Asia

Bhutan in July

Landslides can block the main east-west highway, leeches fill the trails, and the Himalaya is rarely visible.

Think twicePeak monsoon, highs near 77F (25C), heavy rain

Paro Taktsang, Bhutan — BhutanPhoto: Original: Nina R from Africa Derivative work: UnpetitproleX, CC BY 2.0

The straight answer

July is a month to think twice about visiting Bhutan. Landslides can block the main east-west highway, leeches fill the trails, and the Himalaya is rarely visible.

Weather: Peak monsoon, highs near 77F (25C), heavy rain
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What July is like in Bhutan

July is peak monsoon. Highs sit near 77F (25C), with heavy rain. Landslides can block the main east-west highway, leeches fill the trails, and the Himalaya is rarely visible. Crowds and prices are at their lowest of the year, but many plans get disrupted. Flights into Paro can be delayed by cloud, and long drives take far longer than planned.

This is the month to avoid. Only very flexible travelers who want empty dzongs and green valleys should consider it. For a much better trip, go in October, November, March, or April.

Make the most of July

What is especially good about Bhutan this month.

Lowest prices of the year

July has the fewest visitors and the lowest rates.

Rice terraces at their greenest

Monsoon rain turns the terraces a deep, bright green.

Peaceful temples

Temples and dzongs are almost empty, a quiet time to visit.

What to pack for July

A strong rain jacket and umbrella
Waterproof shoes
Leech socks
Quick-dry clothes

Our timing tip

If you travel in July, stay in the Paro and Thimphu area and skip long drives east where landslides are most common.

Book Bhutan for July.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Bhutan
Opens a hotel search for Bhutan in July, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for July
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Bhutan
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Bhutan
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Bhutan for July. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Bhutan

Full guide

Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)

The cliffside monastery is a steep 2 to 3 hour hike up. Start early for cooler air and softer light on the temple.

Tickets and tours →

Punakha Dzong

The most beautiful dzong in the country, especially in spring when the jacaranda trees bloom around it.

Tickets and tours →

Dochula Pass

108 memorial chortens and, on a clear fall or winter morning, a sweeping view of the eastern Himalaya.

Tickets and tours →

Thimphu

The capital without traffic lights: the giant Buddha Dordenma statue, the weekend market, and the National Memorial Chorten.

Tickets and tours →

Phobjikha Valley

A glacial valley where black-necked cranes winter from about late October to February. Quiet farmhouse stays and forest walks.

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Bumthang Valley

Bhutan's spiritual heartland with some of its oldest temples. A long drive east, best in spring or fall.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Visit in November rather than October: the weather is just as clear and demand eases after the Thimphu Tshechu.
If you want a festival without the biggest crowds, look at smaller district tshechus rather than Paro or Thimphu. Your tour operator can match one to your dates.
Hike Tiger's Nest as early as the trail opens, or pick a weekday outside festival weeks when domestic visitors are fewer.
Consider December through February for Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha: cold, clear, and very quiet, with lower hotel demand.

Know before you go

Most visitors book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator, and a licensed guide is required for most travel beyond Thimphu and Paro. Check current entry rules before booking.
Dzongs usually open to visitors only outside office hours on working days and fully on weekends and holidays; some sections stay closed to visitors at all times.
Monsoon landslides (June to August) can close sections of the lateral highway for hours or days, especially heading east toward Bumthang.
High treks such as the Snowman Trek have short windows, mainly in October, and are often cancelled when passes are snowbound.

Bhutan in July, quick answers

Is July a good time to visit Bhutan?

July is a month to think twice about visiting Bhutan. Landslides can block the main east-west highway, leeches fill the trails, and the Himalaya is rarely visible.

What is the weather like in Bhutan in July?

Peak monsoon, highs near 77F (25C), heavy rain.

Is Bhutan crowded in July?

July is one of the quieter months in Bhutan; most sights can be done without long waits.