December in Bhutan? Yeah, it's really great. The mountains also look great, all clear and defined against the sky. Bhutan in December has a totally relaxed atmosphere. Yeah, it gets chilly during the night, but you can stroll about during the day. And, tons fewer tourists than you'd think, which is great if you despise crowds like we do.
So what's there to see? Tiger's Nest Monastery is the easy one to guess - everybody goes there, but deservedly so. It's a proper haul getting up to it, though. Thimphu has some nice things to see too. Their weekend bazaar is nice to browse around, and you can get some local grub that'll blow your mind.
The things to do in Bhutan ultimately amount to whether or not you want to trek, visit temples, or simply sit around and absorb the culture. Having December makes everything more pleasant because the weather behaves.
Organising a trip there can be a little complicated, though. That's where our Bhutan Tour Packages are useful - they take care of all the arrangements so you can simply relax and have fun.
Let’s explore what makes Bhutan in December such a beautiful time to visit.
Weather in Bhutan in December
Let’s be honest - Bhutan in December is cold. But it’s the kind of cold you fall in love with. The days are bright, dry, and sunny, while nights can get chilly, especially if you’re up in the higher valleys.
If you're wondering about the temperature in Bhutan in December, here’s a quick idea:
- Thimphu: Around 1°C to 12°C
- Paro: A bit colder, roughly -2°C to 10°C
- Punakha: Milder and pleasant, with 5°C to 17°C
- Bumthang: Often below zero in the mornings
There’s very little rain, which means you can move around without worrying about getting wet. The Bhutan weather in December gives you blue skies almost every day - perfect for mountain views and long walks.
Even though the Bhutan climate in December is cold, it’s also refreshing. The air feels clean and sharp, and you can often smell pine trees in the breeze.
Does It Snow in Bhutan in December?
Yes, it does! One of the main reasons many people love visiting Bhutan in December is to experience the snow in Bhutan. While you might not get snowfall everywhere, places like Bumthang, Haa Valley, and Dochula Pass often turn white by mid or late December. Sometimes, if you're lucky, you may even catch snowfall in Bhutan in places like Paro or even Thimphu.
So, if you've always dreamed of sipping hot butter tea while watching snowflakes fall outside a window, this is your chance.
Do Checkout: Gems of Bhutan: 6-day Tour Package
Best Places to Visit in Bhutan in December
If you're planning a Bhutan tour in December, here are some of the best places to visit in Bhutan in December - each offering a unique experience in the winter season.
1. Thimphu - The Calm Capital
The capital city of Bhutan is one of the best places to start your December journey. While the temperature can dip to around 0°C, the days are usually sunny, making it easy to explore.
Why Visit in December?
Thimphu is quieter this time of year, with fewer tourists around. You can comfortably explore major sights like the Tashichho Dzong, the massive Buddha Dordenma statue, and the Folk Heritage Museum. The local markets sell warm winter goods and handwoven textiles, and cafés serve hot butter tea and traditional snacks.
Travel Tip: Visit early in the morning for stunning sunrise views from Buddha Point over the cold cityscape.
2. Paro - Snowy Trails and Sacred Temples
Paro is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan, and it's especially stunning in December. With a dusting of snow, the town looks straight out of a postcard.
Why Visit in December?
This is where the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang) is located. The winter chill makes the hike easier, and the clear skies offer jaw-dropping views of the cliffside monastery. You can also explore the Paro Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, and the National Museum.
Travel Tip: While mornings are cold, the afternoons are perfect for hikes. Dress in layers and wear good trekking shoes to avoid slippery paths if there has been light snowfall in Bhutan.
3. Punakha - The Warm Escape
If you’re looking to escape the harsh cold of the mountains, Punakha offers a warmer climate. The valley is lower in altitude, so it stays relatively mild even in December.
Why Visit in December?
Home to the majestic Punakha Dzong, often described as the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan, this place feels peaceful and welcoming in winter. With the clear blue river flowing beside it and mountains in the background, Punakha is pure magic. You can also walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge and take a gentle walk through the rice fields.
