Why October is a great time to visit Bhutan

Bhutan, the mystical kingdom nestled in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas, is a destination like no other. With its rich traditions and culture, stunning landscapes, and deep spirituality, Bhutan offers a unique experience for travellers looking to explore something different. If you’re considering a trip to this beautiful country, October is one of the best months to visit. Here's why October in Bhutan should be on your travel bucket list:

IDEAL WEATHER

October marks the heart of autumn in Bhutan, and the weather is simply ideal. With clear skies, cool temperatures, and crisp mountain air, this is the time of year when Bhutan truly shines. The daytime temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), making it perfect for outdoor activities like walkinfg, trekking, and exploring the many picturesque valleys.

Whether you’re trekking to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery or hiking through the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, October’s mild weather allows you to fully enjoy Bhutan’s natural beauty without the intense heat of summer or the chill of winter. The clear skies also provide breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas, creating the perfect backdrop for your travels.

Witness Bhutan’s Vibrant Festivals

October is also a fantastic time to experience Bhutan's rich cultural heritage through its festivals. One of the most famous festivals held in October is the Thimphu Tshechu, a celebration of Bhutanese culture, religion, and history. The Thimphu Tshechu is a vibrant festival that takes place in the capital, Thimphu, and is one of the largest and most colorful festivals in the country.

During the festival, locals and visitors alike gather to witness traditional masked dances, colorful costumes, and rituals that have been passed down for generations. The atmosphere is filled with joy, music, and dance, making it an unforgettable experience. If you’re visiting Bhutan in October, don’t miss the chance to be part of this incredible cultural celebration.

Other incredible festivals include Gangtey Festival in Phobjikha, Thangbi Mani, Jakar and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang and the incredible Royal Highland Festival in Laya. Find out more about Bhutan festivals HERE.

Stunning Autumn Foliage

As autumn takes hold in Bhutan, the landscapes transform into a canvas of vibrant colors. The lush green valleys give way to shades of gold, orange, and red, creating a stunning visual display that enhances the beauty of the country. Whether you’re trekking through the Paro Valley or driving through the scenic roads of Punakha, you’ll be treated to some of the most picturesque fall foliage you’ve ever seen.

The vibrant autumn colors make October an especially photogenic time to visit Bhutan. It’s a perfect month for photographers and nature lovers who want to capture the beauty of the country’s diverse landscapes in their full fall glory.

Ideal for Trekking and Outdoor Activities

Bhutan is renowned for its trekking opportunities, and October is a prime time for outdoor enthusiasts. The weather is stable and favorable for trekking, and you’ll have the chance to explore some of Bhutan’s most renowned trekking routes, like the Jhomolhari Trek or the Druk Path Trek.

The trails are less muddy than in the monsoon months, and the cooler weather ensures you’re not overheated during the day. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a beginner, October’s ideal conditions make it a perfect month for hiking and discovering the country’s wild beauty on foot.

Perfect for Spiritual Exploration

Bhutan is often regarded as a spiritual haven, with its many monasteries, temples, and sacred sites scattered across the country. October’s pleasant weather makes it an ideal time to visit these peaceful retreats and immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of the kingdom.

From the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on a cliff to the beautiful Punakha Dzong located at the confluence of two rivers, Bhutan is full of sacred sites waiting to be explored. October is an ideal month for introspection and spiritual exploration, as the weather allows for peaceful visits to these historical and sacred sites.

A Time to Reconnect with Nature

For many, Bhutan is a place to reconnect with nature and find a sense of inner peace. In October, the crisp air, colorful landscapes, and serene surroundings make it easy to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you’re exploring the countryside on foot, meditating in a monastery, or simply soaking in the beauty of the landscape, October provides the perfect environment to reconnect with nature and yourself.

Although October is considered peak season in Bhutan, it is far from being overcrowded with tourists. Once you reach Bumthang, you'll find even fewer visitors, allowing you to explore Bhutan's serene landscapes and monasteries in a more peaceful and relaxed environment.

If you’ve always wanted to experience the tranquility of Bhutan’s ancient temples, monasteries, and palaces without the hustle and bustle of too many tourists, October is the perfect time to visit. The country’s peaceful atmosphere is one of its most alluring qualities, and traveling in October allows you to immerse yourself in the culture without distractions. October in Bhutan is a time of balance—ideal weather, cultural festivals, not so many tourists, and stunning landscapes all come together to make it the perfect month for visiting this enchanting country. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone simply looking for a peaceful escape, Bhutan in October offers something for everyone. So why wait? Plan your Bhutan adventure for October 2025, and experience the magic of this Himalayan kingdom in its most breathtaking season.

