Bhutan is one of the most loved countries for its heavenly visuals of the snow-capped Himalayas and scenic landscapes. During winter, Bhutan receives countless tourists to warm their hearts in the chilly weather of the country. The beauty of this mountain kingdom is loved by travellers in every season. But in winter, travelling in Bhutan can turn your trip magical in every way.
Plan your winter trip with a Bhutan tour operator to explore the seasonal specialties of Bhutan. Whether having heartwarming food, witnessing snowfall in higher regions or enjoying calming environments, Bhutan in winter can surely raise the standards of your travel experience. Since Bhutan’s weather turns extreme in winter you can enjoy cozy moments with reduced outdoor activities.
Let's Explore The Places You Can Visit in Bhutan During Winter
When you are travelling to Bhutan in winter from November to February, you can find the same places more enthralling. At this time, places remain less crowded, offering you a calm and peaceful travel. The weather remains cold, and the skies are clear with mountain vistas. You can expect light snowfall in high altitude regions, cultural sightseeing and spiritual retreats in Bhutan during winter.
● Paro: One of the oldest and most significant towns of the country, Paro offers crisp visuals in winter. You can experience scenic trails among the valleys and doable hiking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Explore and get lost in the exquisite beauty in one of the oldest temples of the country, Kyichu Lakhang, and the stunning fortress of Paro Dzong. The calm and reduced crowd and noise will make your Paro visit wholesome.
● Punakha: This place blends natural beauty and deep spiritual significance in Bhutan. Punakha is an ideal destination for winter due to its lower altitude. This destination remains warm and sunny even in December, providing you with a warming experience. Get scenic visuals of the Suspension Bridge, breathtaking Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lakhang. During winter, rice fields remain golden, and rivers are calm in Punakha.
● Phobjika or Gangtey Valley: This is one of the coldest and most magical places to visit during winter in Bhutan. Phobjika Valley adds beauty and charm with quaint visuals all around at this time. This place offers visuals of endangered Black-necked cranes and peaceful trails with the photogenic Gangstey Monastery. You can experience chilly nights here.
● Thimphu: The capital of the country, Thimphu, remains vibrant for travellers with various activities. Travellers explore the museums, local markets and the sightseeing places. Get around and witness the charm of the capital by exploring Tashichho Dzong, the giant Buddha Dordenma Statue, and simply witnessing the soul of Bhutan. This time becomes ideal for short walks, cafe hopping and discovering the culture.
● Dochula Pass: One of the most popular tourist destinations in Bhutan, you can witness the panoramic views of the Himalayas, often covered with snow, in the winter air. Visit this place to witness the sacrifices made by the Bhutanese soldiers to protect the peace and unity of the country. You can visit the 108 stupas to commemorate their bravery and simply breathe the fresh mountain air.
● Bumthang Valley: This valley offers a fairytale landscape where Buddhism was first introduced in Bhutan. Experience the royalty and culture in the spiritual sites in the breathtaking valley. The temperature sees a significant drop here during winter, and you can expect possible snowfall, making it an ethereal moment for you. Experience a wide range of things to do in Bhutan during December.
Here is how Travelling to Bhutan in Winter Stands Out
Visiting the Land of the Thunder dragon during winter can be remarkably uplifting for you for some reasons, such as
● The Snow Experience: When snowfall happens in Bhutan, it turns the country into an icy wonderland. One of the most exciting reasons to visit Bhutan is the possibility of witnessing snowfall. During December, the high altitude regions like Bumthang Valley, Haa Valley and Dochula Pass are highly probable to receive snowfall, turning the places into postcard scenes. The high cliffs of ancient monasteries, covered with snow having heavenly Himalayas in the background, offer a paradise on the land during winter.
● Tranquil Surroundings: This time, Bhutan experiences off-season when there is not much crowd and noise. This time is ideal to explore the famous sightseeing peacefully or without rush. Unlike peak seasons from March to November, you trek in the Tiger’s Nest Monastery without a thousand trekkers in the queue, interact with the monks easily, hear the prayer chanting in a tranquil and serene ambience without background chattering. This time, restaurants are not in a rush, rates of stays remain low, and communications are not hurried, providing you with a genuine and profound experience in Bhutan.
● Winter Festival & Cultural Celebration: One of the most exciting reasons to visit Bhutan is getting the chance to witness the vibrant and traditional festivals of the country. You can behold the various celebrations like Druk Wangyal Tshechu, where the Royal Bhutan Armies perform with elaborate mask dances, traditional music with a backdrop of 108 chortens(memorials) under snowy mountains. Their National Day is observed on 17th Dec with grand military parades, offering you the opportunity to witness the country’s national pride and royal opportunity. Also, regional Tschechus like Trongsa Theschu, Mongar Tshchu are celebrated at this time.
● Diverse Wildlife: During winter, Bhutan’s wildlife comes to life, turning into a bird paradise. Spotting the Black-necked cranes in Phobjika Valley is the most eventful thing you can enjoy. You can witness a wide range of Himalayan and migratory bird species like Blood pheasants, Himalayan monals (Bhutan’s national bird), Red-billed chough, and Golden eagle and many. Get visuals of Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, several bird species, Wild water buffalo and clouded leopards in Royal Manas National Park as they are mostly visible in the cold months.
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Final Remarks
Travelling to Bhutan during winter can be a most worthwhile experience for you. With the lowered rush of tourists in the hotels, cafes and sightseeing places, trekking trails remaining dry and viable unlike in monsoons, more time to explore the local markets and communicating without hurry, Bhutan offers a serene ambience in every corner in winter. Plan your winter escape with a Bhutan tour operator to explore the specialties at your own pace, adding more value to your travel.
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