How to Rent a Car During the Winter Season in Bhutan?

Winter travel to our lively Bhutan is a fulfilling experience. This season is a lovely time of the year to explore the nation because of the snow-covered mountains, brilliant blue skies, serene monasteries, cloudy setting, and relatively fewer people.

But there are drawbacks to traveling in Bhutan during the winter, especially with regard to transportation and weather. Weather can change rapidly, roads can be treacherous, and not all cars are appropriate for winter driving. Make sure you book your car rental in Bhutan from a highly trusted service provider.

Here, this blog will help you understand how you rent a car in Bhutan during the winter, what you can expect, how you can travel comfortably and safely, et al., if you are planning a trip between December and February.

Understand Bhutan's Winter Travel Conditions

In Bhutan, winter typically begins in late November and lasts until February. Especially in higher altitude areas like Paro, Thimphu, Bumthang, and Dochula Pass, temperatures drastically drop.

Important wintertime situations include:

• Low temperatures (typically below freezing at night)
• Snowfall in central Bhutan and mountain passes
• Icy roadways in the early morning and late at night
• Reduced hours of daylight

These circumstances make it crucial to rent the appropriate car and driver.

Booking Car Rentals in Winter

In Bhutan, you can rent a car in the winter, but there are a few things you should be aware of:

• Tourists are not permitted to rent self-driving cars.
• A licensed Bhutanese driver is required when renting a car for foreign visitors.
• Cars are rented by authorized tour companies or transportation suppliers.
• Winter-ready cars are available, but they need to be ordered in advance.

Since local drivers in Bhutan are more familiar with winter road conditions and safety precautions than tourists, this approach really helps travelers.

Here are Some of the Best Car Types for Winter Rentals

The most crucial choice for winter travel in Bhutan is selecting the appropriate car.

SUVs and 4WD cars (strongly advised)

SUVs and 4WD cars are the safest choices for winter.

The best options for Bhutan this time include:

• Toyota Land Cruiser
• Toyota Prado
• Tucson Hyundai

These cars provide:

• Better grip on icy roads
• Higher ground clearance
• More stability on mountain passes

Mid-Size Vehicles (Exclusively for City Travel)

Only in urban places with clear roads, like Thimphu and Paro, are sedans like the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra appropriate. Long trips in snowy areas are not advised for them.

Avoid Small Cars in the Winter

In Bhutan, small hatchbacks are not the best choice for winter travel because:

• Low clearance of the ground
• Insufficient traction on ice and snow
• Insufficient power on steep roads

Always Hire a Skilled Driver for Your Car Rental

Renting a car with a professional driver during the winter if you’re planning for Bhutan is not only advised but also essential for your safety.

• Local drivers are aware of the safe routes.
• They are aware of road closures and weather patterns.
• When driving on snowy or foggy roads, they exercise caution.
• If things get worse, they notify the authorities.

During the winter, many drivers often bring emergency supplies, including tools, chains, etc.

How You Can Make a Winter Car Rental Reservation

Make a reservation in advance

There are fewer tourists in the winter, but there aren't as many winter-ready cars, so make sure to reserve a car:

• Two to three weeks prior to your travel.
• If you're going in December or during a festival, go earlier.

Make Your Reservation with a Licensed Tour Operator

In the Land of Thunder Dragon, all tourist transportation is arranged by authorized tour operators, and when making a reservation:

• Clearly state the dates of your trip.
• Share your itinerary and destinations.
• Make a special request for a car that is ideal for the winter.

Verify the Condition of the Car

Before completing your Bhutan car booking, make sure:

• The car is kept up nicely.
• Winter-appropriate tires.
• The heater is operating correctly.
• The driver has experience driving in the cold.

Know about the Vital Routes and Winter Road Conditions

From Paro to Thimphu

• Usually open all year round.
• The roads are kept up nicely.
• Frost in the morning occasionally.

Punakha to Thimphu (Dochula Pass)

• There could be snow at Dochula Pass.
• When there is a lot of snow, travel may be delayed or restricted.
• SUVs are highly advised.

Central Bhutan (Bumthang)

• Extremely cold during the winter, snow is common.
• The weather affects travel.
• In the winter, always be adaptable with your schedule.

Book your car rental in Bhutan from a reliable (licensed) car rental company or travel agency.

SomeSafety Advice for Winter Car Rentals

Be sure to use these tips to make your trip go smoothly:

• Avoid late-night and early-morning travel.
• Always wear seat belts.
• Wear warm clothes inside the car.
• Bring snacks and drinking water.
• Pay close attention to what your driver says.
• If the weather gets worse, be open to changing your route.

In this lively South Asian country, safety is more important than speed, particularly during the winter.

Keep yourself from making these errors:

• Selecting less expensive cars over safer ones
• Itineraries that are too packed
• Ignoring weather advisories
• Expecting quick journey times
• Not verifying the suitability of the rental car

Your trip will be safer and more pleasurable if you avoid these errors.

Though winter travel planning takes careful arrangements, renting a car in Bhutan during the winter is well worth the effort. Winter presents a distinctive aspect of Bhutan that many tourists never see, with snow-capped mountains, serene temples, and fewer crowds.