Bhutan is a country rich in linguistic diversity, with 19 languages spoken across its regions. The national language is Dzongkha, while English is widely used and understood due to its prevalence in the education system. Bhutan’s currency is the ngultrum, which is pegged at par with the Indian rupee. When traveling to Bhutan, it’s important to be aware of the various electrical plugs used, which include the British plug (three square pins, compatible with type G sockets), the European plug (two round pins, compatible with type C sockets), and the Indian plug (three thick round pins, compatible with type D sockets). Bringing adaptors for all three is advisable.
For international telephone calls, Bhutan’s country code is +975. The climate and weather in Bhutan are significantly influenced by altitude. The northern regions, with mountains reaching up to 7,000 meters, experience weather conditions akin to the Arctic, while the southern areas near India are hot and humid in the summer and cool in the winter. May is an ideal time for travel, with warm, dry, and sunny conditions. In October, the weather remains warm, dry, and sunny, with clear skies that offer stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, making it a great time for outdoor activities and trekking.
Bhutan’s seasonal variations include a warm and sunny spring from March to May, which is also the rhododendron flowering season, an ideal time for experiencing the colorful blooms covering the hillsides. Autumn, from late September to November, is another excellent period for trekking and outdoor activities due to the warm, dry, and sunny weather. The monsoon season, from July to September, brings heavy rains, with July being the wettest month, especially in the southern regions, while the northern areas experience lighter showers. Winter, from mid-November to mid-March, sees moderate conditions in the southern regions and thick snow cover in the north, offering beautiful snowy landscapes and the unique Dochula festival on December 13.
The best times for trekking in Bhutan are late September to mid-November and late March to mid-May. Spring is particularly dazzling with a variety of blooming rhododendrons, while autumn provides clear, crisp skies perfect for trekking, hiking, birding, photography tours, and wildlife safaris. The monsoon season from July to September, despite the rain, offers its own charm and beauty, especially in the northern parts of Bhutan. Winter brings moderate weather to the south and heavy snowfall to the north, making it a great time to visit for snowy landscapes and the beautiful snow-capped mountains.