Learn More About Bhutan with Blue Poppy Tours & Treks!

Bhutan: The ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’

The other good time is Autumn (September to December), when there is much less rain, the skies are clear and the drying of chilies on the roofs of houses provides a very photogenic sight. In September there is still some rain at the tail end of the monsoon, but it gets drier as you go through the season. Although December is the start of winter, it offers dry, clear days and some midday sunshine (although mid-afternoon onwards & early mornings can be cold).

Summer (July and August) is the monsoon season which means you should expect some rain, but it is a good time to see farming activity and summer flowers - striking sights at this time of year are the electric-green rice paddies against a background of the dark forests. Winter (January to February) can be very cold and snow is frequent during these months.

Festivals - Religious festivals, known as tsechus, are an intrinsic part of Bhutanese cultural life and a great way to experience local culture and traditions. At festivals, people from all walks of life assemble in their finery to watch masked dances and rituals, to socialise and to rejoice. Festivals are observed throughout the year across the kingdom and showcase the best religious dances dating from the Middle Ages, performed only once or twice a year by monks and laymen.

Culture tour - Many people will combine their culture tour with a festival, but for those who want to travel at less busy periods, a culture tour on its own has much to offer. Enjoy the wonderful architecture of Bhutan with its impressive Dzongs (splendid fortresses originally built for defence, but now housing monasteries and the administration for the local district); beautiful temples containing sacred statues and redolent with religious tradition and history; and stunning scenery and landscapes great for day hikes.

Trekking - For those who enjoy a challenge, trekking in Bhutan is an experience like no other. Walking along the rolling Himalayas can be hard work at times.

But it’s certainly worth it for the crystal-clear air, little-frequented paths and incomparable views - snow-peaked mountains, alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, crystal mountain lakes, traditional farmhouses and villages. On all treks we provide experienced guides, professional cooks and horses for transporting luggage, so hikers won’t need to carry more than a day-pack.

Planning a Bhutan tour revolves around timing – in 5-7 days there is time to see the highlights of western Bhutan, including a hike to the famous Tiger's Nest monastery that clings to sheer cliffs over the Paro valley, the highlight of any trip to Bhutan!

With 10 days or more we can extend the tour to Bumthang in central Bhutan – known as the Asian Switzerland for the mountainous landscapes, the Bumthang valleys are the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, scattered with temples, monasteries and places of pilgrimage, perfect for walking or driving tours.

For those who have 16-18 days and are interested in more remote areas we recommend travelling from west to east across the country and exploring the undeveloped eastern region, home to the Sharchops, the earliest, indigenous inhabitants of Bhutan. All Bhutan tours are fully escorted with a personal English-speaking guide and a private car and driver.

We can also arrange a visit to a local farmhouse to take tea or dinner (or an overnight stay) with a local family and a traditional hot stone bath; trying your hand at the national sport of archery with a traditional bow and arrow; a blessing from a lama or a reading from an astrologer; rafting or mountain biking; a cookery class or a visit to a local brewery – whatever the clients’ interests we are happy to tailor an itinerary to suit.

Standard hotels - Standard hotels are generally family-run hotels, built in traditional style and with plenty of local character, but can be fairly basic, especially further east. In the main tourist destinations, they are of three-star standard and have rooms with private bathrooms, hot water (at least at some stage during the day), telephone and electricity. Some of these properties offer suites or deluxe rooms for a small supplement.

Luxury hotels - At the other end of the scale we have some splendid 5-star luxury hotels, boutique properties as well as a couple of locally owned luxury hotels including:

There are also mid-level (4-star) luxury hotels available as well.