Bhutan has a season for everyone . The kingdom stretches over all climatic zones: from the sub-tropical jungles to in the south to the moderate heights of 2,000 to 2,500 metres in the center and up to the alpine world of the towering Himalays and glaciers of the north.
In winter, pleasant day conditions make this the best time of year for bird watching, village to village trekking or a bicycle trip.
In spring, the trekking season commences. It is also the perfect time for a rafting. In Paro, the Tsechu takes place. The summer brings with it the monsoon. Rain falls for short periods but is manageable. Treks, like the Snowman Trek, are characterized by mild temperatures, verdant green meadows and pastures of blue poppies and Edelweiss. Nomads tending their yaks in the high Alps are a common sight. Autumn is the traditional high season in Bhutan. Trekkers particularly enjoy the clear view of the mountains in October and the low rainfall. The rice harvest unveils a picturique landscape, remarkable terraces and changing colours. Temperatures and vegetation in the altitudes between 2,000 and 3,000 metres are comparable to the moderate climate of central Europe.
Trekking in Bhutan involves walking alogn routes passing by 7,000 metre-high mountains. Such peaks are permanently covered in snow and remain unclimbed even today. Moutaineering is forbidden in Bhutan due to the Buddhist belief that mountains are representations of ho9ly deities and should therefore not be exposed to the disruption of mountain expeditions.
Trekking supplies and equipment, are all carried by horses and in high regions by Yaks. Porters are unusual. The most appropriate trekking times are mid-March to mid May and Mid-September to the beginning of November.
What to bring
Strong comfortable trekking boots, several pairs of socks and vests, warm clothing (especially a down jacket for higher altitudes) for the evenings, rain coat, torch (flashlight), water flask, a hat or head scarf, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, disinfectant tablets for water, insect repellent, antibiotic ointment and antihistamine cream for inset bites (summer). A sleeping bag is a must.
The national flag is divided diagonally with a dragon in the middle. The upper yellow signifies the country's secular authority of the King and the lower saffron-orange signifies religion, the dragon symbolises the local name of the country Druk yul meaning Land of the thunder dragon. The jewels in the dragon's claws signifies the country's wealth.
National Dress
Blue Poppy (Mecanopsis Grandis) is the national flower it is known as 'Euitgel Metog Hoem' in Bhutan. It was once considered to be myth because of its unconfirmed existence. Poppies are found along high mountain passes from the far eastern parts of the country across to the west.
The Takin (Budorcas Taxicolor)has a religious story associated with it. The great saint Lama Drukpa Kunley, the Divine Madman was asked to perform a miracle by the people, the saint in his usual unorthodox way, asked to be served a cow and a goat. He devoured these with relish and left only the bones. he then took the goat's head and stuck it to the bones of the cow. The animal rose to be what is now the Takin.
The Raven (Corvus Corax Tibetanus)
is depicted on the crown of the king as representative of Jarog Dongchen who, along with Yeshey Gonpo (Mahakala) and Palden Lhamo (Mahakali) constitute the most powerful deities of the country. As the Divine Trinity, they safeguarded the well - being of the kingdom and protect the king and people from harm.
The national sport is archery with two targets at each end of a 175 yard length, each player shoots a pair of arrows going from one end to the other. A hit is scored as a two.