What to Pack for Bhutan: Complete Clothing Guide

Packing for Bhutan requires careful planning due to the country’s varying elevations (from 200m in the south to over 7,000m in the Himalayas) and distinct seasons. This guide covers everything you need for any Bhutan adventure.

Understanding Bhutan’s Climate

Regional Climate Zones

Season by Season

Spring (March - May)

Daytime: 15-20°C (59-68°F) in valleys Nighttime: 5-10°C (41-50°F) Weather: Mild, blooming rhododendrons, occasional rain

Summer/Monsoon (June - August)

Daytime: 20-25°C (68-77°F) in valleys Nighttime: 15-18°C (59-64°F) Weather: Heavy rain, humid, leeches in forests

Autumn (September - November)

Daytime: 15-22°C (59-72°F) in valleys Nighttime: 5-12°C (41-54°F) Weather: Clear skies, best trekking weather

Winter (December - February)

Daytime: 10-15°C (50-59°F) in valleys Nighttime: -5 to 5°C (23-41°F) Weather: Cold, dry, clear skies, snow at higher elevations

Essential Clothing Checklist

Tops (Upper Body)

Base Layers

• T-shirts: 4-6 lightweight, quick-dry
  • 2-3 for travel
  • 2-3 for layering in cold
• Long-sleeve shirts: 2-3
  • 1 sun protection shirt (UPF 50+ recommended)
  • 1-2 casual button-downs

Mid Layers

• Fleece jacket/pullover: 1-2
• Light down/synthetic jacket: 1 (compressible, for layering)
• Sweater: 1 (wool or cashmere for versatility)

Outer Layers

• Waterproof shell: 1 (hard shell or high-quality rain jacket)
  • Must be hooded
  • Gore-Tex or equivalent
• Insulated jacket: 1 (down or synthetic)
  • Required for winter treks
  • Optional for city visits in shoulder seasons

Bottoms (Lower Body)

• Hiking pants/convertible pants: 2-3
  • Quick-dry, lightweight
  • Zip-off shorts option useful for summer
• Casual pants/jeans: 1-2
  • For city visits, dinners
• Thermal leggings/long johns: 1-2 pairs
  • Essential for winter or high-altitude treks
• Rain pants: 1 (for monsoon or trekking)

Dresses/Skirts (Women)

• Casual dresses: 1-2 (for city visits)
• Long skirt: 1 (for visiting temples - must cover knees)

Footwear

Hiking/Trekking

• Hiking boots: 1 pair (broken in!)
  • Waterproof (Gore-Tex) recommended
  • Ankle support for rough terrain
• Camp shoes/sandals: 1 pair
  • For wearing around camp/hotel
  • Teva, Crocs, or lightweight sneakers

Casual

• Walking shoes/sneakers: 1 pair
  • Comfortable for city walking
  • Clean for temple visits
• Flip-flops: 1 pair
  • For showers, hotels

Socks

• Hiking socks: 3-4 pairs
  • Merino wool or synthetic blend
  • Medium weight for trekking
• Liner socks: 2-3 pairs (optional, prevent blisters)
• Casual socks: 4-5 pairs
• Thermal socks: 1-2 pairs (for cold weather)

Undergarments & Sleepwear

• Underwear: 7-10 days worth
• Sports bras: 2-3 (women, for hiking/travel)
• Thermal underwear (top & bottom): 1-2 sets
• Sleepwear: 1 set (plus thermals for winter)

Accessories

Head & Neck

• Sun hat: 1 (wide-brimmed)
• Warm beanie/wool hat: 1
• Scarf/buff: 1-2
  • Versatile: sun protection, dust, warmth
• Neck gaiter: 1 (optional, great for cold/dust)

Handwear

• Light gloves: 1 pair
• Warm insulated gloves: 1 pair (for winter or high altitude)

Eyewear

• Sunglasses: 1 pair (UV400 protection)
  • Polarized recommended
  • Strap for active use
• Backup glasses: If you wear contacts/glasses

Swimwear

• Swimsuit: 1 (if visiting hot springs or hotels with pools)

Clothing for Festivals (Tshechu)

If attending a festival, consider packing:

For Women

• Kira: Traditional dress (can buy or rent in Bhutan)
• Lightweight layers: Festivals are crowded and warm
• Comfortable flats: You’ll be standing/sitting on ground

For Men

• Gho: Traditional dress (can buy or rent in Bhutan)
• Lightweight t-shirt to wear under

Pro Tip: Don’t buy kira/gho before coming - better selection in Bhutan, and you can get custom-fitted.

Temple/Dzong Visit Clothing

Bhutanese temple dress code is conservative:

Required

• Shoulders covered (no tank tops)
• Knees covered (no shorts)
• Remove shoes before entering (easy slip-on shoes helpful)
• No hats inside temples

Recommended

• Modest clothing (nothing tight/revealing)
• Light layers (temples can be warm or cold)
• Scarf/sarong (to cover up if needed)

Specialized Trekking Gear

For Multi-Day Treks (Snowman, Jhomolhari, etc.)

