With their history stretching back to the past, Nepal and Bhutan are perfect for a tour through some of the finest Himalayan scenery in Asia. From the place of birth for Buddha to the last Shangri-La that is the Himalayas Bhutan and Nepal are the most popular destinations of South Asia, and together provide an accurate picture of what it’s like to live in shadows of the largest mountain range.
Nepal is the home of the Buddha Siddhartha Gautama the father of Buddhism. But the majority of Nepalis are Hindu with less than 9 percent Buddhist. But, Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal have a special relationship with a lot of Buddhist rituals occurring in some form or another within the Hindu religion. The unique blend of two major religions has created a faith that transcends national and religious boundaries , and has resulted in one of the more beautiful Buddhist and Hindu architectural structures anywhere around the globe including the Swayambhunath temple located on the outside of Kathmandu.
Bhutan, the last truly Himalayan kingdom is one of the countries with ecological and environmental protections and 70% of the country is protected as natural habitats and forests. The second-smallest nation in terms of populationsize, Bhutan is governed by a system for Gross National Happiness, rather than thinking that its exports are the primary aspect it has. One of the oldest kingdoms of the Himalayas it isn’t easy. Moreover, the tourism industry in Bhutan is tightly monitored to preserve the environment and lessen the negative impact of tourism on the country. It is generally acknowledged it is the case that Bhutan is the one nation in the world that has an “negative” carbon footprint.
What kind of climate do Nepal or Bhutan have?
Nepal is a nation with different climates, from lowland to high mountains plains and sub-tropical forests and a variety of climates that lie in between. Bhutan shares the same environment and climate and both have distinct season, with four seasons during the year. Both Nepal as well as Bhutan are the most pleasant seasons and are the most popular tourist seasons which is characterized by pleasant weather and clear skies. In winter, both countries are prone to winter weather that is cold and snowy in higher altitude regions and in particular Bhutan in the region where winter snows may divide the eastern part of the country to the west. It is monsoon time in the summer and, in both Nepal and Bhutan the rains can hinder trekking and are frequently impossible, due to landslides , and potentially slippery and hazardous trails.
Best Time to Visit Nepal
Visit Nepal during the Spring (March-May)
From March to May is springtime season in Nepal The conditions are mild to cold which is accompanied by clear, sunny days. The best time to travel around the country for trekking, there is many different trekking routes that are available in spring, ranging starting with the breathtaking Annapurna Circuit trek to the most famous treks, the Everest Base Camp trek. Spring is a dry season across the entire country and temperatures can range between 20 and 30 to 30 degrees south, to about 10-12 degrees in the northern mountains.
Visit Nepal during the summer (June-August)
The summer months are not the best to trek in the majority of Nepal since it is the time of monsoon that brings rainfall across the entire country and the paths can become muddy and risky. Only in the Upper Mustang Region can you hike in the summer months, since the monsoon rains don’t go as far as the dry, arid mountains. But there’s many other activities to explore, from canoeing and kayaking on the gorgeous rivers, to paragliding and white water rafting throughout the Lower Terai region of Nepal. If you are a fan of wildlife and you love wildlife, then the summer season and the lush greenery is the ideal opportunity to see animals like elephants Bengal leopards and even crocodiles during a wildlife tour in one of Nepal’s amazing national parks. The summer temperatures typically range between 18 and 28 degrees, ranging from the north and south.
Visit Nepal in the autumn (September-November)
The second time in the entire year the autumn, is the most sought-after time for trekkers who want to go to the higher altitude regions of Nepal. The conditions in Nepal in autumn is dry and clear with virtually no precipitation, because the monsoons are draining clouds of rainfall. Although the weather can be humid, the likelihood of rain is low making it an ideal time to go exploring the beautiful mountains in the north region of Nepal. It is also the perfect time to go to lower elevations of the Terai region and enjoy the pleasures of Kathmandu Valley and the wildlife of the Chitwan National Park. The temperatures can vary between 8-12 degress in the north and can be temperatures as hot as 20 degrees in the south.
Is it Nepal during winter (December-February)
Although winter in certain high-altitude countries isn’t recommended for travelers but in Nepal it’s a great time to travel. There are a myriad of places to explore in the lowland regions, once the season of rain and trekking have ended, there’s ample time for you to see the gorgeous temples and pagodas in Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu Valley, which is believed to be the central point of the entire Nepali civilisation. Explore the city of exotic Kathmandu and see some of the most beautiful Hindu temples of the world, all with that hint of Buddhism to these temples. Take a trip to the world-renowned Lumbini which is the birthplace of the Nepali Prince Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism.
