SpringPeak season

Bhutan in March

Spring blooms, Paro Tshechu, peak conditions begin.

March is when Bhutan turns from winter to spring — rhododendrons start blooming in the lower valleys, days lengthen, and peak season pricing kicks in. The headline event is Paro Tshechu in late March, which fills the country's most iconic dzong with five days of masked dance and the dawn unveiling of the giant Thongdrel.

Weather in March

Western circuit (Paro / Thimphu)

Paro and Thimphu: 3 to 17°C (37–63°F). Dry, sunny, occasional brisk wind. Peak conditions for hiking Tiger's Nest.

Punakha (lower valley)

Punakha: 9 to 22°C (48–72°F). Comfortable in shorts by midday; jacaranda starts blooming in the dzong courtyard late March.

Central / east (Bumthang / Phobjikha)

Bumthang and Phobjikha: 0 to 14°C (32–57°F). Still cool, but most homestays reopen.

Festivals in March 2026

Tharpaling Thongdrol
3 March 2026
Tharpaling Lhakhang, Bumthang
Chhorten Kora
3 & 19 March 2026
Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtse
Gomphukora
26–28 March 2026
Gom Kora Lhakhang, Trashiyangtse
Talo Tshechu
26–28 March 2026
Talo Gonpa, Punakha
Paro Tshechu
29 March – 2 April 2026
Rinpung Dzong, Paro
Full Bhutan festival calendar →

Best for

First-time visitors who want the iconic combination of clear mountain views and the country's most famous festival. Book 5–6 months ahead — Paro hotels fill before any other detail.

Caveats

Peak season pricing — accommodation and trip costs run 15–20% above winter low. Tiger's Nest sees its busiest crowds during festival week.

What to pack for March

Layers — mornings are still cold, afternoons mild
Light jacket / fleece
Hiking shoes
Sun hat and sunglasses
Modest clothing for the festival (long pants, covered shoulders)

Pricing in March

March is peak season — accommodation and trip costs run roughly 15–20% above winter low-season pricing. Book 4–6 months ahead, especially for festival weeks. See our full Bhutan cost breakdown for what's included and excluded.

Tours that fit March

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The neighbouring months — useful if Marchdoesn't quite work for your dates.

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