In Addition to Above:

• Expedition-weight down jacket: -10°C comfort rating
• Hard shell pants: Waterproof, breathable
• Gaiters: For snow/mud
• Trekking poles: 1 pair (highly recommended)
• Crampons: For early season/late season snow
• Harness + carabiners: For technical sections (guide will provide)

High-Altitude Considerations

• Extra warm layers: Temperatures drop to -20°C at night
• Base layers: Merino wool recommended
• Balaclava: For extreme cold

Rainy Season (Monsoon) Essentials

June - August:

• Quality rain gear: Jacket AND pants
• Umbrella: Compact, sturdy
• Quick-dry everything: Cotton takes forever to dry
• Gaiters: Keep mud/leeches out
• Dry bags: Protect electronics and documents
• Extra socks: Feet will get wet

Winter Essentials

December - February:

• Heavy down jacket: Non-negotiable
• Thermal layers: Top and bottom
• Warm hat + gloves: Windproof if possible
• Insulated water bottle: Prevents freezing
• Hand/foot warmers: Optional but nice
• Lip balm + sunscreen: Sun is strong at altitude

Packing Strategy

Layering System (The 3-Layer Rule)

1. Base Layer: Wicks moisture away from skin
2. Mid Layer: Traps heat (fleece/down)
3. Outer Layer: Protects from wind/precipitation

Why It Works: Add/remove layers as temperature/activity changes

Capsule Wardrobe Approach

Core Items (7-10 pieces):

• 2 pairs hiking pants
• 1 casual pants
• 4 t-shirts
• 1 long-sleeve shirt
• 1 fleece
• 1 waterproof jacket
• 1 insulated jacket

This gives you: 14+ outfit combinations for any situation

What NOT to Bring

• Too many cotton items: Cotton = cold when wet, slow-drying
• High heels: Unnecessary, impractical on Bhutan’s terrain
• Excessive makeup: Minimal is fine, natural beauty appreciated
• Formal wear: Unless attending a special event
• Expensive jewelry: Leave valuables at home
• Multiple heavy coats: One good jacket + layering is better

Laundry

• Hotels: Most offer laundry service (Nu. 50-100 per item)
• Laundry services: Available in Thimphu/Paro (24-48 hour turnaround)
• Hand wash: Quick-dry items can be washed in hotel sink
• Laundry soap: Bring a small bottle or bar

Clothing Size Notes

For Women

• Bhutanese clothing sizes run smaller than Western sizes
• If buying kira/gho, try on before purchasing
• Local shoes may not fit Western sizes well

For Men

• Local sizes are generally smaller
• Try before buying, especially footwear

Sample Packing Lists by Trip Type

Cultural Tour (7-10 days, valleys only)

T-shirts: 4
Long-sleeve shirts: 2
Hiking pants: 2
Casual pants: 1
Fleece: 1
Rain jacket: 1
Underwear: 7-10
Socks: 5-7 pairs
Hiking boots: 1 pair
Walking shoes: 1 pair
Flip-flops: 1 pair
Sun hat: 1
Scarf: 1

Summer Trek (5-7 days)

All of Cultural Tour PLUS:

Down jacket: 1
Rain pants: 1
Thermal top/bottom: 1 set each
Extra socks: 3 pairs
Gaiters: 1 pair
Trekking poles: 1 pair
Dry bags: 2-3

Winter Trip

Cultural Tour PLUS:

Heavy down jacket: 1
Thermal top/bottom: 2 sets each
Warm hat: 1
Gloves: 1-2 pairs
Extra fleece/sweater: 1
Warm socks: 2 extra pairs
Neck gaiter: 1

Weight Limits

Druk Air / Bhutan Airlines

• Economy: 20 kg checked, 5 kg carry-on
• Business: 30 kg checked, 7 kg carry-on
• Strictly enforced - weigh your bags before leaving

Road Travel

• Internal road travel: No strict limit, but limited luggage space
• Trekking: Porters carry 10-12 kg max per person

Where to Buy in Bhutan

If you forget something:

Thimphu

• Druk Department Store: Clothing, gear
• Weekend Market: Local wear, inexpensive
• Adventure Sports Bhutan: Trekking gear rentals

Paro

• Limited options: Small shops near Dzong
• Better to buy in Thimphu

Note: Selection is limited compared to Western countries. Don’t rely on buying specialized gear in Bhutan.

Final Tips

1. Pack light: You’ll be carrying bags more than you think
2. Break in boots: New boots = blisters on the trail
3. Test layers: Make sure everything fits/works together
4. Leave room: For souvenirs (textiles are bulky!)
5. Plastic bags: Carry a few for wet/dirty clothes
6. Comfort over fashion: Bhutan is casual and practical

Remember: Bhutan is about experiences, not appearances. Pack functional, versatile items and you’ll be prepared for anything the Land of the Thunder Dragon throws at you.