A Complete Guide to the Land of All Seasons: Best Times and Places to Visit

Set in the eastern Himalayas, between India and China, is the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan, a land brimming with surreal scenery, ancient monasteries, rich heritage, a nation culturally wealthy, and summarised in a word – beautiful. 

Still under the rule of the monarch Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the kingdom follows a constitutional monarchy with the king as the head of the state, followed by the council of ministers headed by the Prime Minister.

The kingdom has embraced the philosophy of maintaining a fine balance between the spiritual and the material, ranking it as one of the happiest nations in the world. Alongside is their unique practice of sustainable tourism, prioritizing environmental conservation and cultural preservation above the normal practice of capitalism so that their landscapes and rich heritage remain untouched by mass tourism.

Back to tourism, Bhutan also known as ‘the land of dragons’ has another less popular name attached to it called ‘the land of all seasons’, since each season offers a charm and allure for its visitors that is sui generis, one of a kind.

Spring Season:

Spanning from March to May is the time when Bhutan comes alive with lush greenery and colourful flowers. The weather remains pleasant, warm, and comfortable. This is also that time of the year when the Druk Capital ushers a new life in these scenic valleys offering clear views of the tall mountains.

Autumn season:

Bhutan sees a lot of travelers from around the world during the fall spanning from September to November. This is the season of the festival of Thimphu lasting 3 days. The festival is celebrated with pomp and grandeur, starting off with a prayer and rituals to invoke the deities, followed by mask dances depicting eight manifestations of ‘Guru Rinpoche’ by the monks which is an integral part of the Buddhist culture.

Winter Season:

Winter in Bhutan is generally cold given it’s geographical position, but it’s also the time when the Himalayan ranges with its snowy peaks become a sight worthy of a photo frame.

Monsoon:

The monsoon season, despite rainfall and roadblocks, offers a rejuvenating sight with lush greenery. Even if this season isn’t ideal for outdoor activities like trekking, the visuals that this place have is never compromised. 

Best places to visit in Bhutan:

1. Tigers-Nest:

The Tiger’s Nest, one of the defining places of Bhutan, sits 3000 meters above the Paro Valley. Also known as the Paro Taktsang Monastery, the tiger’s nest was built in the late 17th century in the site of a cave set into a cliff. The name Taktsang translates to “tigress’ lair”.

The name comes from the legend in the 8th century when the Buddhist master Guru Rinpoche was carried uphill on the back of a disciple who transformed into a tigress. The Guru then meditated for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days, and 3 hours in the cave after which it become a holy place sacredly known as Paro Taktsang.

2. Buddha Dordenma Statue:

upon the hill in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, lies the magnanimous golden Buddha crowned atop a gilded meditation hall, towering 169 feet above ground. This tall statue houses 125000 smaller Buddhas inside both made of Bronze, costing roughly around $100 million to build back in 2015 to honour the 60th birthday of the 4th king of Bhutan,  Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

This statue was also built around two prophecies: the first, as foreseen by yogi Sonam Sangpo that a Buddhist statue would be built in the region to “bestow blessings, peace, and happiness to the whole world.”  The second, statue is said to have been mentioned by Guru Padmasambhava, widely known as the second Buddha in the eighth century. 

3. Punakha Suspension Bridge:

The suspension pedestrian bridge crosses the Po Chhu River in Punakha, made of steel cables and wooden planks and suspended high above the river. The bridge spans approximately 160 meters in length and 1.2 meters in width.

The breathtaking view of the mountains and valleys, with the bridging swaying slightly, wouldn’t that be a thrilling experience?

Conclusion:

The journey from your place to Bhutan is a journey into the heart of culture, nature, and scenery.  As you leave this enchanting kingdom, you’ll carry with you not just memories of its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant festivals, but a profound sense of peace and connection that lingers long after the adventure ends.