Travel Inspiration Hiking Bhutan in Spring 3rd September, 2024

Bhutan is a land long forgotten, a land of soaring peaks and stunning landscapes. Known affectionately as the Land of the Thunder Dragon because of the powerful storms that roll in from the west, Bhutan trekking is a dream and offers one of the most authentic experiences in all of Asia.

Although trekking in Bhutan can take place year-round, one of the most popular periods for hikers is spring. Bhutan’s spring is fairly short, usually lasting from early March to mid-April, when the summer rains get underway. Avoiding the hottest, coldest and wettest periods of the year, spring offers the perfect balance for people wanting a comfortable Bhutan trek.

But what really recommends spring trekking holidays in Bhutan is the clarity of the views. You can expect some absolutely stunning Himalayan panoramas at high elevations, mountain views are generally good and you’ll have to go high to experience cold temperatures during spring.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the many reasons why spring is a wonderful time of year for trekking in Bhutan. Read on to find out more about this fascinating, yet lesser visited country.

During the course of March and April, the southern parts of the country experience a subtropical climatic condition. The average temperature during spring is 20 degrees Celsius, with the weather becoming warmer and more humid as the monsoon period approaches. In contrast to the rise in temperature, nights usually get cooler, especially across places like Thimphu.

As spring makes its way to Bhutan, the country turns into an enchanting display of colours as the rhododendrons and other wildflowers start blooming with all their grace. March and April are among the most popular times to travel as the valleys also start turning greener and it makes for a tempting season to go trekking in Bhutan. Temperatures are mild, and melting snows give way to gorgeous wildflowers covering the hillsides, making it a magical time to embrace the outdoors.

One of the major highlights for trekking Bhutan in spring is the flowers. Nature lovers will be awed by the dazzling flora that ignites the landscape during March and April. Bhutan is said to have around 4500 species of flowering plants, making it a floral paradise. Large rhododendrons explode in colour, blanketing hillsides in bright pinks, red, purple and white. The sight is truly one to behold and one that brings many trekkers to the region specifically for the spectacle. Other blooming flowers to look out for during spring include orchids, magnolia, daphnes, clematis, primroses and many more.

However, no flower can hold a candle to the staggering beauty of the blue jacaranda trees that come into bloom in May. These beautiful trees are most famously found outside Punakha Dzong where visitors can also explore the incredible monastery. If flora is your thing, then spring is also the time to search for one of the rarest flowers on earth - the blue poppy. The blue poppy is the national flower of Bhutan and, although once fairly common, the flower has now become exceedingly elusive.

Another reason to visit Bhutan in spring is to witness Bhutan’s famous festivals or ‘Tschechu’. These events are legendary, bringing thousands of people together for days of feasting, dancing and socialising.

Most notable among Bhutan’s festivals is the Paro Tshechu. Layman and monks dress to impress in bright brocade costumes whist re-enacting the history and legends of Buddhism in Bhutan. The masks the performers wear are incredibly delicate and detailed and visitors absolutely love the vibrant feeling of the city during this festival. The festival culminates on the final day when the unrolling of the scroll happens. Standing at over four storeys high, the thangkha (Buddhist religious scroll) is believed to be over 350 years old and celebrates the deeds of Guru Rimpoche. This is also the best opportunity to see the king of Bhutan who often visits the festival on the last few days. This period is extremely popular and the city will be bustling with local and foreign visitors, all wanting to experience the exotic and vibrant festival. This means that rooms, guides and flight tickets sell out by January and you will need to factor this in when booking.

The Punakha Drubchen is another festival hosted in Spring. The festival is unique in that it recreates the dramatic 17th century battle between Tibet and Bhutan. The recreation tells the story of how the regional districts came together to fend off the invading forces of Tibet. The festival also provides a number of masked dances that are all held within the famous Punakha Dzong.

• The Druk Path
  

Considered one of the best short treks in Bhutan, the Druk Path Trek offers gorgeous forests of rhododendron and pine, cultural sites, mountain passes, lakes and valleys. The Druk Path is a four day trek, crossing the spectacular natural landscape between Paro and Thimphu. Kandoo’s tour begins with a visit to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery before journeying through rhododendron forests and alongside glacial lakes, against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and dramatic valleys. The Druk Path is a great introduction to trekking in Bhutan, offering visitors a well-rounded experience.

• The Chomolhari Trek
  

The Chomolhari Base Camp Trek is a seven day trek, which ranges from the picturesque valleys of Paro and Thimphu, to the incredible mountain vistas of Chomolhari (7,326m), Jichu Drake (6,794m) and Tshrim Khang. This Kandoo trek also begins with a visit to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, located high on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley. Although the route can be tricky in places, if you’re an experienced and moderately fit walker who can handle the altitude (about 4,800m at the highest point) and a rugged route, then you will love this Bhutan trek.

• The Snowman Trek
  

If you’re an experienced and fully fit trekker looking for the ultimate challenge, Bhutan’s Snowman Trek is the high altitude trek you’ve been dreaming of. The Snowman Trek goes to the remote Lunana district and is considered to be the most difficult trek in Bhutan (and the world) due to its distance, high altitudes, weather conditions and remoteness. Beginning in the village of Chamsa, the Snowman Trek guides you northwards through the mountains that gather around Bhutan’s border with Tibet. The ever-changing scenery, from lush forests to high mountain passes, glaciers, lakes and waterfalls are truly stunning. However, due to snowfall it is almost impossible to navigate during winter.

So, why not choose this Himalayan haven for your next trekking adventure? For more information about trekking in Bhutan, be sure to check out our Bhutan travel guide.