Bhutan’s winter low season begins in December, although the country is still magnificent throughout that month. Additionally, scheduling your trip to Bhutan for December allows you to experience various local events, giving you a glimpse into Bhutanese culture. Here is a comprehensive travel guide to Bhutan that includes the top locations for your December journey.
In December, here is a list of 10 places that you must visit in Bhutan:
1. Punakha
Before Thimpu became the nation’s capital, Punakha served as its capital. Punakha has a wide variety of attractions. This town is well-known for its temples, scenic vistas, courtyards, valleys, towers, and short excursions. One of Bhutan’s major religious centers is this. It is situated where two rivers from Bhutan converge.
You may stop here on your way to other attractions in the Haa Valley, Gangtey, or Wangdue, which are home to several locations that are a photographer’s paradise for animals and the natural world. Alpine woods and tranquil, breath-taking mountain vistas may be found in these valleys. Punakha, a town on a river, has a feeling of the countryside.
2. Paro
Paro Valley, a city rich in beautiful history and home to various spiritual places, is sometimes called the “Last Shangri-La” on earth! This area is one of the best areas in Bhutan to visit because it combines natural beauty, varied cultures, a semi-modern way of life, and lively customs.
The Taktsang Monastery, often known as the “Tiger’s Nest”, is located in the Bhutanese town of Paro, which is renowned for its immaculate beauty. Be aware that this area is well-known for its “red rice” production and distinctive terraced farming.
Read also: Planning a Trip to Bhutan in October? Here’s What You Need to Know
3. Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey)
In Wangdue Phodrang, on the western side of the Black Mountains, there is a valley in the shape of a bowl called Phobjikha. Wide, verdant fields may be seen in the lovely views from there. The black-necked crane, which is endangered, calls this region home during the winter months.
One of Bhutan’s few glacier valleys is the Phobjikha valley, which is also called Gangtey. There are black-necked cranes that migrate here from Tibet to avoid the severe winters, and it’s also one of Bhutan’s most revered conservative locations, according to locals.
4. Wangdue Phodrang
Wangdue Phodrang, one of the major districts, is home to various attractions, including monasteries, temples, animals, and rural communities. The region differs from others because of its extreme diversity, ranging from subtropical woods in the south to chilly, frozen regions in the north.
Wangdue Phodrang is home to many different plants and animals. Jigme Dorji National Park lies in the southeast, while Wangchuck Centennial Park is in the north portion. For those who appreciate the outdoors, there are also hikes and treks with breathtaking landscapes.
5. Chele La Pass
Chele La Pass, one of Bhutan’s most visited high peaks, is regarded as the country’s highest pass that is accessible by car. The pass is above the Haa Valley in Paro District, Bhutan, and offers beautiful views of the surrounding waterfalls, woods, and alpine valleys.
The drive to the pass takes a little over two hours and takes you by rivers, waterfalls, and dense forests while providing breathtaking views. To frighten away demons and evil spirits, the people built hundreds of poles with prayer flags alongside the road leading up to the pass.
6. Taktsang Monastery
The vista, setting, and meditation at this monastery are well-known. It’s situated on a substantial granite cliff and is one of the country’s holiest sites. When looking out from the monastery, you can see all of Paro and the river below. Supposedly founded in the eighth century, the monastery.
In this location, which later served as the site for this monastery, religious leader Guru Padma Sambhava meditated. This monastery is well-known among those who appreciate trekking, meditation, exploration, and other activities.
7. Trongsa
This Bhutanese village is perched on a rocky slope overlooking a vast valley that provides breath-taking vistas. A Dzong with the name of the town itself is there in the town. Trongsa Dzong is in plain sight in all directions and is impossible to overlook.
It was constructed in 1644 and served as the Wangchuk dynasty’s bastion before they took over Bhutan. One of the finest things to do in Bhutan is to attend the annual Trongsa Tshechu festival, a five-day celebration in December or January.
8. Dagala Thousand Lakes
Dagala Thousand Lakes in Bhutan, which is well-known, is truly a gift from above. You must do a five-day journey beginning in Paro Valley to get to Dagala. As you travel over each lake one after another till you get to Thimphu, the beauty level continues to increase.
After receiving heavenly blessings, hikers begin their ascent from Paro Taktsang to Genekha, then continue to Pankha, Talakha, Gur, and Chamgang before returning to Thimphu. On this walk, you’ll pass by some of the deepest, most brilliantly blue lakes you’ve ever seen.
9. Thimphu
Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu (formerly known as Thimbu), is the first location to visit. This city, located in the western-central part of the nation on the banks of the raging Raidak River, is surrounded by picturesque views and high peaks that rise to altitudes of 2,000–3,800 meters.
Thimphu, a city that brilliantly displays Bhutan’s native customs and traditions, also takes pride in being the country’s economic hub. This stunning city, which serves as the official house of Bhutan’s royal family, offers a wealth of luxurious lodging options and a variety of modern amenities.
10. Chomolhari
This enormous mountain, also called Jhomolhari, rises to 7,326 meters. The mountain, which straddles the boundary between Tibet and Bhutan, is the source of the Paro and Amo rivers, which run down the mountain’s southern and northern sides.
According to Buddhist belief, the “bride of Kanchenjunga” is one of the five Tsheringma Sisters, feminine protective goddesses of Bhutan and Tibet. One of Bhutan’s highest lakes, Tseringma Lhatso, or “spirit lake,” is only an hour’s climb up the mountain.
Bhutan Weather December
With an average maximum temperature of 8°C and an average minimum temperature of 4°C, there have been hardly any rains since the beginning of the year. Nevertheless, places at a higher altitude, such as Thimphu and Paro, may experience a little bit of snow, but those at a lower altitude do not see that much snow.
Things to Do in Bhutan in December
In the middle of winter, higher altitude trekking is typically not practicable, but some shorter excursions and walks may be done. As long as you stay away from high-altitude routes and camping, winter is a terrific season to get outside because of the bright skies and mountain views. Additionally, general sightseeing is advised throughout December.
You will leave during the day to see some of Bhutan’s most well-known temples, palaces, and monasteries, such as the Punakha Dzong and the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and then return to your warm and inviting lodging in the evening. Don’t miss the chance to experience a traditional hot stone bath, regardless of the type of lodging you are using. Usually, there is a little price to access these.
Bhutan in December: Events and happenings
The Mongar Tsechu, which takes place in the Mongar Dzong in Mongar Dzongkhag in the eastern central area of Bhutan from December 3 to 6, is the earliest December celebration.
People go from around the eastern part of the country to attend the yearly celebration in Trashigang, one of the biggest events in the Bhutanese calendar.
The Druk Wangyal Tsechu is a special event held in Bhutan conducted by the Royal Bhutan Army rather than lamas and monks as a tribute to the country’s fourth king, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Read Also: 10 Most Popular Festivals Celebrated in Bhutan.
In Conclusion
Bhutan is a beautiful destination to visit in December. The warmer weather and upbeat attitude of both the sky and the people make this an excellent experience that will make you want to return for more. Make sure you are dressed warmly and comfortably if you are trekking and carry a jacket close by for when you stop.
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