I went on several tours this past month and experienced some of the best weather that I had experienced all year. There was also less crowd of people. I also witnessed some of the most splendid mountain views I had ever seen. Therefore, I became convinced that winter is the best time to visit Bhutan.
While travel trends to Bhutan point to Spring and Fall as the ideal time to visit Bhutan, since becoming a tourist guide, I believe that winter might be the best time to visit Bhutan.
Less Crowd
While stopping at Dochu La, a popular mountain pass, the usual crowd of tourists was not there. I noticed this difference within a week of visiting the pass in November, versus visiting it later in the month.
Heating Technology
Previously, Bhutan wasn’t always ready to host guests during the colder months. However, with improved heating technologies, most hotels and tourist vehicles now provide the necessary heating systems that help make travel during winter possible.
Winter Activities : Hot Stone Bath
One of the ways to immerse in Bhutanese culture is by doing the hot stone bath, a traditional favourite pastime; and the bath is better enjoyed in cooler temperatures. As a kid, I remember doing the hot stone bath mostly during the winter vacations.
New Experiences
People also visit countries to experience extreme climates. For instance, places such as Finland have more people visiting in the winter than during milder climates. In Bhutan too, while doing the Druk Path Trek, you could do so in snow laden conditions, leading to a whole nother experience.
Increased Metabolism
As per one study, cooler conditions led to increased metabolism. I felt this increased metabolism during my recent hike to the Tigers’ Nest Monastery –Because of the cold, I felt motivated to keep my body moving. And the cooler temperatures kept my body cool during the hike, even though the occasional evening wind stung! Additionally, the clear blue skies were a plus.
In this way, there are a multitude of reasons why traveling to Bhutan during the winter (November – December) has its own benefits. Moreover, you can save money by visiting in winter, which is considered a low-tourist season.