Spring in Bhutan: Your Seasonal Guide for Visiting Bhutan in March to May

There’s no better time than spring to visit the mysterious Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Perfect weather covers the nations for great conditions, exploring cultural treasures, and experiencing the beautiful natural surroundings. Trek famous trails through a backdrop of blooming flowers and lively fauna.

Learn how to plan a spring tour to enjoy the best sites, events, and festivals around the country in this seasonal guide for visiting Bhutan in March to May.

5 Days Classic Bhutan Sightseeing and Cultural Tour

Tour Route: Paro – Thimphu (1N) – Punakha (1N) – Paro (2N)

When is Spring in Bhutan and What’s the Weather Like? (March to May)

Spring in Bhutan arrives in March and lasts until May. It’s a beautiful season around the country with moderate temperatures ranging from 12°C to 18°C at the beginning of the season, to a warmer 17-25°C in April and May.

Combined with clear skies, conditions are pleasant and comfortable for experiencing the outdoors. Rainfall is minimal, and humidity is low. The crisp mountain air and great visibility make it one of the best time for trekking in Bhutan, while stable and dry conditions make the trails safer. The warm weather is perfect for touring the dzongs and temples in places like Paro and Thimphu.

Flower Blooming: Don’t Miss the Beauty of Bhutan in Spring

There is a unique beauty to Bhutan in Spring. Melting snows give way to blooming flowers, making it the blossom season. Cherry blossoms and rhododendron blooms paint the landscapes with vibrant hues of red, pink, and purple.

You can see flowers all over the country. Trek the rhododendron trails at Dochula Pass for some of the most stunning views of these flowers. Bumthang Valley is known for its wildflowers, including blue poppies and gentians. Jigme Dorji National Park is Bhutan’s largest protected area and home to orchids and medicinal plants.

In April, there is a rhododendron festival in Thimphu held at Lamperi Botanical Garden. It’s located near Dochula Pass, and the festival celebrates the return of the flowers after winter. Explore the park on garden walks and see the flower exhibitions and traditional arts and crafts.

Bhutan Trek in April to See Rhododendron Flowers

Trek in Bhutan: Spring is One of the Best Trekking Seasons

Perfect conditions align in spring for the best trekking weather. The warm, sunny weather is great for being outdoors. Clear skies and dry conditions mean the trails are clear and safe, and you’ll have the best visibility of the incredible scenic beauty. Blooming flowers and thriving wildlife show off Bhutan’s incredible natural surroundings.

The Druk Path Trek is one of the most popular routes in the country. Starting from Paro, the trek will take you to Thimphu, passing through rhododendron forests and crossing high ridges with breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Jomolhari.

The Jomolhari Trek is another popular trekking route. It’s famous for the dramatic scenery of glaciers, valleys, and remote villages.

Spring is One of the Best Trekking Seasons

Spring Festivals in Bhutan: Paro Tshechu, Panakha Dromchoe, and More

The great spring weather brings out Bhutan’s festive spirit. Take advantage of the season by joining in some of the great festivals that take place. Paro Tshechu is one of the biggest in the country. The next Paro Tshechu will be from March 29th to April 2nd, 2026. Monks and laypeople will gather in Paro to enjoy several days of masked Cham dances, traditional food, and community spirit. The grand event of Paro Tshechu is the unveiling of a giant thangka religious painting.

Punakha Dromchoe is a festival at the beginning of spring. It’s celebrated at Punakha Dzong in memory of Bhutan’s victories against a Tibetan invasion in the 17th century. There are masked dances and historical reenactments that display the country’s martial spirit and resilience.

Smaller local festivals are also held around the country. The Tangsibi Mani Festival is held in March in Bumthang to ensure a bountiful harvest in the coming growing season. Talo Tshechu at Talo Monastery near Punakha is renowned for its graceful dancers. All are great ways to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Paro Tshechu is one of the biggest in the country

Bird Watching in Bhutan: Paradise in Spring Valleys

Spring welcomes back the migratory birds that make Bhutan a bird-watching paradise. The most famous and revered are the black-necked cranes. Phobjikha Valley is a vital habitat for these birds and the premier destination for bird watching in Bhutan. The glacial valley in the central part of Bhutan has vast open marshlands where birds thrive. In addition to the black-necked cranes, you can also see yellow-rumped honeyguides, ibisbill, and different species of raptors.

More than 100 species of birds live in the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s another winter home for the black-necked cranes, and also has species that the monal pheasant and blood pheasant. The sanctuary has several viewing points and hides where you can observe the wildlife. You might get lucky and see animals like red pandas, snow leopards, and Himalayan black bears.

Zhemgang is another important birding destination. The area plays a role in the conservation of more than 22 species of threatened birds, like Ward’s trogon and blue-bearded bee-eaters. Take a guided tour with a knowledgeable local guide for the best experience.

Bhutan Black-necked Crane in spring.

Plan Your Bhutan Spring Tour in Advance: It’s Peak Season!

Spring is a peak travel season for Bhutan, so make sure to book your Bhutan tour well in advance. The most popular tours fill up quickly, and it can be difficult to secure hotels and flights if you wait too long. To make the best arrangements, start booking your tour 2-3 months in advance.

International travelers to Bhutan need to arrange a Bhutan tour through a licensed tour operator. Your tour operator will arrange your visa clearance letter allowing you to enter the country, and make all the domestic arrangements. Booking in advance will ensure you can personalize your tour and secure the best dates and itinerary.

8 Days Western and Central Bhutan Tour

Tour Route: Paro - Thimphu (1N) - Punakha (1N) - Bumthang (2N)- Gangtey (1N) - Paro (2N)

Dressing Tips for Visiting Bhutan in Spring

Spring is warm in Bhutan, but you’ll need to be ready for some chilly mornings and evenings. Dressing in layers is the best way to adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day. Bring light, comfortable clothes for the warm afternoons, plus a light jacket or fleece for the cooler weather.

For trekking and exploring temples and dzongs, comfortable footwear is critical. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with a good grip will help you navigate uneven surfaces.

Sun protection is also important. Bring sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, and always wear sunscreen while outdoors.

Many cultural and religious sites in Bhutan require conservative clothing. Modest dress with long sleeves and trousers or skirts that cover the knees must be worn.

6 Days Best of Bhutan Tour

Tour Route: Paro – Thimphu (1N) – Punakha (1N) – Gangtey (1N) – Paro (2N)

Conclusion

You won’t regret choosing visiting Bhutan in spring. The warm, clear weather is perfect whether you’re trekking beautiful nature trails or exploring cities, monasteries, and temples. Festivals around the country mark the return of nice weather and are a great way to experience local culture. Set out on famous treks like the Druk Path Trek and enjoy birdwatching in the scenic valleys to get the most out of the spring weather.

Booking your Bhutan tour in advance with Bhutan Vista is the best way to ensure and smooth and unforgettable experience in the Himalayan Kingdom. Contact us anytime for more information, or start planning your Bhutan tour today.