Bhutan travel guide: when to go and what to know

Bhutan lies in the eastern Himalayas between India and China.

The country stretches from subtropical lowlands in the south to some of the world's highest mountains in the north. Between them are forested hills, river valleys, farming communities and high mountain passes.

Bhutan is known for protecting its environment and maintaining a strong connection to its culture and traditions while developing as a modern country.

Bhutan is often understood through four broad regions, each with its own landscape and character.

Bhutan's history goes back centuries, with Buddhism playing an important role in shaping the country.

In the 17th century, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal unified much of Bhutan and established a system of government and religious administration that influenced the country for generations.

The Wangchuck dynasty was established in 1907, when Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck became Bhutan's first hereditary King.

Bhutan became a constitutional monarchy in 2008, with the transition to parliamentary democracy taking place under the leadership of the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and the Fifth King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Bhutan continues to develop while keeping many of the traditions that have shaped its identity.

Buddhism has a strong influence on Bhutanese culture and everyday life.

It can be seen in monasteries, dzongs, prayer flags, festivals, paintings and architecture, but also in customs and the way communities come together.

Bhutanese culture is not something found only in museums or historic buildings. Many traditions remain part of everyday life.

Dzongkha is Bhutan's national language, but many other languages are spoken across the country.

The different regions of Bhutan have their own languages, customs and ways of life. This diversity is one of the things that makes travelling through the country interesting.

English is also widely used in education and is commonly understood in tourist areas.

Bhutanese food is simple, hearty and full of flavour.

Rice is a staple, while chilli is an important ingredient in many traditional dishes. Ema datshi, made with chilli and cheese, is one of the country's best-known dishes.

Other foods you may come across include red rice, buckwheat dishes, noodles, dumplings and locally grown vegetables.

Food can vary from one region and household to another, so there is always something different to try.

Bhutan can be visited all year. Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the most popular seasons for clear skies, comfortable walking weather and the biggest festivals. Summer is green and rainy, and winter is cold but exceptionally clear.

If you have a festival, a trek or the Tiger's Nest hike in mind, tell us your dates and we will say honestly what the weather is usually like then.

Bhutan's weather changes considerably with altitude and season.

The best time to visit depends on where you want to go and what you want to see.

Bhutan is a mountainous country, so travelling between places can take longer than the distance on a map might suggest.

Most journeys are made by road. The roads follow valleys and mountain passes, with winding sections and changing conditions depending on the season.

There are also domestic flights connecting Paro with a small number of destinations in Bhutan.

The journey itself is often an important part of travelling through the country.

Bhutan today is a country balancing tradition with modern life.

Thimphu has grown into a modern capital, young Bhutanese people use technology and social media, and new businesses continue to develop across the country.

At the same time, traditional architecture, Buddhism, local customs and community life remain an important part of the country's identity.

This balance between old and new is part of what makes Bhutan different.

Three companion guides cover the questions we are asked most before a first trip.