The Best Time to Visit Bhutan
Visit Bhutan in Spring (March-May)
The first time of the year is when spring is the season of the year when the tourism industry is at its highest and the conditions are at their optimal for trekking and tours in the Bhutan Kingdom. The varied landscapes mean that temperatures vary between 8-10°C in the northern mountain regions up to 20-21°C in the south, in sub-tropical zones. Clear skies and sun shining with little risk of rain, until the monsoons arrive in the month of June and July. Bhutan’s beauty Bhutan shines through in the spring, when the valleys are being swathed in new grass and young, green.
Visit Bhutan in Summer (June-August)
The monsoon season, which runs from June to August, experiences an increase in rainfall in the quantity and frequency, however, unlike most monsoon nations the rain falls during the afternoon and evening , mostly. The continuous rain can create a large cloud cover. If you’re there to trek or to see mountains, the summer months will disappoint you. But, temperatures during summer can be the hottest of the entire year, with the mountain regions being warmand humid, even though they are humid and wet. Although you aren’t able to trek throughout the country, summer is an ideal opportunity to learn about the rich culture of the kingdom and explore the historic sites scattered throughout Bhutan.
Visit Bhutan in Autumn (September-November)
The autumn season, which runs from September until October, marks the busiest time for Bhutanese tourism and is it is a wonderful period to go on a trip. There’s no need to be concerned about the massive crowds of tourists during the peak season since the tourism industry in Bhutan is controlled in order in order to protect the environment of the country. The countryside is stunning with golds and reds as the trees from hundreds of acres of forest over the land in a gorgeous carpet of colors. The climate is warm and pleasant and trekking in Bhutan can be at highest during the fall months, with temperatures ranging between 4 and 12 degree in north and peaking at around 22°C in south.
Visit Bhutan in Winter (December-February)
The winter months, which run from December through February, is where snow blankets the ground. The iconic”white “winter paradise” can be a photographer’s ideal to be realized in Bhutan. However, road closures are often due to the snowfall and getting in the hills is nearly impossible. The majority of the East-West Highway closed in the winter’s chilly temperatures due to the heavy snowfall, it’s a wonderful time to visit the western Dzongkhags in the kingdom around Paro, Thimphu, Wangdue Phodrang and Punakha which are cooler and more pleasant, but clear and bright. It’s also the ideal time to observe these rare, black-necked cranes which travel from the northern part of Tibet through winter to the warmer climates that are located in the Gangtey Valley. Temperatures can dip to well beneath freezing for the highlands that lie to northern parts of the kingdom as well in eastern Tibet, it seldom exceeds 3-4 degrees during the daytime.
When is the most suitable time to travel to Nepal and Bhutan in general? And what should you bring for Bhutan Nepal tour?
Bhutan along with Nepal are two countries that are heavily in the path of the monsoon. The winter in both of these countries, although a great time to travel, is frigid and cold. There is also the possibility of snowfall in the mountainous regions. The general consensus is that spring and fall are the best time to take a Nepal Bhutan tour in tandem, since the conditions are perfect to ensure a memorable trip.
But, since the fall is the most popular season in Nepal and Bhutan It is recommended to reserve as soon as you can. Spring is less crowded in both countries, and also has the attraction of the fresh growth that brings brightness and joy to the landscapes throughout the Himalayas.
What you pack depends on the season that you’re traveling in. The summer months typically call for warmer clothing as the temperatures can be quite warm, even in mountains. The northern areas are rocky and hilly, but they do not have the mountains. But, it is essential to be prepared with waterproof clothing, since it is possible to get soaked.
Bhutan is the country with the most rainfall during the monsoon season of any country located in the Himalayas. The winter months mean that you’ll require plenty of warm clothes and boots that are sturdy that have woolen socks to stay warm. A quality down jacket or fleece is also essential and it is recommended to have gloves as well as the hat to protect yourself from the sun and cold.
The seasons of autumn and spring are the milder times of the year and even if you are able to wear lighter clothing during the day, you will be required to be warmer during the evening or at night particularly in the case of trekking or camping.
Make sure you have sturdy boots that can withstand the rough terrain, and knit socks that keep feet cozy. A nice hat to keep your head warm and keeping the sun out is essential If you’re hiking, ensure you have a comfortable sleeping bag to stay in camp during the night.