Travel Tip: Punakha is perfect if you want to relax without freezing. It’s a great addition to your Bhutan tour in December, especially for older travellers or families.
4. Bumthang - Where Winter Feels Like a Fairy Tale
If your idea of a perfect December trip includes snow, pine forests, and quiet monasteries, head to Bumthang. Located in central Bhutan, this region often sees snow in Bhutan by mid or late December.
Why Visit in December?
Bumthang is known as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Here, you can visit age-old temples like Jakar Dzong, Kurje Lhakhang, and Jambay Lhakhang. The valley, with its rivers and silent hills, looks magical under the winter sky.
Travel Tip: Bumthang gets cold, so carry proper winter gear. But it’s also peaceful and incredibly beautiful, perfect for reflection or slow travel.
5. Dochula Pass - Winter Wonderland
If you’re visiting Bhutan in December, don’t miss Dochula Pass. Located at over 3,000 meters between Thimphu and Punakha, this mountain pass is often covered in snow during December.
Why Visit in December?
With its famous 108 stupas, the pass looks spectacular under a blanket of white. On clear days, you can see snow-capped Himalayan peaks stretching across the horizon. It's one of the best photo spots in Bhutan during winter.
Travel Tip: Try to cross Dochula in the morning when the skies are clearer. Roads can get slippery, so a vehicle with winter tires or an experienced driver is a must.
6. Haa Valley - Untouched and Peaceful
Often overlooked by tourists, Haa Valley is a hidden gem, especially beautiful during winter. Located near the western border, it remains untouched and deeply authentic.
Why Visit in December?
In December, Haa sees snowfall in Bhutan and turns into a snowy village surrounded by pine forests. The valley is home to sacred sites like Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo, and you can see traditional Bhutanese homes still heated with wood fires.
Travel Tip: Dress very warmly and bring your camera - the landscapes here are among the most photogenic in Bhutan in December.
7. Phobjikha Valley - Land of the Black-Necked Cranes
This bowl-shaped valley is known not only for its beauty but also for being the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes.
Why Visit in December?
Every year, these birds migrate to Phobjikha, and December is the perfect time to spot them. Apart from that, the Gangtey Monastery and the surrounding walks are simply serene. With frost-covered grasslands and a soft winter sun, it feels like time stands still.
Travel Tip: If you’re into photography or wildlife, Phobjikha is a must on your Bhutan tour in December.
Do check out: 10 Day Bhutan Tour Package.
Things to do in Bhutan in December
While many travellers imagine Bhutan as a summer or spring destination, December has its unique charm. Bhutan in December is quieter, more peaceful, and filled with crisp air, snow-dusted valleys, and the warm hospitality of locals. If you're wondering what activities are possible in the cold, worry not - there's plenty to explore, experience, and enjoy.
Here are some of the best things to do in Bhutan in December, whether you're a nature lover, a cultural explorer, or someone who just wants to take it slow.
1. Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)
Yes, it’s cold. And yes, the hike is still worth every step. Winter makes it even better. The famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery sits dramatically on a cliff edge in Paro, and in December, the skies are usually clear, offering picture-perfect views.
The cold helps too - you don’t sweat like in summer, and the air feels fresh with every breath. Just start early in the day to avoid the afternoon chill, wear layers, and take it at your own pace.
2. Soak in a Traditional Hot Stone Bath
After a long day of travel or trekking, few things feel better than a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath. Heated river stones are placed into water infused with local medicinal herbs - perfect for relaxing muscles and warming up in the chilly weather.
Many homestays and resorts in Paro, Punakha, and Bumthang offer this experience. It’s not just a bath, but a deeply cultural and healing tradition.
3. Explore the Peaceful Monasteries and Dzongs
One of the most rewarding parts of visiting Bhutan in December is the quiet atmosphere. With fewer tourists, you can explore the country’s many monasteries and dzongs in peace.
