Best Time to Visit Nepal and Bhutan

In the heart of the western and southern Himalayas, Nepal and Bhutan are ideal destinations for adventurous travelers to explore the world’s largest mountain range. From the wonders of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal to the stunning Dzongs of Bhutan, there is no better-combined tour in the Himalayas.

Experiencing the distinct cultures and landscapes of both countries is a deep dive into this unique region of the world. The similar climates make planning a trip to both countries easy. Our detailed guide on the best time to visit Nepal and Bhutan will help you plan the tour of a lifetime. Keep reading to find out more.

Best Time to Visit Nepal and Bhutan Together: April, May, September, and October

If you are planning a trip to both Nepal and Bhutan together, then spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November) are the ideal time to visit. In both countries, the weather is clear and bright, and the best trekking trails are open for exploration. The temperature may not be overly warm, but it is pleasant enough to be comfortable, even in the higher altitudes. Some warm clothing is required, as it can still get chilly at night, but overall, the days are generally warm enough not to wear jackets.

During the best seasons, you can not only enjoy the nice weather and landscapes in Nepal and Bhutan, but also experience kinds of outdoor activities and festivals in spring and autumn.

Spring is a great time for birdwatching in Bhutan and the Paro Festival in March is also a unique festival to experience Bhutan culture. In the same month, there is the vibrant Festival of Colors in Nepal.

Autumn is an ideal weather for seeing the wildlife of the Chitwan National Park, which is 150 km southwest to Kathmandu. In Bhutan, autumn is another high season for festivals, during which you can experience Thimphu Tshechu, Gangtey Festival, and so on.

Best Time for Himalayan Trekking in Nepal and Bhutan: Sept. - Dec.

In Nepal and Bhutan, the trekking season kicks off in September after the summer rains. Average daytime temperatures in Nepal and Bhutan are around 20°C, gradually decreasing throughout autumn. The chance of rain is around 20-30% at the beginning of September but becomes increasingly unlikely as the season goes on.

In September, the monsoon season gradually tapered off. Though the temperatures may be mild to warm in lower elevations, they can be cooler at higher altitudes in both Nepal and Bhutan. This makes it a great time for Himalayan trekking in Nepal, with popular routes like the Annapurna Circuit, the Ghorephani Poon Hill, and the Langtang Valley trek offering favorable conditions. Similarly, all the best trekking routes in Bhutan are good choices in September. The Druk Path Trek is perfect for beginners, and moderate treks like the Chomolhari Trek offer more challenges.

October is another best month to trek in Bhutan and Nepal with dry and comfortable weather after the monsoon season has completely ended. It is the best time for an Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal and the Jomolhari trek in Bhutan. You can enjoy the beautiful weather and spectacular mountain views in both Himalayan kingdoms.

In November, there is very little rainfall, so you can enjoy perfect mountain scenery during trekking. However, you should be aware that temperatures in high-altitude areas will become colder at this time, and it may even drop to below 0°C at night. It is essential to take proper measures to stay warm while trekking and camping. Some of the recommended trekking routes in November are the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal and the Bumthang Valley trekking in Bhutan.

Trekking in the early part of December in Nepal remains good, even if it gets a little colder. The skies are incredibly clear, and many areas remain above 0°C. You trek to Everest Base Camp or try the Langtang Valley Trek for a taste of winter before it gets too cold. In Bhutan, December trekking is more challenging. Snowfall can close higher altitude routes. One of the most popular December treks is the Samtengang Winter Trek. It starts in the Punakha Valley and covers 54km, taking four days to finish.

Best Time for Off-season Budget Travel in Nepal and Bhutan: Dec. - Feb.

Winter is the low tourist season in Nepal and Bhutan, which offers a quiet and more authentic travel experience. It is also the best time for budget travel, as many hotels and tours offer discount pricing.

Nighttime temperatures in winter start to drop below freezing throughout much of Nepal and Bhutan. In Nepal, the winter months are dry, with piercingly blue skies. But in Bhutan, heavy snows fall in higher altitude areas of Bhutan, closing roads and trekking routes. Around the bigger cities, the cold is easily bearable, and areas like Punakha remain somewhat warm.

If you are planning a Nepal Bhutan tour in winter, you can experience stunning snow-capped landscapes, crystal-clear skies, and peaceful trekking trails with fewer crowds. Winter also offers the opportunity to enjoy cultural festivals like the Losar New Year (Tibetan New Year) in Bhutan.

Best Time for Festival Experience in Nepal and Bhutan: April and October

April and October are two excellent months for experiencing festivals in both Nepal and Bhutan. In 2025, Nepail New Year will be celebrated from April 13-17th, while the famous Paro Tshecu takes place in Bhutan from April 8-12th. In October, the Festival of Lights will be celebrated from October 18-23rd, and the Thimphu Tshechu, one of the biggest festivals in Bhutan, takes place from October 2-4th in Thimphu.

