Bhutan's changing landscapes

The lower areas have farms, rivers and villages. Roads follow the rivers, so you spend a lot of time close to where people actually live.

As the road climbs, you pass through pine and fir forests and eventually reach high mountain passes. Depending on your route, you may cross places such as Dochula, Pele La or others.

The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so views are never guaranteed. Sometimes you get clear views of the peaks, and sometimes the clouds come in and you see very little.

Spring brings flowers, summer makes the valleys very green, autumn often has clearer skies and winter is quieter and colder.

Bhutan has a lot of protected forest, and there are places where you may see birds or, in some seasons, cranes in Phobjikha. We can plan time for it, but we don't promise sightings.

The landscape is closely connected to how people live. Different valleys have their own ways of farming, building houses and keeping local traditions.

Layers are the main thing. Passes can be cold and windy even when the valley below was warm. Comfortable shoes and something waterproof are useful in most seasons.