Why October is a great time to visit Bhutan

Bhutan, the mystical kingdom nestled in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas, is a destination like no other. With its rich traditions and culture, stunning landscapes, and deep spirituality, Bhutan offers a unique experience for travellers looking to explore something different. If you’re considering a trip to this beautiful country, October is one of the best months to visit. Here's why October in Bhutan should be on your travel bucket list:

IDEAL WEATHER

October marks the heart of autumn in Bhutan, and the weather is simply ideal. With clear skies, cool temperatures, and crisp mountain air, this is the time of year when Bhutan truly shines. The daytime temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), making it perfect for outdoor activities like walkinfg, trekking, and exploring the many picturesque valleys.

Whether you’re trekking to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery or hiking through the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, October’s mild weather allows you to fully enjoy Bhutan’s natural beauty without the intense heat of summer or the chill of winter. The clear skies also provide breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas, creating the perfect backdrop for your travels.

Witness Bhutan’s Vibrant Festivals

October is also a fantastic time to experience Bhutan's rich cultural heritage through its festivals. One of the most famous festivals held in October is the Thimphu Tshechu, a celebration of Bhutanese culture, religion, and history. The Thimphu Tshechu is a vibrant festival that takes place in the capital, Thimphu, and is one of the largest and most colorful festivals in the country.

During the festival, locals and visitors alike gather to witness traditional masked dances, colorful costumes, and rituals that have been passed down for generations. The atmosphere is filled with joy, music, and dance, making it an unforgettable experience. If you’re visiting Bhutan in October, don’t miss the chance to be part of this incredible cultural celebration.

Other incredible festivals include Gangtey Festival in Phobjikha, Thangbi Mani, Jakar and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang and the incredible Royal Highland Festival in Laya. Find out more about Bhutan festivals HERE.

Stunning Autumn Foliage

As autumn takes hold in Bhutan, the landscapes transform into a canvas of vibrant colors. The lush green valleys give way to shades of gold, orange, and red, creating a stunning visual display that enhances the beauty of the country. Whether you’re trekking through the Paro Valley or driving through the scenic roads of Punakha, you’ll be treated to some of the most picturesque fall foliage you’ve ever seen.

The vibrant autumn colors make October an especially photogenic time to visit Bhutan. It’s a perfect month for photographers and nature lovers who want to capture the beauty of the country’s diverse landscapes in their full fall glory.

Ideal for Trekking and Outdoor Activities

Bhutan is renowned for its trekking opportunities, and October is a prime time for outdoor enthusiasts. The weather is stable and favorable for trekking, and you’ll have the chance to explore some of Bhutan’s most renowned trekking routes, like the Jhomolhari Trek or the Druk Path Trek.

The trails are less muddy than in the monsoon months, and the cooler weather ensures you’re not overheated during the day. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a beginner, October’s ideal conditions make it a perfect month for hiking and discovering the country’s wild beauty on foot.

Perfect for Spiritual Exploration

Bhutan is often regarded as a spiritual haven, with its many monasteries, temples, and sacred sites scattered across the country. October’s pleasant weather makes it an ideal time to visit these peaceful retreats and immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of the kingdom.

From the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on a cliff to the beautiful Punakha Dzong located at the confluence of two rivers, Bhutan is full of sacred sites waiting to be explored. October is an ideal month for introspection and spiritual exploration, as the weather allows for peaceful visits to these historical and sacred sites.

A Time to Reconnect with Nature

For many, Bhutan is a place to reconnect with nature and find a sense of inner peace. In October, the crisp air, colorful landscapes, and serene surroundings make it easy to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you’re exploring the countryside on foot, meditating in a monastery, or simply soaking in the beauty of the landscape, October provides the perfect environment to reconnect with nature and yourself.

Although October is considered peak season in Bhutan, it is far from being overcrowded with tourists. Once you reach Bumthang, you'll find even fewer visitors, allowing you to explore Bhutan's serene landscapes and monasteries in a more peaceful and relaxed environment.

If you’ve always wanted to experience the tranquility of Bhutan’s ancient temples, monasteries, and palaces without the hustle and bustle of too many tourists, October is the perfect time to visit. The country’s peaceful atmosphere is one of its most alluring qualities, and traveling in October allows you to immerse yourself in the culture without distractions. October in Bhutan is a time of balance—ideal weather, cultural festivals, not so many tourists, and stunning landscapes all come together to make it the perfect month for visiting this enchanting country. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone simply looking for a peaceful escape, Bhutan in October offers something for everyone. So why wait? Plan your Bhutan adventure for October 2025, and experience the magic of this Himalayan kingdom in its most breathtaking season.

Why October and November are the Best Months to Visit Nepal

October and November are peak tourism season in Nepal, and as with most places that are popular at a particular time of year, this is for several very good reasons. The weather tends to be optimal at this time, the mountain views are good, conditions on trekking trails are comfortable, plus there are a couple of huge festivals (and some smaller ones, too) that make these months exciting times to visit.

