Bhutan, “The Land of the Thunder Dragon,” is a remote, mountainous country with a population of only about 750,000. It's become famous for using a Gross National Happiness index as a way to measure economic success instead of Gross National Product. In recent years, it has transitioned from a kingdom to a democratic constitutional monarchy.
We're Experts! Red Lantern Journeys can arrange tours throughout Bhutan. In addition to the iconic sights and treks, we know the best hotels, experiences, and off-the-beaten-path locations for your trip to Bhutan!
Our Personal Picks
- A traditional archery tournament
- Thimphu’s bustling weekend market
- Chimi Lhakhang, the namesake temple of Drukpa Kinley
- The dancers of Bhutan’s many colorful autumn festivals
- The game of “kuru,” or, Bhutanese darts
- Cheri Goemba, the first monastery established in Bhutan
When to Travel
The best months to visit Bhutan are March through May and September through November. However, December through February is also a good time, especially in western Bhutan where daytime temperatures are comfortable.. For treks to elevations over 12,000 feet, April through early June and late September through early November are the best months.
Visa Information
Both US and Canadian citizens must have a visa to enter Bhutan, which must be arranged through a tour operator like Red Lantern Journeys and must be shown when you check in to your Druk Air flight into Bhutan.
Festival Dates for 2017:
- Thimphu Drubchen (Thimphu): September 25 to 29
- Wangdue Tshechu (Wangdue): September 28 to 30
- Tamshing Phala Chhoepa (Bumthang): September 30 to October 2
- Thimphu Tshechu (Thimphu): September 30 to October 2
- Thangbi Mani (Bumthang): October 4 to 6
- Jambay Lhakhang Drup (Bumthang): November 3 to 6
- Prakhar Duchhoed (Bumthang): November 4 to 6
- Black Necked Crane Festival (Phobjikha): November 11
Festival Dates for 2018 (Tentative):
- Punakha Drubchen (Punakha): Feb 19 to 24
- Lhamoi Dromche (Trongsa): Feb 20 to 22
- Punakha Tshechu (Punakha): Feb 25 to 27
- Tangsibi Mani (Ura, Bumthang): Mar 2 to 4
- Zhuri Duechoed (Chumey, Bumthang): Mar 12
- Gayden Choedpa (Ura, Bumthang): Mar 15 to 17
- Paro Tshechu (Paro): Mar 27 to 31
- Domkhar Tschechu (Chumey, Bumthang): Apr 25 to 27
- Ura Yakchoe (Ura, Bumthang): Apr 26 to 29
- Nimalung Tshechu (Bumthang): Jun 21 to 23
- Haa Summer Festival: Jul 8 to 9
- Thimphu Dromche (Thimphu): Sep 15
- Thimphu Tshechu (Thimphu): Sep 19 to 21
- Tamshing Phala Choedpa (Choekhor, Bumthang): Sep 18 to 20
- Thangbi Mewang (Choekhor, Bumthang): Sep 23 to 26
- Jakar Tshechu (Bumthang): Oct 19
- Jambay Lhakhang Drup (Choekhor, Bumthang): Oct 24 to 27
- Sumthrang Rabdhey (Ura, Bumthang): Nov 3 to 7
- Goenpoi Dromche (Trongsa): Nov 8 to 10
- Black Necked Crane Festival (Phobjikha): Nov 11
- Jambay Lhakang Singye Cham (Choekhor, Bumthang): Nov 23
- Nga Lhakhang Zhi (Choekhor, Bumthang): Nov 23 to 25
- Pangkhar Choedpa (Ura, Bumthang): Dec 2 to 7
- Drukwangyel Tshechu (Dohula): Dec 13
- Trongsa Tschechu (Tongsa): Dec 15 to 18
