Visiting Bhutan in December: Complete Guide about Bhutan Tour in December

December in Bhutan is the beginning of the winter season, and the start of the colder months of the kingdom. However, while it is a lot colder in the winter months, as well as being the low season for tourism, Bhutan is still an amazing place to visit in winter. Without the higher number of tourists, the unique Bhutanese culture and people are more easily recognizable by visitors, and makes the country more accessible and more peaceful for travelers. While it may be the low season for tourism, winter does have a certain charm all of its own.

How is Bhutan in December?

In contrast to most of the areas of the Himalayas, Bhutan in December is relatively mild, the skies are clear and crisp, and the weather is pleasant, more comparable to some northern European countries than the highest mountain range on the planet.

Snowfall comes mostly in January, and then on the higher areas, with only a little throughout December in the highest mountains. For most of Bhutan, December is still a relatively warm month of winter in Bhutan for travel.

Bhutan Snow in December

Paro Weather in December

In Paro, December is a relatively warm month, with temperatures reaching as high as 13°C, and dropping to only around -1°C at night. It is hard to see snow in Paro in December, except in the high mountain areas to the northeast of the valley. Also, it is less rainfall in December in Paro. The dry arid weather from the northeast monsoon covers the area, making it a comfortable time for some of the lower-altitude treks, with bright sunshine and clear skies.

Thimphu Weather in December

The weather of Thimphu in December is similar to that of Paro, though a little cooler with highs of up to 12°C and dropping to almost -2°C at night. With average temperatures ranging at around 5°C throughout the month, there may be a light dusting of snow in late December in Thimphu Valley, as temperatures do start to drop a little more towards the end of the year. For tourists, this is a time for arm sweaters and jackets for those colder, yet still sunny days.

Punakha Weather in December

In December, it is usually warmer in Punkha than in Paro and Thimphu, as the valley lies at a lower altitude than the other main tourist centers. Daytime temperatures of Punakha in December can reach as high as 18°C, and at night, you can expect it to drop to only 5-6°C, making it a much more pleasant place to visit in December. The higher average temperatures caused by the lower altitude does mean that you are more likely to have some short rain showers, especially in the early part of the month, which slowly die out as the year comes to a close.

Other Areas of Bhutan in December

Other areas of Bhutan that are popular tourist areas do not fare as well as Punakha, being higher in altitude.

Around the Bumthang region, temperatures are a lot colder, reaching up to only 11°C in the daytime and dropping as low as -3°C at night. However, with almost no rain, the colder weather is still pleasant for trekking and sightseeing.

In the Phobjikha Valley in Wangdue Phodrang, December is a cool month, with highs that reach only up to around 10°C, and lows of around 1-2°C at night. This is a great time to visit the valley and the Gangtey Monastery, as it is the time of the black-necked cranes, which settle in the valley for the winter months, from the harsher weather of northern Tibet.

Bhutan Weather in December

Best Places to Visit Bhutan in December

If you visit Bhutan in December, there are still a number of great places, which are not too cold and are pleasant for a cooler winter day, with fewer tourists to crowd out the attractions.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery, known as the Taktshang Monastery, lies on a small ledge around 900 meters up the face of the cliff overlooking the Paro Valley, and the climb up to the monastery generally takes around 2-3 hours.

In December, with a little cooler weather, the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a delightful trek up the cliffs to the monastery, made even more amazing by the stunning winter views of the valley below, sparse trees like waving skeletons in the winter winds. The monastery is open all year round, so there is no problem making the trek in December.

Paro Rinpung Dzong

One of the highest points of Bhutanese architecture, the Paro Rinpung Dzong, an ancient fortress that dates back to the early 15th century, is one of the most outstanding buildings in the country. Once the meeting hall for the Bhutanese National assembly, the original building was ordered by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1644, on the earlier site of a small shrine from the 15th century, which in turn was built on a site of worship of Guru Rinpoche from the 8th century.

Punakha Dzong

Also known as Pungthang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang, the Punakha Dzong is the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan and the second oldest Dzong in Bhutan, built by the Zhabdrung in around 1637, just prior to the Paro Dzong. The fortress is located between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (rivers), and is rated as one of the most beautiful Dzongs in the world. Lying at just 1,200 meters above sea level, this stunning Dzong was foretold by Guru Rinpoche, saying that “a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant". The Dzong was designed based on the dreams of the architect, Zowe Palep, who spent several nights sleeping underneath a small statue of Buddha.

Visit Punakha Dzong in December

Dochula Pass

Located between Thimphu and Punakha, Dochula Pass is the highest road pass in Bhutan, at an altitude of 3,100 meters above sea level. The pass is famous not only for the amazing views of the northern mountains, but also for the 108 chortens that line the crest of the pass, built by the wife of the former Druk Gyalpo, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

If you visit Dochula Pass in late December, you will have a chance to appreciate the stunning snow scene of the 108 stupas covered by pure white snow.

Gangtey Monastery

Located in the Phobjikha Valley in Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag, the Gangtey Monastery is one of the most important monasteries of the Nyingmapa School of Tibetan Buddhism in Bhutan. An extensive monastic complex that includes a college, the monastery is over 450 years old, and was prophesied by the 15th-century Pema Lingpa, whose grandson actually built the first temple on the site in 1613.

Trekking in Bhutan in December

While there are places in Bhutan where trekking is discouraged in the winter months, mostly due to unpredictable weather in higher locations, there are some great treks that you can partake of in December. Most of the main treks around the areas of Thimphu, Paro, Bumthang, Wangdue Phodrang, and Punakha are still available, though the nights can get a little cold. If you are intending to try Bhutan trekking in December, then the mildest weather can normally be found in Bumthang and Punakha Dzongkhags, which have lower altitudes.

Festivals in Bhutan in December

Most of the tshechu in Bhutan are held in the summer and autumn seasons, but there are still some great festivals to see in Bhutan in December. And with fewer tourists crowding to see the events, it is a much more pleasant time of year to visit.

Bhutan Festivals in December, 2023

What to Wear when Visit Bhutan in December

What to wear depends on the weather of Bhutan during your journey. While it may be the start of winter in Bhutan, December can still be a cold month at night, with temperatures dropping to around or below freezing in most places. The days can be warm and pleasant, but still chilly, so wrapping up a little is necessary while touring in December. Warm sweaters are a must, and it is a good idea to bring a warm jacket, a decent hat, and a scarf and gloves. Warmer pants are a good thing to pack, as are woolen socks and some decent hiking boots, even if you are not hiking. Most of the country is rough ground, so you will find them useful.

What to Wear when Visiting Bhutan in December

For those that are planning a Bhutan trek in December, make sure you bring plenty of layers to keep warm at night, and a warm hat, scarf, jacket, and Gore-Tex gloves for the cold. You can bring your own sleeping bag, and you should make it an arctic-rated one to stay warmer at night. The colder air in the higher areas can be chaffing, so bring along some lip balm and moisturizer, and a face mask if you want. And don’t forget sun block, as even the winter sun can be damaging in Bhutan’s highlands.

Conclusion of Visiting Bhutan in December

If you are planning a travel to Bhutan in December, then you are in for a rare treat. The whole of the country is much less crowded in December, by Bhutanese standards at least, and the weather is pleasant, if a little cold at night. Snow is rare in December, except in the higher areas of the mountains, and the sunny days can be perfect for short treks and great for sightseeing.