Visiting Bhutan in October: Why October is the peak month to travel to Bhutan?

As one of the most exclusive destinations in South Asia, Bhutan is a popular country to visit in October, as the main month of autumn. With around 80 percent of the country's annual visitors entering in October, this is the main trekking month in Bhutan, and one of the best times to visit for the typical Bhutanese autumn scenery.

Leaves turning brown and red and yellow, before falling to the ground to cover the earth in a multicolored carpet, October is the perfect time for photography, and general sightseeing, with clear skies and bright days. And the cooler temperatures of autumn add to the stunning beauty of the kingdom, often adding a little frosty touch in the early mornings. For trekking, this is the best month of the year to hit the trails, and majority of serious trekkers tend to visit in October for the better scenery and better experience.

Pleasant Bhutan Weather in October

What is the weather in Bhutan in October?

The main month of autumn in Bhutan, October sees the start of the leaves changing color, though they will not start to drop for several weeks yet. Visibility is good, with the skies remaining clear throughout most of the month. Generally warm and sunny, October is one of the nicest times of the year to travel to Bhutan.

Coming hot on the heels of the last vestiges of the monsoon, October sees temperatures that range up as high as 18 degrees throughout the month, and as low as -2 degrees in some places. On average, temperatures usually range from around 11 degrees up to around 19 degrees, depending on your location in the kingdom.

What should I wear in Bhutan in October?

While the sun may be out, the lower temperatures can make it a little chilly in many places, so warm sweaters are back in fashion once again. However, with the lows only hitting around 5-6 degrees, you will only really need that warm clothing in the evenings. Mostly, the days are pleasant and warm, so a light sweater or jacket is adequate. However, you will need some good hiking boots, as the ground can be slippery and a little damp still, even in the areas around the towns and cities. And much of the country is still rough and rocky. Light pants are fine for this time of year, but do bring some long underwear in case the temperature drops more, which it can do without notice.

Is there snow in Bhutan in October?

Unless you are up in the higher mountains along the border with Tibet, there is little likelihood of snow in October in Bhutan. The weather is still relatively warm, and most of the tourist areas will still see a little rainfalls, though maybe only on 1-2 days of the month. If you want to see the snow, head north to the higher trekking trails in the mountains.

Grand Festivals Held in October Bhutan

Thimphu Tshechu

Held on the 25th day of the 8th month in the Bhutanese Buddhist calendar, the Thimphu Tshechu is one of the most important festivals in the kingdom. The festival takes place in the capital at the Tashichho Dzong, and normally occurs in late September or early October. The festival lasts for three days, and the period is classed as a national holiday, so all the people can attend.

Wangdue Tshechu

While it is not one of the biggest festivals in Bhutan, the Wangdue Tshechu, held in Wangdue Phodrang in late September or early October, is one of the most popular festivals in western Bhutan. AS well as being well-known for the performance of the famed Ox Dance (Raksha Mangcham), it is also the time of the unfurling of the massive thongdroel or thangka, which portrays the image of Padmasambhava in his eight manifestations.

Gangtey Tshechu

At the famous Gangtey Goemba in the Phobjikha Valley in Wangdue Phodrang, the Gangtey Tshechu is held around the beginning of October to celebrate the fantastic deeds of the Indian Buddhist master, Padmasambhava, known in Bhutan as Guru Rinpoche. Dominated by the ancient ritualistic Mask Dances, the festival may only last for one day, but is a bright shining star among the Tshechus in Bhutan.

Jomolhari Mountain Festival

An exquisite two-day event with an unusual theme, the Jomolhari Mountain Festival is held at the base of the mountain by some of the local communities that reside in its shadow. The festival celebrates the culture of the local people, who live in harmony with the natural wonders of the landscape and animals around them, which includes the elusive Snow Leopard. The region is also the best habitat for snow leopards in Bhutan, and this beautiful yet endangered wild cat thrives in this area of the kingdom.

Best Places to Visit in Bhutan in October

Visit Paro

Paro, the location of the only international airport in Bhutan, is also the location of one of the most unusual temples in the world, perched on its high cliff ledge, the Taktshang Monastery, known as the Tiger's Nest, is an ancient monastery that was built on the landing and meditation site of Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century, when he first flew to Bhutan.

