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Best Time to Travel to Nepal and Bhutan

August,24 2023 BY Lobsang Tsering 0 COMMENTS

Nepal and Bhutan have similar climates, which makes them ideal for a combined tour of some of the best Himalayan landscapes in Asia. From the birthplace of Buddha to the last remaining Shangri-La of the Himalayas, Bhutan and Nepal make the best tour in South Asia, and together, they give you a good impression of what it is like to live in the shadows of the world’s largest mountain range.

Nepal is the birthplace of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, and has some of the best mountain tourist attractions in the world, not least of which includes Mount Everest. Bhutan is the last of the true Himalayan kingdoms, ruled in traditional ways by a benevolent king, and one of the most ecological and environmental locations on the planet, with more than 70% of the country kept in its natural state.

So, when's the best time for this adventure? We've got you covered with a detailed guide. Get ready to be inspired to explore Nepal and Bhutan at their very best!

The Best Trekking Season to Nepal and Bhutan: Autumn (September to November)

The weather in Bhutan and Nepal in the fall is dry and clear, with almost no rain at all, since the monsoons have drained the skies of rain. While the climate can still be a little humid, the chance of rain is negligible, which makes it a great time for trekking through the stunning mountain areas in the north of Nepal and Bhutan.

EBC Trekking in NepalTrek Everest Base Camp in Nepal in the Best Time

The landscape in Bhutan is resplendent in reds and golds as the trees of the thousands of acres of forests cover the ground in a beautiful carpet of color. The weather is warm and comfortable, and trekking Bhutan is at its peak in the autumn months, with temperatures ranging from 4-12 degrees in the north, and reaching highs of around 22 degrees in the south.

Autumn is also the best time to travel to the lowland Terai region of Nepal, and experience the delights of the Kathmandu Valley and the wildlife of the Chitwan National Park. Temperatures can range from 8-12 degrees in the north to as warm as 20 degrees in the south.

Moreover, during the fall season, you'll have the chance to enjoy many vibrant festivals in Nepal and Bhutan. In Nepal, some of the top autumn festivals are Dashain / Bijaya Dashami held from September to October, the Festival of Lights celebrated between October and November, and the Mani Rimdu Festival taking place in November. In Bhutan, the best autumn festivals (known as tsechu) include the Tamzhing Phala Choepa festival in early October, the Thangbi Mani Festival in Bumthang during October, and the Thimphu Festival at the end of September. These tsechu celebrations happen all across the country, bringing joy to local communities.

The Best Time for Sightseeing in Nepal and Bhutan: Spring (March to May)

Spring is the prime season for sightseeing and trekking in both Bhutan and Nepal. Running from March to May, Nepal's spring offers mild to chilly weather, accompanied by clear skies and abundant sunshine. This period is particularly ideal for embarking on various trekking adventures, as the country experiences minimal rainfall and temperatures range from around 20 degrees Celsius in the southern regions to approximately 10-12 degrees Celsius in the northern mountainous areas.

In Bhutan, spring is the time when the beauty of Bhutan shows through and the valleys are covered in fresh new growth and young green grass. Spring is when the weather is at its best for Bhutan tours and treks. The varying landscape means that temperatures can range from around 8-10 degrees in the northern mountain areas to as high as 20-21 degrees in the far south, in the sub-tropical zones. The skies are clear and the sun is bright, with little chance of rain until the monsoons hit in around June or July.

Visit Bhutan in SpringThe beauty of Bhutan shows through in spring, with the valleys covered in fresh new growth and young green grass.

Spring is also one of the best times for birdwatching in Bhutan, as it is the start of the early migration, with birds returning from winter seasoning in the south, and migrating birds heading north for summer stopping for rest. And the country also has native birds that remain year round, so the spring mating is the best time to see them prancing for their mate.

In addition to the natural wonders, spring graces Bhutan and Nepal with a tapestry of splendid festivals. Among these, the Paro Festival held in March is an absolute must-see in Bhutan, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural tapestry. Meanwhile, in Nepal, the springtime celebrations include Buddha Jayanti, commemorating the birth of Buddha, and Holi, the exuberant Festival of Colors, both observed in March.

The Monsoon Season in Nepal and Bhutan: Summer (June to August)

Summer is the monsoon season in Nepal and Bhutan, when the rains from the southwest come up across the Bay of Bengal and push into the mountains. The monsoon season, from June to August, sees an increase in the rain, in both frequency and volume, though like most monsoon countries, it tends to fall in the late afternoon and evening mostly.

