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Bhutan Snapshot

Although it can be wet from March to May, this is still a good time to visit Bhutan as there are plenty of birds around and the wildflowers are out in bloom. September to November is also a great time to visit as rainfall is lower and views are clear. Although it rains all year round, monsoonal weather can be expected in Bhutan between June and August. From December to February snowfalls may result in road closures and delays. Nevertheless, winter can be a good time to visit as the days are generally sunny (although cold) and the blanket of snow makes for picturesque panoramas.
  • Bhutan weather chart

Eating and Drinking in Bhutan

  • Red Rice: The people of Bhutan eat loads of rice and one thing you’ll notice here is that the rice is of a reddish colour. Grown in the fertile Paro Valley soil, this quick cooking rice has a nutty flavour and is typically paired with mushrooms and chilli.
  • Momo: Although a Tibetan dish, momo is also very popular and widely available in Bhutan. Essentially a dumpling, fillings usually range from cheese to pork or other meats, and are served in batches as a savoury snack.
  • Red Panda Beer: This locally brewed beer is made using a natural fermentation process and often bottled in recycled (pre-loved) beer bottles. Often touted as one of Asia’s best beers, Red Panda is a pleasant surprise - try it for yourself.
  • Hot chillies

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. Laced with chilli, Bhutanese food is known for being very spicy so be aware of this before digging in. Vegetarians will be spoilt for choice, meat isn’t as prevalent as in some other countries.

Shopping in Bhutan

  • Hand-Woven Fabric: Traditional weaving is at its very best in Bhutan. Choose from colourful rugs, clothing, blankets and accessories when visiting one of the many textile stores and boutiques in Bhutan’s cities.
  • Traditional Music: Why not pick up a CD of Bhutanese harmonies, or chanting monks, as a melodic stress-buster for when you’re back at home and in work mode.
  • Spiritual Souvenirs: Vibrant prayer flags, fragrant incense and prayer beads make meaningful gifts for friends and family back home.
  • Prayer flags

If you’re after top quality handicrafts and colourful art, then Bhutan will delight. While Bhutan isn’t known as a top shopping destination, there are many talented artisans creating good quality souvenirs to buy here.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Accommodation

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When travelling with us in Bhutan you may find yourself staying in a:
Simple Hotel

  • Simple Hotel

  • Intrepid prefers smaller character-filled hotels then hotel chains. When staying in Bhutan, enjoy staying in small hotels and guesthouses owned and run by friendly locals.

Transport

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Bhutan, you may find yourself travelling by:

  • Minibus

  • Getting around in Bhutan can be difficult due to the elements and lack of sealed roads. So when you’re not hiking, expect to travel in a minibus.

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Bhutan at a glance

  • 1
  • Thimpu (population 30,000)
  • 708,427
  • Dzongkha
  • BTN
  • (GMT+06:00) Astana, Dhaka
  • Type D (Old British 3-pin), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth), Type G (Irish/British 3-pin), Type M (see D)
  • +975

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