Visiting Bhutan in July: Run Away from the Big City Noises for a Vacation

Want to experience the best in summer getaways that are not crowded with tourists or set in a large mega-tropolis that is noisy, cramped, and uncomfortable? Then July in Bhutan is the ideal destination for your summer break from the hustle and bustle of big city life.

For those that want to get away from it all for a while, to experience the peace and tranquility that only Bhutan can provide, and are not worried about going trekking through the mountain, a July break to Bhutan can be the perfect choice. And with the stunning landscapes, beautiful lush scenery, and wonderful people, there are few places better for a little mid-summer relaxation.

Why July is an ideal time to Bhutan for a relaxing summer break?

If you are wondering why Bhutan is an ideal location for a July Break, then you may be mildly surprised at the reasons behind this kind of choice.

Bhutan is always a natural land at the foot of the Himalayas

Bhutan is a natural country, with unblemished natural landscapes that cover more than 70 percent of the kingdom. Isolated and landlocked in the southern edge of the Eastern Himalayas, this small kingdom has changed little over the last few thousand years, even down to only having TV installed there since 1999. Modern life does exist here, but in harmony with nature. The government of Bhutan, which holds happiness higher than having a Gross Domestic Product, has made sustainable tourism an industry in itself. Development of tourism in Bhutan is done solely with the environment and ecosystem of the landscape in mind, with small regard for things like “profit” and “business”. And with the policy of “High Value, Low Impact” tourism in place, a trip to Bhutan is well worth taking, if not only for the stunning natural landscapes that are protected for future generations.

The Bhutanese live a slow and leisurely life

Bhutan is a relaxed and tranquil kingdom, where life moves at a much slower pace than in the rest of the world. Possibly the most relaxed and laid-back place on the planet, you cannot help but fall in line with the way things are done here. The slow and leisurely way of life is addictive. And within a few hours of landing, you will feel the peace of the country and its people washing over you as you relax and take your slow and leisurely pace traveling around Bhutan kingdom. As they say, “When in Rome…”

There are fewer crowds along the way in the low season

In Bhutan, crowded means having more than five people in the same room. The Bhutanese idea of having a busy tourist season with crowds of people around the attractions is already far from the traditional idea of “crowded”. And since July is in the low summer season for tourism in Bhutan, you may be lucky if you see another tourist for your whole trip. Bhutan in the low season has fewer tourists, and for Bhutan, that means just a few people in each place. With few people to get in your way as you travel at your leisurely pace around the beautiful attractions this unique kingdom has to offer, you will discover much more enjoyment of your trip.

Bhutan in July is lush and fresh, especially after the rain

Summer in Bhutan is the monsoon season, and July is one of the wettest months of the year. However, monsoon in Bhutan is not the same as monsoon in lowland Asian sub-tropical countries. The rains come mostly in the afternoon and evening, so you are free to go sightseeing for most of the day without getting too wet. And the rain in Bhutan in July means the landscape and scenery is green and verdant and lush, giving you the best views of the beauty of this stunning country’s unique scenery and landscapes.

Weather conditions of Major Destinations in July Bhutan

Your tour plan to Bhutan in July might be affected by the summer monsoon. So before you go, it is necessary to carefully check the weather in July. The detailed weather conditions of major destinations in July Bhutan are offered here for your reference.

Paro

Paro in July is generally pretty wet, with around 428mm of rainfall through the month. However temperatures are generally pretty warm, averaging around 18°C during the day, and getting as high as 22°C on the hottest days. Cloud cover does increase slightly, making some of the views a little shrouded.

Thimphu

With a little less rain than in Paro, Thimphu is generally similar in weather conditions in July. Temperatures average around 18°C, peaking at around 22°C and with nightly lows dropping only to around 14°C. The Dzongkhag normally sees around 317mm of rain for the whole month.

Punakha

Punakha is lower in altitude, and consequently has higher temperatures and more rainfall. Highs can reach up to as much as 27°C, with lows at night only around 20°C, making it warmer and more humid. Higher rainfall of around 743mm throughout the month means wetter attractions and higher chance of rain during the daytime.

Gangtey

The area of Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) in Wangdue Phodrang is warm and humid in July, with maximum temperatures that can reach up to 26°C. However, the average is usually around 23°C, making it comfortable, if humid. Rainfall in Gangtey is around 755mm throughout July, which is wetter than many of the major tourist areas.

Trongsa

A little cooler than Gangtey and Punakha, Trongsa has lower average temperatures of around 18°C, and a maximum high of only 23-25°C on the hottest days. Nights can drop all the way down to around 15°C, and with only around 310mm of rain for the month, is not that wet.