- Punakha Dzong - Stunning riverside location and beautiful winter light.
- Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu - Majestic and spiritual.
- Gangtey Monastery in Phobjikha - Surrounded by frost-covered valley views.
Just step inside, take your time, and listen to the wind rustle through the prayer flags. There's a calm here that stays with you.
4. Spot Black-Necked Cranes in Phobjikha Valley
Every winter, thousands of rare black-necked cranes migrate from Tibet to the Phobjikha Valley. December is one of the best months to see them.
These graceful birds are considered sacred in Bhutan, and watching them walk through the frosty grasslands or soar across the valley sky is truly special. There’s even a small visitor centre that tells you about their conservation story.
5. Attend the Trongsa Tshechu Festival
If you're lucky with your dates, you can catch the Trongsa Tshechu, one of the few festivals in Bhutan in December. Held in the majestic Trongsa Dzong, this festival brings together locals in colourful attire, mask dances, and age-old rituals.
It’s not just a tourist show - it’s a living part of Bhutanese life, and December is a more intimate time to experience it.
6. Walk Through Snow-Covered Passes Like Dochula
December often brings snow in Bhutan, especially in higher passes like Dochula. Walking around the 108 chortens at Dochula, wrapped in your warm jacket, with the sound of silence and wind around you, is a spiritual moment even if you’re not religious.
And if the skies are clear, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the eastern Himalayas.
7. Try Traditional Bhutanese Winter Food
Food tastes better when it’s cold, doesn’t it? In Bhutan, winter is the season for hearty, spicy dishes that warm you from the inside.
Here are a few things you must try:
- Ema Datshi - Bhutan’s national dish made with chilli and cheese
- Shakam Paa - Dried beef stew with radish or turnips
- Suja - Butter tea that keeps you warm at high altitudes
- Red Rice with Kewa Datshi - Potatoes in cheese served with local rice
Don’t forget to visit small local restaurants or even try a meal in a traditional farmhouse.
8. Visit Local Markets and Buy Handicrafts
Markets in Bhutan are a wonderful place to understand local life. In December, many sell warm woollen clothes, yak wool scarves, handwoven textiles, and wooden crafts. If you're looking for souvenirs, this is the time to buy unique, handmade gifts directly from the artisans. The Thimphu weekend market and Paro's handicraft shops are perfect for this.
Planning a Bhutan Tour in December
So, what’s it really like going on a Bhutan tour in December? It’s slow-paced, relaxing, and perfect for people who like quiet, meaningful travel. The best part - you skip the peak-season crowds and enjoy better prices.
We offer Bhutan tour packages in December at a discount. Hotels and homestays also drop their rates, especially after the first week of December.
Another bonus? The skies are usually super clear, which means you get perfect views of the snowy Himalayan peaks from almost anywhere.
Still, do note - while travel to Bhutan in December is possible and enjoyable, higher passes can be slippery if it snows heavily. So it’s best to travel with a guide or driver who knows the roads well.
What to Pack for Bhutan in December?
Here’s a quick checklist to help you pack right:
- Warm jacket
- Thermal innerwear
- Woollen socks, scarves, and gloves
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Moisturiser and lip balm (it gets dry!)
- Sunglasses (because the snow can be bright)
- Light layers for daytime
Trust us - packing smart makes a big difference. Mornings and nights are cold, but the sun can get quite strong during the day, especially in valleys like Punakha.
Bhutan in December is not about checking off tourist spots. It’s about experiencing Bhutan for what it really is - calm, kind, and deeply spiritual.
Yes, it’s cold. But it’s also full of warmth - in the way people greet you, in the bowls of hot food, and the untouched beauty of the snowy hills.
If you’re thinking of visiting Bhutan in December, don’t hesitate. It’s one of the best times to feel the soul of the country. Between the gentle snowfall in Bhutan, the cheerful locals, and the peaceful monasteries, you’ll find something rare - stillness.
And in today’s busy world, that’s the kind of holiday we all need.
