Visiting Bhutan in January: Weather Condition and Best Places to Visit for a Bhutan Tour in January

While it may be the coldest month of the year in Bhutan, January can be a popular time to visit for those travelers working on a budget. With immaculately clear Himalayan views and sunny skies, January can be one of the most exciting and beautiful times of the year in Bhutan. The highest altitudes of the terrain are likely to be covered in a blanket of white snow, and much of the popular tourist areas are usually a little frosty underfoot. However, in the lower altitudes, especially in the more southern Dzongkhags, the subtropical weather makes it pleasant and comfortable for tourism and sightseeing.

Bhutan Weather and Temperature in January

Winter in Bhutan is one of the drier and more clement times of the year for weather. Though the main tourist destinations in Bhutan can be a little cold, January is a beautiful time of year to visit with average temperatures in the major tourist areas ranging from -3 to around 12 degrees.

The weather and temperatures in Bhutan depend largely on the altitude, and as the main tourist regions of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Bumthang are at relatively low altitudes, the weather in January is generally mild and comfortable.

The areas of Paro and Bumthang are generally colder than Thimphu and Punakha, with daytime temperatures ranging from 3-5 degrees and dropping to well below freezing at night.

Punakha is a lot warmer than the rest of the tourist areas, being lower in altitude, and you can even see temperatures a little above freezing at night, with higher daytime temperatures in general.

Generally, there is no heavy snow in January, so you don’t need to worry about the highway being blocked between the major cities. You can easily travel to Bhutan for sightseeing in January.

What to wear while visiting Bhutan in January?

While the weather may be bright and sunny throughout January, with almost no rain at all in the major tourist destinations, you will still need to pack some warmer clothes. Cold temperatures can be very cold at night, and once the sun drops behind the Himalayas, the temperature can drop fast. It is expected to take several warm sweaters and fleece or down jacket to keep out the cold, and bring layers of t-shirts or trekking shirts to maintain a good average temperature. Jeans are a little better for touring in January, especially if you are not trekking, as the thicker material retains warmth better. However, trekking pants are the best thing to bring, or warmer thick slacks with some thermal underwear.

Whether or not you are doing any hiking, a good pair of hiking boots or shoes are a must, as the ground in many places in Bhutan can be rough and rocky. And with the colder weather, the ground is often frosty, and you are less likely to slip with decent hiking boots on. Warm woolen socks will help to keep your feet warm too, and reduce blisters for those trekking.

January is generally sunny, with little rain, but a light rain mac can be helpful for the odd shower. And bring your sunglasses, as the clear skies and higher altitudes mean stronger UV sunlight. Believe it or not, you will need to bring sunblock, to fend off the harmful UV rays of the strong sunlight. Moisturizer and lip balm can also be useful to protect your face and lips from the chilly bitter winds that blow through the Himalayas in winter.

Best Places to Visit in Bhutan in January

Winter has its advantages, not the least of which is the lower number of tourists and the better options for visiting some of the country’s stunning locations.

How to take advantage of the low season in January to make the most of the beauty of Bhutan and its many attractions? Here are the recommended places to visit in Bhutan in January.

Visit Punakha in January

Influenced by low altitude and milder climate, Punakha is one of the warmest places that are popular for Bhutan tours in winter. It is also the winter residence for many local monks who live at higher altitude areas, like Thimphu. In winter, the local Bhutan monks take their annual journey to Punakha, to stay in the Punakha Dzong for the winter, where it is a little warmer.

One of the most beautiful areas in Bhutan, Punakha is also renowned for the stunning Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. Located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu, this 17th-century riverside monastic palace is a stunning place to visit. You can also take a trip to the Chimi Lhakhang, a short hike from Punakha, where you can explore this unique 15th-century monastery.

Visit Paro in January

Compared to the climate of higher altitudes, Paro is relatively mild in January and is an ideal place to stop for better winter temperatures. In Paro, the temperatures rarely drop below around 5 degrees, even at night, and this beautiful area is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bhutan. January often means a light dusting of snow in Paro, though it is still possible to get up to the Taktshang Monastery, one of the most amazing feats of construction in Bhutan.