Bhutan's Paro Festival: Dancing Deities of the Dragon Kingdom

Bhutan is a country steeped in traditions and ancient practices, which are all put on show for the annual Paro Tsechu, the biggest festival in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon.

Hundreds of people gather in the cool mountain air at Paro Dzong, the ancient fortress-cum-monastery that is the centre of religious life in the small town. The historic building, officially called Rinchen Pung Dzong and built in 1644, is reputedly one of the country’s best examples of Bhutanese architecture, featuring robust walls and intricate designs.

Men, women and children come from all over the countryside dressed in their finest clothes for this event – men in their gho and women in their kira. Many Bhutanese people wear traditional clothing every day for work and social activities, but the festival is a great chance to show off new or special items.

The trumpets begin to drone and cymbals clash as the performances begin – monks dressed in elaborate brocade costumes take centre stage and begin their stylized dances. They pace, each step deliberate and carefully placed, raise their arms and flick their wrists, and leap into the air like athletes. Their dances are symbolic retellings of Tibetan Buddhist mythology or particular teachings, but to the uninitiated they make a colourful and mysterious spectacle.

Throughout the day several different dances are performed, each one with unique costumes and masks to indicate which demons or spirits the monks are portraying. The monks spend months preparing themselves for the performance, and don’t disappoint their audience who watch enraptured, certain that just by being in the crowd they are gaining spiritual merit.

A highlight of the festival for the pilgrims and spectators is the arrival of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), embodied by a costumed monk. Guru Rinpoche was a saint, or a second Buddha according to some believers, who is credited with firmly securing Buddhism’s place on the roof of the world in Tibet. The unique Tibetan form of Buddhism was also spread to Bhutan by Guru Rinpoche when he flew to the country on the back of a tiger and landed at the now famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery just outside Paro.

Finally, at dawn on the final day of the festival an enormous thangka (woven image depicting religious figures) is unveiled, completely covering the side of a building. The pious line up to make offerings or receive a blessing from the thangka, many believing that even just to see it ensures liberation from suffering. After a few short hours the thangka is once again carefully covered and stored inside the monastery building for another year until the next Paro Tsechu.

Paro town is like the cover of a chocolate box – its streets are full of colourfully painted wooden shop fronts, reminiscent of an Austrian or Swiss mountain village. Never colonised, Bhutan remained totally isolated until the mid-1970s, when its border slowly creaked open and tourists began trickling in. Strict regulations for tourism has ensured that the country retains its charm and quaint atmosphere even through the introduction of sealed roads, cars, telephones, and electricity in the 1960s.

The present-day government encourages tourism, but requires all visitors to join a tour company. It levies a tourist tax of US$65 (NZ$90) a day to help provide free education and healthcare for the entire population. Tourist numbers remain modest, with fewer than 23,000 visiting in the first half of 2016, which pales in comparison to Thailand’s whopping 16.5 million tourists for the same period.

Even at Paro Tsechu, an event that draws crowds from far and near for this once-a-year event, tourists are in the minority and can experience being totally immersed in the Bhutanese culture.

The Paro Festival is held annually in March or April. Find out more about travelling to Bhutan during Paro Tscechu.

Festival Fever in Bhutan!

One of the most unique travel experiences you could ask for is attending a Bhutanese festival, or tshechu as they are known as in Bhutan. There really is nothing that compares and I was over the moon to spend a day at a festival last year in central Bhutan.

So what makes a Bhutanese tshechu so special? Tshechus have been celebrated in Bhutan for hundreds of years. Celebrations begin on the 10th day of the Tibetan lunar calender and continue for 4 days. They take place in Dzongs, which are both the spiritual and administrative centre for the area. Different dances are performed on each of the days by monks dressed in elaborate costumes.

The dances depict historical events and captivate the audience.

The dances are quite mesmerising as the monks twirl.

Often a huge tongdrol or thangka is unravelled on the last day!

The musicians!

These festivals are an incredible opportunity to experience ancient ritual. 

Half the fun is meeting the locals at tschechus. 

Beyond The Clouds Journeys almost always include attending one of Bhutan's unique festivals. Do remember that flights and hotels get booked up months in advance prior to the bigger festivals at Paro, Thimpu, Punakha and Wangdue. It is a good idea to contact us as much as 6-12 months in advance to secure your place.

For more information: www.beyondtheclouds.org.nz

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