While October tends to be busier with tourists than November, in our opinion, November is actually the better month of the two. The weather is crisper in November, and as anyone who has spent much time in Nepal will tell you, crisp, clear air shouldn’t be taken for granted!

To see and experience Nepal at its best, you should definitely plan to visit in October or November. Here are a few reasons why.

The weather

Despite being a Himalayan country with a lot of snow-clad, high mountains that are cold to visit at any time of year, much of Nepal is actually at a lower altitude and is anything but cold throughout the year. Take it from the Himalayan experts: the overwhelming feeling of Nepal is heat, dust, and humidity.

That’s why many of us welcome autumn in Nepal, after the sticky monsoon. We know that the winter is going to bring colder temperatures, but October and November are a beautiful happy medium. Less humid than spring and summer/monsoon but still sunny and warm in the day. A low chance of rain after the first week of October. Plus, Kathmandu’s notorious dust has been washed away by the monsoon, leaving clearer skies in October and November. And, even if you’re planning on heading out into the mountains, you’re likely to need to spend a bit of time in Nepal’s main cities (Kathmandu and Pokhara) en route, which is where the cooler, clearer conditions are most welcome.

Trekking conditions

Speaking of heading into the mountains, as this is a major reason why many travelers come to Nepal in the first place… October and November are perfect times to hit the mountain trails. With little chance of rain, especially later in October and into November, trails are in the best condition of the year. Plus, low humidity means that the mountain views are often beautifully clear.

The most popular trails—such as Everest Base Camp Annapurna Circuit and Poon Hill—can be quite busy during this season, which is all the more reason to trek with a trusted guide who can secure the best accommodation for you ahead of time (rather than trekking independently and risk finding nowhere to stay!) They’re busy for good reason, because the sights, experiences, and facilities are among the best in Nepal. But, if you wanted to avoid the worst of the crowds, some other trails see far fewer visitors and offer comparably amazing experiences to the ‘big name’ treks, such as the beautiful but lesser-visited Mardi Himal trek or Gokyo and Beyond

Major festivals in October and November

Hindu and Buddhist festivals in Nepal follow a lunar calendar, meaning the dates according to our Gregorian calendar aren’t the same every year. So, a festival that falls in late September one year may fall in early or mid-October the next. But, in general, the following festivals fall sometime in October or November. Whether you’re traveling to Nepal for the mountains or the jungles, checking out these vibrant, important festivals is a great way to get a dose of culture and to better understand this diverse and colourful country.

Dashain

Dashain—also called Dashami, Vijaya Dashami, or Dusshera/Durga Puja (in India)—is the most important festival of the year to most Nepali Hindus. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Although the festival itself runs for 15 days, there are just a handful of days that are most important. Animals are sacrificed to the goddess Durga (Nepal is a far less vegetarian country than neighboring India!) and elder family members adorn younger members with large rice and vermillion powder tikkas. This is a time when many Nepalis will travel back to their home villages to spend time with their families.  

From a tourist’s perspective, unless you’re invited into a Nepali home during Dashain, you may not get as much of an up-close perspective of this festival as others. Dashain happens within homes, temples, and smaller communities, rather than out in the streets as a joyous affair, like many other festivals. But, if you’re trekking in the mountains, you may well get the chance to stop by a local home—the Annapurna region is best for this, as the Everest region is predominantly Sherpa, who are Buddhists and don’t really celebrate Dashain. Plus, if you happen to be in Kathmandu during Dashain, you’ll be amazed by how quiet the streets are—much of the population clears out back to their ancestral homes.

Tihar

Tihar is the second-most important festival to Nepali Hindus, and follows a couple of weeks after Dashain. It’s what’s called Diwali or Deepavali in India, and in fact Nepalis on the Terai tend to call the festival Deepavali rather than Tihar. It’s the festival of lights, and it’s a beautiful time to be in Nepal, especially in the cities, because homes and businesses adorn their buildings with fairy lights and small earthen lanterns, and paint colourful rangoli patterns outside their doors. Like Dashain, Tihar lasts for several days, but there are three main days of the festival, with the biggest being ‘Bhai Tikka’, when sisters bless their brothers with colourful tikkas on their foreheads, and in turn brothers give their sisters gifts.

Tihar is celebrated differently in the hills and on the plains of Nepal, but wherever you go there’s likely to be some Tihar festivities. Like Dashain it’s a festival that’s celebrated at home, but there’s a much more public element to Tihar, with all the colourful lights and decorations.

Chhath

If you happen to be visiting the Terai (such as the Chitwan National Park) in the week or so after Tihar, don’t miss Chhath festivities. This is only celebrated on the Terai, or by people who originated there. Devotees fast and make offerings to the sun at river banks, seven days after the end of Tihar. If you happen to be in Kathmandu rather than the Terai, Chhath is celebrated at the Rani Pokhari tank in central Kathmandu residents of Kathmandu who hail from the Terai.

If Himalayan festivals really appeal to you, you can also go on tailor-made tours to Bhutan that focus on the colourful Tibetan Buddhist festivals held in monasteries there.

Want to visit Nepal in October, November, or at any other time of year? Email us at info@beyondtheclouds.org.nz to find out how we can help.

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