The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small landlocked county nestled in the eastern Himalayas, bordered by China (Tibet) to the north and India to the south, east and west. With a population of around 700,000 people, Bhutan is known for its stunning landscapes, unique culture, and commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
climate and geography
Bhutan’s climate varies widely depending on the altitude and the region. The country can be broadly divided into three climatic zones: the southern foothills, the central valleys, and the northern mountains. Bhutan experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The best time to visit Bhutan is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the skies are clear. These seasons offer ideal conditions for trekking and exploring the country’s stunning landscapes.
Overall, Bhutan’s climate is influenced by its geography, with the southern regions experiencing a subtropical climate, the central valleys a temperate climate, and the northern mountains an alpine climate. Understanding these climatic differences is important when planning a trip to Bhutan to ensure you pack appropriately and make the most of your visit.
Southern Foothills
The southern foothills of Bhutan, which border India, have a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. This region receives the highest amount of rainfall in the country, making it lush and green. Temperatures in the summer months can reach up to 35°C (95°F), while in winter, temperatures usually range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
Central Valleys
The central valleys of Bhutan, where most of the population lives, have a temperate climate with mild summers and cold winters. Temperatures in the summer months’ range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), while in winter, temperatures can drop below freezing, especially at higher altitudes.
Northern Mountains
The northern mountains of Bhutan, which border Tibet, have an alpine climate with cool summers and very cold winters. Snowfall is common in the winter months, and temperatures can drop below -20°C (-4°F) in some areas.
tourism Policy
Bhutan’s tourism policy is aimed at promoting high-value, low-impact tourism that is sustainable and preserves the country’s environment and culture. The policy is based on the principle of Gross National Happiness (GNH) which emphasises the well-being and happiness of the Bhutanese people over economic growth. All tourists visiting Bhutan have been required to travel with licensed Bhutanese tour operators.
culture & religion
Bhutan is the only existing Mahayana Buddhist Kingdom in the world and has adopted the tantric form as its official religion. A majority of the Bhutanese people are Buddhist while a small section of the society follow Hinduism. The religion plays a significant role in the daily lives of the Bhutanese people, influencing the art, architecture, festivals and even government policies.
Bhutanese culture emphasises respect for nature and environment, and this is reflected in the traditional beliefs and practices. The culture is also characterised by its strong emphasis on spirituality, community, and harmony with nature.
dress
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Bhutanese culture is its traditional dress, known as the ‘kira’ for women and the ‘gho’ for men. The kira is an ankle length dress that is wrapped and fastened at the shoulders with a brooch and at the waist with a belt known as the ‘kera’. The gho is a knee-length robe that is tied at the waist with a kera. Both the kira and gho are made from brightly coloured fabrics and are worn with pride.
currency
The Bhutanese currency is called Ngultrum and is pegged with the Indian Rupee. It was introduced in 1974.
flag
The Bhutanese flag is divided into two parts with a dragon in the middle. The dragon symbolizes the name Druk Yul – meaning land of the thunder dragon and its white color is a representation of purity and loyalty. The yellow upper half signifies the country’s secular authority of the King in the affairs of religion and state. The lower saffron orange half signifies the religious practice and spirituality of Buddhism as manifested in the Drukpa Kagyu and Nyingma traditions.
economy
The Bhutanese economy is predominantly agricultural. Agriculture and livestock rearing have traditionally been the pillar of the county’s economy. 70% of the Bhutanese population lives on subsistence farming, growing rice, barley, millet, buckwheat, potatoes, mustard, chillies and vegetables. Hydropower too, contributes a major amount to the GNP.
people
The people of Bhutan, known as Bhutanese, are known for their warmth, hospitality, and strong sense of community. The population of Bhutan is diverse, with several ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions and customs. They fall linguistically into three sub-groups comprising of Ngalongs, Shachops and Lhotshampas. There are also a number of smaller groups in the country with their own distinctive languages. Some of these groups are the Tsangos in the east, Layapas in the north-west, Brokpas in the north-east and Doyas in the south-west and form about one percent of the population.
Food
Bhutan is the only existing Mahayana Buddhist Kingdom in the world and has adopted the tantric form as its official religion. A majority of the Bhutanese people are Buddhist while a small section of the society follow Hinduism. The religion plays a significant role in the daily lives of the Bhutanese people, influencing the art, architecture, festivals and even government policies.
Bhutanese culture emphasises respect for nature and environment, and this is reflected in the traditional beliefs and practices. The culture is also characterised by its strong emphasis on spirituality, community, and harmony with nature.
sports
The national sport of Bhutan is archery. Other traditional sports popular in the Kingdom include various kinds of shot-put, darts and wrestling. International sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, taekwondo, cricket, tennis, badminton and table tennis are also extremely popular.
architecture
Among the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture are the Dzongs or fortresses seen across the country with their large courtyards and impressive galleries. Housing large monasteries inside and sitting on hilltops or at the confluence of rivers, these fortresses are also the administrative centers of their dzongkhags or districts. However, the most common architectural sights in Bhutan are the chortens or small shrines built to house sacred relics.
arts & crafts
All Bhutanese art, dance, drama and music have its roots in the Buddhist religion. And almost all representation in art, music and dance is a dramatization of the struggle between good and evil.
The skills of the local craftsmen are manifested in the statues of the deities, doors and windows of traditional houses, and in religious artifacts like bells, trumpets and drums. The country also has rich and diverse range of carpets and traditional textile designs whose colors, weaves and textures have evolved over centuries.