Bhutan Travel Guide & Tips

Weather in Bhutan: The southern part of Bhutan enjoys a mild temperate climate, typical to the Terai-Dooars region of West Bengal and Assam. The change in the weather and temperature is mostly owed to the change in the altitude than the actual location. As one goes further up north, the height of the Himalayan peaks increase and goes as much as 7000 meters in the extreme north. The summers are warm and sunny in the south, including in the capital Thimphu, with an average temperature of 25°C. The winters go below 0°C by 2-3 °C. In the mountainous terrains, temperature falls by 7°C for every kilometer climbed, and snowfall is common during winter. You can get a complete range of temperature and precipitation from a detailed Bhutan travel guide. The best time to visit is during spring and early summer, from March to May, and autumn, from September to mid-November.

Nightlife in Bhutan: Nightlife in Bhutan is mostly centered on Thimphu. Nightclubs and pubs like Vivacity, Mojo Park, Space 34 and Club Ace are happening nightclubs with great music and flowing drinks. Mojo Park has one of the best local live music scenes one can ever find. Among other options, there are stages for Bhutanese cultural performances like Khuju Luyang or live Bhutanese music at the Drayangs with local beer and whiskey served at hand. A Bhutan guide will help you sift through the neighborhood and find the best spots to spend the night.

Food in Bhutan: Chillies are an important part of Bhutanese cuisine. One can find red chilies in some of the best dishes. Ema Datshi is almost like a national dish, which is basically chilies and cheese. Phaksha Paa (pork with chilies) and Jasha Maru (spicy chicken) are also famous. Red rice, local to Eastern Himalayan valleys, is a staple, so are dumplings stuffed with anything one can think of. Among drinks, Suja (butter tea) and Arag (alcohol) are lovely to warm you up in the cold.

Shopping in Bhutan: Before heading out for shopping in Bhutan, it is necessary to know where you can buy things from and what you should be buying. What you should buy is also an important thing to know. For assistance, you can always consult a Bhutan tour guide to know the places where you can shop to your heart’s content. Most people prefer to buy from the Government emporiums, as there is the assurance of authenticity and fair price. National Handicraft Emporium in Thimphu is one of the best places for shopping. Bhutan specializes in thirteen different forms of art and craft categories which they call Zorig Chusum. One should definitely consider buying thangkas, hand-woven textiles, handmade wooden bowls called dappas, Dzi beads, masks and other local handicraft items as souvenirs.

Festivals in Bhutan: The Tshechu festivals of Bhutan are known far and wide for their colors and spirit. The celebration is about Bhutan culture. They take place over 3-4 days on the tenth day of any lunar month. Paro Tsechu festival is most famous, closely followed by Punakha and Thimphu Tsechu. Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival, dedicated to Guru Rinpoche and the Haa summer festival match the Tshechu performances in their vibrancy and energy. All of these festivals are observed through folk performances, masked dance programs and historical storytelling of myths, legends, heritage and other interesting facts about Bhutan.