Go to Thimphu

The national capital of Thimphu has some of the country's most amazing attractions, and is well worth spending a couple of days in. From the National Memorial Chorten to the famous Tashichho Dzong, home of government in Bhutan, this awesome city has something for everyone.

Stop at Punakha

One of the warmer places in the list of popular tourist destinations in Bhutan, Punakha is renowned for the beautiful Punakha Dzong, rated as the most stunning and spectacular Dzong in the world. Lying on the banks of the river and surrounded by Jacaranda trees, it is intensely beautiful.

Explore beautiful Gangtey

Heading for Gangtey takes you through the famous Dochula Pass, one of the highest in Bhutan. Wangdue Phodrang is the location of the famous Gangtey Goemba, lying in the midst of the Phobjikha Valley, on its small rocky outcropping. The valley is also renowned for the cranes that fly here every winter, and if you are late in the month, you may see the first of them arrive.

Go deep into Bumthang areas

In Central Bhutan lies the area known as Bumthang. A Dzongkhag in the region, Bumthang is also the name given to the collection of four valleys that are the center of this ancient land. The home of many of the major notable dignitaries of Bhutan's long and varied history, and of the current royal family, this is one of the most amazing places to go trekking. And in October, the many fields of wheat, barley, and buckwheat ripen, and golden seas of grain are the best view in the valleys.

October Is a Perfect Time for Trekking in Bhutan

In October, almost all of the amazing Bhutan trekking routes are available.

The most popular trekking routes in Bhutan

Druk path - This six-day trek passes through some of the most beautiful countryside between Paro and Thimphu. This awesome trek is a fairly easy hike, as daily distances are relatively short.

Gangtey trek - A short and relatively easy four-day trek, the Gangtey Trek takes you through the dense forests of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron in the Phobjikha Valley area. An ideal trek for those not used to high-altitude trekking.

Bumthang cultural trek - An easy three-day hike that takes you through the beautiful valleys of the region, this is the true heartland of Bhutanese culture. Ancient temples and small local villages can be found all along the trail.

Jomolhari trek - Somewhat longer than the more popular Jomolhari Loop Trek, the main base camp trek for the mountain reaches altitudes of over 5,000 meters, and takes you through a wide variety of landscapes. And you get the best view of the summit of Jomolhari from the base camp at Jangothang.

Trekking packing list in October Bhutan

While you will not need to worry about camping equipment, which is provided for you as part of the tour cost, you will need to pack warm clothing, including layers of thinner tops for maintaining your temperature, warm trekking pants, thermal underwear, gloves, hats, sunglasses, and good hiking boots.

Frequently Asked Question about Visiting Bhutan in October

How far in advance to book a flight to Bhutan in October?

Unfortunately, you can only book your flight as far in advance as you can get your visa approval. Flights to Bhutan cannot be booked without an approval for the entry visa, so the sooner you book your trip, the sooner you can get the visa approval and book your flight.

How many days are required to visit Bhutan in October?

How long to stay in Bhutan in October depends on where you go and what you do. If you are staying in the west, around Paro and Thimphu, then 5 days is adequate to give you a good time there. Heading for Gangtey as well? You should consider around 7-8 days, depending on whether or not you plan on trekking. And for those heading out to Bumthang, more than 8 days is required due to long driving distances, and even longer for those trekking as well.

You can also add a couple of days to all of these estimates if you are planning on attending any festivals, as they often last more than just one day.

How much does it cost to visit Bhutan in October?

The overall cost of the trip is dependent on your flights, other transport and expenses outside Bhutan, and how long you are staying in Bhutan. For those on an average package, with no upgrades, you can expect to pay US$250 per person per night, which is the Minimum Daily Package fee in the peak season.

Conclusion

October is one of the best times of year for trekking and sightseeing, as the skies are generally clear and the weather is cool but pleasant. There are a few festivals you can attend in October, which would be a good addition to any Bhutan tours. Overall, October is the best month of the year for tourism in Bhutan, which is why it is the most popular with the highest number of visitors.