Bumthang

The main area of Bumthang Dzongkhag is generally warm in July, with less rain than Paro or Thimphu, which makes it a not bad place to stay at. But the road to Bumthang might be influenced by the rain. Mountains surround the valleys, and protect them from the rain, which reaches only around 280mm for the whole month. Temperatures are generally lower on average, reaching only 17°C due to the cooler mountain areas.

Advised Places to Visit in Bhutan in July

Due to the rainfall in July, some places in central Bhutan, such as Gangtey, Trongsa and Bumthang are not recommended. Unique cultural experience can be get from the visit of the following advised destinations.

Paro

Renowned as a high point in Bhutanese architecture, the massive walls of Paro Dzong are easily visible from throughout the valley. Once the meeting hall for the National Assembly government, the Dzong now houses the monastic and government offices for the district, as well as the local courts. Formally known as the Rinchen Pung Dzong (shortened to Rinpung Dzong), the Dzong was built in 1644 on the ruins of a monastery that was commissioned by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. After the rains have subsided, take a relaxing stroll through the town in the sunny aftermath of the shower. This delightful town is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan, and has great views of the mountains to the north.

Thimphu

The capital of Bhutan and the location of the Royal Palace, Thimphu is a modern city that has the atmosphere of a laid-back rural village. Lying alongside the Wang Chhu, the city is well known for the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the government and one of the oldest Dzongs in Bhutan, with the original buildings dating back to the 13th century. One of the most interesting places to visit is the National Folk Heritage Museum, which is contained inside a traditional Bhutanese rammed-earth building. The museum is an amazing way to learn more of the history and culture of Bhutan through the centuries.

Punakha

To the east of Thimphu lies Punakha, the warmer valley for most travelers in July. However, it is also wetter, so visiting the buildings and attractions is a much better option than walking around the valley. The most stunning example of Punakha is the famous Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful Dzong in the whole country. Lying beside the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers, the Dzong was once the capital and seat of government in Bhutan. It is still the main Dzong for the Royal lineage, and all of Bhutan’s Druk Gyalpo (Dragon kings) have been crowned here in lavish and exciting ceremonies.

Haa Valley

The Haa Summer Festival is one of the best in Bhutan, and the entire Haa Valley comes to brilliant vivid green life by July. Not usually part of the normal tourist route in Bhutan, with few high-end amenities, the best way to see this beautiful place is to take a homestay there during the festival, and enjoy watching the evening rain from the warmth of a comfortable Bhutanese cottage.

Potential Safety Hazard while Visiting Bhutan in July

There are some dangers while visiting Bhutan in July, though you will not likely be taken anywhere near locations that are likely to be dangerous.

Landslides and mudslides when driving to Haa valley

The route to the Haa Valley to the southwest of Paro can sometimes be prone to mudslides and landslides, though usually only in the worst monsoon-affected summers. Care should be taken on this route, and your driver will normally let you know if you will not be able to make it due to the more inclement weather.

Wet ground

Walking on wet ground can be a little more dangerous than you think. Not only can you find trouble keeping your footing, but falls can cause more serious incidents, including broken bones and severe bruising. Bhutan has many areas that are rough and rocky, with muddy patches often found in the rainy season. If you are intending to walk around a lot, wear good hiking boots with deep tread and use a walking pole or cane to aid you.

What to Pack for Visiting Bhutan in July

July in Bhutan is generally quite warm, and can be compared to late spring in some European countries, though with more rainfall. Temperatures are generally comfortable, and there is little need for heavy jackets and coats. A light jacket to keep off the evening hill is sufficient. T-shirts and pant are the order of the day in July, and lighter cloth design to allow them to dry quickly and easily. Jeans can take a longtime to dry if you get wet. And bring plenty of socks, so you can change them often.

Shoes are OK for the cities, but in some areas, you may find that the ground is rough and muddy, so hiking boots and a sick would be more suitable. Raincoats or light waterproof jackets are essential in July, as you may get caught out in a shower. An umbrella can be a useful accompaniment too.

Conclusion

While July is the main month of the rainy monsoon season in Bhutan, there is no reason you cannot come and visit. The rain does tend to come only in the late afternoons and evenings, and daytime showers are infrequent and generally light and short-lived. And the temperatures are pleasant enough to allow you to forego the heavy winter woollies. And for those that want some peace and tranquility, and are not into trekking over mountains, July is the ideal time for a Bhutan tour.