twists and turns, massive mountains, and little hill tracts make Bhutan a popular trekking destination all year round. For nature enthusiasts, December in Bhutan without trekking is a huge miss.
Each trek is categorized by its difficulty level: easy, moderate, or advanced.
“Easy” treks are best suited for those who are in good shape for walking or hiking several miles a day while carrying a light backpack or daypack.
“Moderate” treks may involve hiking between six and nine hours daily. “Advanced” means longer and steeper inclines, rockier terrain, and weather conditions like snow.
NOTE: All categories require some experience with hiking and camping.
5. Rafting In Bhutan in Winter
Bhutan is home to some of the world’s least-explored rivers and best-kept secrets, such as the Drangme Chhu, which was mostly unknown to the rest of the world until the first rafting descent was made in 2009.
Rafting in Bhutan is a must in December for a rejuvenating and adventurous experience.
These are some of the places in Bhutan that you must visit in winter if you want to experience the country’s rich culture and pristine natural beauty.
With clear skies and mountain views, winter in Bhutan is a great time to experience nature at its best without hordes of tourists.
The unforgettable memories that unfurl with Bhutan leave tourist thinking about when to visit again.
Before planning your Bhutan trip, keep up to date on the latest travel information with us.
Curious to know more about fascinating places in Bhutan? Read the most fascinating places in Bhutan.
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