Of course, there are more festivals in Bhutan and Nepal throughout the year. If you are a festival enthusiast, you can select the one that interests you most and plan your trip around it.

More major festivals you might be interested in Nepal in 2025

Holi (Festival of Colors) – March 14th: A vibrant festival in Nepal to welcome the arrival of spring. The lively event is celebrated by people throwing colored water at each other.

Teej – August 26, 2025: A colorful event in Nepal where women dress in red, fast, sing, and dance for the well-being of their families. Patan Durban Square in Kathmandu is filled with joyful processions and rituals.

Dashain – September 22nd to October 1st:The biggest and most important festival in Nepal to celebrate the victory of good over evil. It is a time for families to come together and enjoy feasts.

More major festivals you might be interested in Bhutan in 2025

Punakha Drubchen – March 6-8th: A unique Bhutanese festival to celebrate the victory over a Tibetan army in the 17th century. You can watch a reenactment of the battle and see masked dances and cultural performances.

Black Necked Crane Festival – November 11th: A special festival held in the Phobjikha Valley to honor the return of the rare birds that are an important symbol in Bhutanese culture

Monsoon Season in Summer: June to August (Not Recommended)

Summer is the monsoon season in both Bhutan and Nepal. The monsoon generally runs through June to the end of August or the beginning of September and can get pretty wet in lower altitude areas. Despite being frequent, most of the rain tends to fall later in the day, but cloudy skies can persist.

There are muddy and slippery conditions on many trekking routes and occasional road closures due to landslides or flooding. Rural areas, in particular, can experience difficult road conditions, and travel plans are easily disrupted.

Moreover, the temperatures can reach over 30°C in major cities, accompanied by humid and hot conditions. As a result, it is not recommended to visit Nepal and Bhutan during the monsoon season.

Book Your Nepal Bhutan Tour in Advance is Important

Booking in advance is always good travel advice, but it is especially important when visiting Bhutan. Of the two, Nepal is the most straightforward country to travel to. Citizens of most countries can obtain a visa on arrival at all major entry points. Simply fill in the form online in advance or at the airport, and pay the visa fee of 30, 50, or 125 USD for stays of 15, 30, or 90 days.

For visiting Bhutan, it takes some time to get the Bhutan Visa. You must first book a Bhutan tour through a registered tour operator and pay the tour fee and the Sustainable Development Fee of 100 USD per day. The tour operator then applies for the visa on your behalf, and a visa authorization letter will be issued. Present the letter when you arrive, and the visa will be stamped into your passport. The whole process can take up to a month.

During the peak season, tour spots and good accommodations can fill up quickly in both Nepal and Bhutan. We recommend booking at least two months in advance to secure the arrangements you want.

Dressing Tips for Visiting Nepal and Bhutan Together

Dressing for the right season in Nepal and Bhutan together is not as hard as some combined tours. The two countries have similar climates, so you only need one type of clothes.

In spring and autumn, you’ll need some warmer clothes to stay comfortable at higher altitudes or during the cooler nights. Layering is important during winter. The temperature can swing by 10-15°C over a day, and being able to easily adapt will help you stay comfortable. Raincoats and wet gear are essential for the monsoon season.

It is easy to get sunburned at higher altitudes where the sun’s rays are much stronger. Wear sunblock while outdoors and bring moisturizer to soothe dry skin.

The right shoes or boots are another essential choice. Comfortable, light shoes or sneakers are ideal for touring the temples and city sights, but you will need some sturdy hiking boots for trekking and exploring the more outlying areas. The ground can be rough and rocky, even in the villages and towns outside the main tourist areas, so choose hiking boots with a good tread.

Spiritual and religious sites require modest clothing. In Bhutan especially, there are strict dress codes for visiting Bhutan. Both men and women should be covered up when visiting monasteries and Lhakhangs of the kingdom. Shorts, short skirts, vest tops, and uncovered arms are not permitted. Some temples will also require women to cover their heads, so bring a shawl or scarf, just in case. Showing respect for local customs is important.

Conclusion

The similar climates make visiting Bhutan and Nepal together easy to plan, and the diverse culture and geography make a combined tour a fascinating experience of two Himalayan countries. You can travel in the best seasons for the finest weather and the most beautiful landscapes. Otherwise, you can choose the right time to go according to what you want to experience during your Nepal Bhutan tour.

Whenever you go, make sure to pack for the weather and make an early reservation are important to ensure a smooth travel in Nepal and Bhutan. Feel free to contact us to start planning a personalized trip through the wonders of the Himalayas. We can help you plan an unforgettable experience any time of year.