Summer is not ideal for trekking in Nepal, as the monsoon season brings rains to most of the country, and the trails can get somewhat washed out and dangerous.

However, there are plenty of other things to try in Nepal, from canoeing and kayaking on the stunning rivers to white water rafting and paragliding in the lower Terai region of the country. If wildlife is your thing, then the summer months and the lush green foliage is the perfect time and place to find elephants, Bengal tigers, and even crocodiles on a wildlife safari on one of Nepal’s awesome national parks.

In Bhutan, temperatures in the summer are the hottest in the year, with even the mountain regions feeling warm, through wet and humid. While you cannot go trekking in most places, summer is a good time to explore the culture of the kingdom, and tour the ancient historical sites that are found all over Bhutan.

The Best Time for Off-peak Travel in Nepal and Bhutan: Winter (December to February)

During winter, which is the coldest season in Bhutan and Nepal, some areas in both countries become very cold and covered in snow. Because of this, certain places remain unreachable for many months due to the heavy snow and extremely cold temperatures. In the high mountain regions, temperatures can go far below freezing.

There are some treks you can still do in the winter, such as the Everest Trek and the Kathmandu Valley Trek in Nepal, or the renowned Nabji Korphu Trek in Bhutan, among others. And most of these treks focus on the lower foothills areas below the mighty Himalayan peaks.

Visit Bhutan in WinterThe classic white winter wonderland is a photographer’s dream come true in Bhutan.

With much of the East-West Highway closed in the depths of winter due to heavy snowfall, it is a great time to tour the western Dzongkhags of the Bhutan kingdom, around Paro, Thimphu, Wangdue Phodrang, and Punakha, where it is cool and milder, yet bright and sunny. It is also the best time to see the rare black-necked cranes that migrate from northern Tibet to winter in the warmer climes of the Gangtey Valley.

In Nepal, winter is a wonderful time to visit, and is the best time for those traveling on a budget, as the low-season prices can make the trip more affordable. After the rainy season and trekking activities, you'll find the perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful pagodas and temples of the Kathmandu Valley. This valley is at the heart of Nepali civilization. You can wander around the captivating capital of Kathmandu and discover some of the most incredible Hindu temples in the world, with a touch of Buddhism as well. Another option is to journey to Lumbini, the famous birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Nepali Prince who founded Buddhism.

Visit Nepal LumbiniVisit Nepal Lumbini famous birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama.

Whenever you go, book Your Nepal Bhutan Tour in Advance

Whether you visit in the peak season or travel in the low season, there are a number of reasons for you to book your trip in advance. For those traveling in the peak seasons, booking in advance means you can avoid the rush and guarantee that you can get the bookings you want without disappointment.

And because it can take time to get the visa application for Bhutan, it is best to make sure you book well in advance regardless of the season you will travel. Bhutan’s tourism policy means that you have to get prior approval for travel and book with a registered travel agency on a pre-approved tour.

How to Pack for a Nepal and Bhutan Tour

What to pack largely depends on the season you are traveling in. Summer tours usually require less warm clothing, since the weather can be pretty hot, even in the hilly northern areas below the mountains. However, you will need to have wet weather gear, as it can rain heavily.

Bhutan has the highest monsoon rainfall of anywhere in the Himalayas. Winter means that you will need plenty of warm clothing, and strong boots with woolen socks to stay warm. A good fleece or down jacket is also needed, and it is best to have gloves and a hat for protection from cold and sun.

Spring and autumn are milder times of the year, and while you can get away with lighter sweaters in the daytime, you will find that you need to have warmer clothing in the evenings and at night, especially if you are trekking and camping out.

Make sure that you have good strong boots for the rough ground, and woolen socks to keep your feet warm. A good hat to keep the head warm and the sun off is necessary, and if you are trekking, make sure you have a good warm sleeping bag for when you camp at night.

Conclusion

When considering the best time for a trip to Bhutan and Nepal for trekking, then spring and autumn are the obvious choices. But if you cannot get in during these peak seasons, then there are options for travel and a little trekking in he lower areas during winter and summer. So there is never a time when you can’t enjoy a Nepal and Bhutan tour.

Lobsang Tsering

About the Author - Lobsang Tsering

I am a tour guide in Tibet an was Born in Kham Tibet, I am the father of 2 little girls, bachelor's degree. I have more than 7-years experience of being a tour guide in Tibet. I am a warm, friendly, knowledgeable and attractive guy.

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