You can also spend some time visiting the other famous sites, including the Chele La Pass, the National Museum, the famous Rinpung Dzong, and the peaceful Druk Choeding Temple during your winter tour in Paro.

Visiti Thimphu in January

The capital of Bhutan in winter is just as amazing a place as it is in summer. While temperatures of Thimphu in January can drop to a little below freezing at night, the daytime can see bright sunny days reaching up to around 10-12 degrees, so it is warm and pleasant for tourists in January. And Thimphu has some of the country’s most outstanding tourist attractions for you to enjoy.

The famous Tashichho Dzong, built on the western bank of the Thimphu Chhu in the north of the city, has been the seat of government in Bhutan since 1952. The Dzong houses the Throne Room of the Druk Gyalpo, the King of Bhutan, as well as offices of the king, the secretariat, and several other ministerial offices. The original Dzong was built in the 13th century, with the lower Dzong being built in 1641. The older Dzong was destroyed by fire, and the lower Dzong was expanded to be used by the government.

Visit Gangtey in January

Also known as the Phobjikha Valley, this unique Himalayan valley is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan in winter, and is the best destination in Bhutan for getting a good look at the rare Black-Necked Cranes that come south to the valley for the winter.

Set on a hilltop in the middle of the valley, the Gangtey Monastery is renowned in Bhutan for its unique location and stunning architecture. Founded in the 17th century and offers spectacular views over the Phobjikha Valley, the monastery is also a major feature in the migration of the cranes. Every year, as they come into the valley, the cranes circle the monastery three times before landing on the valley floor. This happens again when they leave for Tibet in spring, circling the monastery three times after lifting off, before turning to head north to their summer feeding and breeding grounds in northern Tibet.

Cost of Visiting Bhutan in January

Visiting Bhutan in January is a lot cheaper than visiting in the peak seasons for Bhutanese tourism. The package that all tourists must be on, which includes your hotel, meals, travel, and guide is only USD 200 per person per night, which is 50 dollars lower than in the peak months. This means then, for the average seven-day trip, you can save more than 300 dollars per person on your vacation. And since the Minimum Daily Package covers all of your expenses in Bhutan, except for personal items and alcohol, you don’t need to spend much else.

Bhutan Festivals in January

Festivals are an important part of the traditional Bhutanese culture, and there are hundreds of festivals throughout the year. In January, the most important festival is the Trongsa Tsechu, which is held in the heartland of Bhutan, in the eastern Trongsa Dzongkhag. The festival is held on the 10th day of the 12th month in the Bhutanese calendar, which is normally around the middle of January. The festival celebrates the anniversary of the birth of Guru Rinpoche, the most important figure in Buddhism in Bhutan, aside from Buddha himself. Held in the courtyard of the Trongsa Choekor Rabtse Dzong, the festival features mask dances, Bhutanese operas, and singing and dancing, as well as some opening religious ceremonies.

Recommended Bhutan Treks in January

There are some great treks in January, and winter need not be a bar to trekking in Bhutan.

Punakha Winter Trek

For those that love to trek, the Punakha Winter Trek is the ideal hike in January in Punakha and is a lovely three-day trek through the ancient capital of Bhutan. The hike follows the ancient trail from Chamina Village on the outer edge of Thimphu and runs across country to Chorten Ningpo, an ancient chorten linked to the famous Drukpa Kunley, Bhutan’s saint and known as the “Divine Madman”.

Sichula Winter Trek

A delightful three-day trek that takes you from Thimphu to Punakha, this awesome Sichula winter trek through the hills and lower mountains starts in Chamina and takes you through beautiful natural forests, as well as small local traditional villages. Crossing a bridge over the Kabji Chhu River, camping near the famous Chorten Ningpo, and visiting the 350-year-old Chorten Nyebu Temple, the oldest temple in the region. An outstanding trek in the winter countryside, you will feel refreshed from the amazing sights of the hike.

Conclusion of Visiting Bhutan in January

Winter in Bhutan may be the coldest time of year and the low season for tourism, but it is by no means a time when you cannot visit. January is one of the best low-season months for a trip to Bhutan, with lower costs, fewer tourists, and sunny skies with great clear views. So if you are planning an off-season trip to Bhutan in winter, then January is definitely one of the best times to come.