Weather in Bumthang

About Bumthang

Bumthang Valley contains Bhutan's holiest temples and the birthplace of Bhutanese Buddhism—multiple lifetimes of spiritual significance concentrate here. The valley grows apples and hosts annual archery tournaments. Monks walk forest trails; prayer flags flutter between rhododendrons. Tourism remains limited; the valley feels genuinely spiritual rather than commercialized.

Country

Bhutan

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

BTN

Language

Dzongkha, English

Things to do in Bumthang

Visiting Jakar Dzong and Jambay Lhakhang (Bhutan's oldest temple, 7th century) Trekking through forests and passes connecting Bumthang to other valleys Visiting Membartsho (Burning Lake) sacred site of Guru Rinpoche revelations Attending religious festivals with locals during celebrations Trekking the 2-day Bumsrak Trek to hot springs and monasteries Staying with local families and eating homemade Bhutanese archery matches

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with occasional showers.

February

Cold, with some rainy days.

March

11C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

April

14C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

May

17C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

June

20C

Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.

July

20C

Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.

August

20C

Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.

September

19C

Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.

October

16C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

November

13C

Cool, with occasional showers.

December

10C

Cool, with occasional showers.

Bumthang is the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, a cluster of wide, sacred valleys dotted with some of the country's oldest temples and monasteries. Buckwheat fields and apple orchards roll between dzongs that predate the unification of the kingdom, and the pace here is slower and quieter than anywhere else on a typical Bhutan itinerary.

Best areas to stay in Bumthang

Jakar

Bumthang's main town, overlooked by Jakar Dzong and home to most guesthouses and the small airport.

Tang Valley

A remote, less-visited valley with the cliffside Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) and traditional farmhouses.

Choekhor Valley

Home to the sacred Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang temples, set among open farmland.

Ura Valley

A picturesque cluster of closely packed traditional houses, known for its annual yak festival.

Getting to Bumthang

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Flights

Domestic flights connect Bumthang to Paro a few times a week, weather permitting; otherwise it's a long but scenic drive from Thimphu.

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From London

~30 minutes by air from Paro, or 7-8 hours by road from Thimphu.

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Getting around

A private vehicle with driver, arranged as part of your guided tour, is the standard way to move between valleys.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Bumthang?

October offers the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival and clear skies, while spring (March-April) brings blossoming apple orchards and mild temperatures.

How do I get to Bumthang?

Most visitors fly into Bumthang's small domestic airport from Paro, or take a scenic but winding 7-8 hour drive from Thimphu.

What are the main sights in Bumthang?

Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang are among Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples, and the Swiss-style Red Panda Brewery offers a quirky contrast.

Do I need a guide to visit Bumthang?

Yes — all non-Indian visitors to Bhutan must travel with a licensed guide as part of their arranged itinerary and Sustainable Development Fee.

What is the food like in Bumthang?

Buckwheat noodles and pancakes are a local speciality, alongside the chilli-and-cheese ema datshi found across Bhutan.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The festival at Jambay Lhakhang was unforgettable — masked dances by firelight that felt completely untouched by tourism. Bumthang felt like the real heart of Bhutan.

Tobias R. · October 2024

★★★★★

Apple blossoms everywhere and barely another tourist in sight. The Red Panda Brewery was a surprisingly fun stop after days of temples.

Sonam P. · April 2023

★★★★☆

The drive in is long and winding so be prepared, but the wide valleys and old dzongs make it worth it. Buckwheat pancakes for breakfast were a highlight.

Mei L. · March 2024