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Travellers looking for quiet experiences will find several places to visit in Bhutan in July where nature and tradition come alive in unexpected ways. Monasteries, often surrounded by rain-fed forests, offer peaceful views. Far-flung villages become even more picturesque as crops grow and prayer flags flutter. Travel is still possible across western and central regions, and southern parks and heritage valleys stay open. Instead of skipping July, many seasoned travellers visit during this time for its moody skies, green trails, and uninterrupted moments of reflection. Each region offers something distinct, shaped by season and spirit.
10 Places To Visit In Bhutan In July
These handpicked places to visit in Bhutan in July offer just the right mix of culture, scenery, and accessibility for the season.
1. Dochula Pass
Photo: Goran Hoglund (Kartlasarn) / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most scenic places to visit in Bhutan in July is Dochula Pass, especially when the monsoon mist rolls gently through the 108 chortens that line the hilltop. The pass, which connects Thimphu with Punakha, sits at over 3,000 metres and offers a fleeting view of the Eastern Himalayas when the sky briefly clears. While clear skies are rare in July, the fog and drizzle give the pass a haunting beauty that dry seasons never manage. Travellers often stop here to explore the Druk Wangyal Chortens and admire the murals at the nearby temple built in honour of the Fourth King.
Location: Between Thimphu and Punakha
Timings: 24*7
Nearby Attractions: Royal Heritage Museum, Semtokha Dzong, Hongtsho Village
Stay Options:: Dochula Eco Retreat, Metta Resort & Spa
2. Chimi Lhakhang
Photo: David Broad / Wikimedia Commons
Chimi Lhakhang, a serene monastery near Lobesa, Bhutan, is a unique July destination. The 20-minute walk through lush, rain-soaked rice fields offers stunning views of Punakha’s hills. Known for its connection to Drukpa Kunley, the “Divine Madman,” the site features wooden phalluses symbolizing fertility blessings. Villagers tend to flood fields nearby, enhancing the peaceful vibe. Pilgrims and newlyweds visit year-round, but the monsoon season’s quiet atmosphere in July feels especially intimate, as if time slows within this spiritual sanctuary nestled in a tranquil village.
Location: Lobesa, Punakha District
Timings: 9 AM – 1 PM & 2 PM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Ritsha Village, Nobgang Village, Talo Goenpa
Stay Options: Hotel Lobesa, RKPO Green Resort
3. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Photo: David Broad / Wikimedia Commons
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, perched above Punakha Valley, is a top July destination for light trekking and stunning views. Built to dispel negativity and promote peace, it overlooks the Mo Chhu River and layered mountains. The 45-minute uphill hike passes through lush paddy fields and pine forests. The richly painted chorten features rare tantric imagery not common in public temples. Fewer tourists visit during the wet season, creating a peaceful, personal experience. Visitors can also climb the roof for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Location: Nyizergang, Punakha Valley
Timings: 9 AM – 12 PM & 1:30 PM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Limbhukha Village, Yebisa Village, Khuruthang Market
Stay Options: Zhingkham Resort, Damchen Resort
4. Haa Valley
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Haa Valley is a pristine Bhutanese destination in July, perfect for exploring traditional village life away from crowds. The journey from Paro crosses misty Chele La Pass, winding through blue pine and rhododendron forests. After the rains, waterfalls cascade along the slopes. The valley unfolds into terraced fields and grazing meadows dotted with traditional houses. Farmers tend cattle and plant potatoes in the rain. Visitors can explore ancient temples like Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo, gaining insight into the region’s rich spiritual heritage amid its unspoiled natural beauty.
Location: Western Bhutan, near Paro
Nearby Attractions: Juneydrak Hermitage, Yangthang Village, Katsho Village
Stay Options: Risum Resort, Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge
5. Gangtey Monastery
Photo: Chuck Moravec / Wikimedia Commons
Gangtey Monastery, overlooking Phobjikha Valley, offers a serene July visit in Bhutan. The monsoon rains reveal the landscape’s raw beauty, with mist drifting over wetlands. The path to the monastery winds through fragrant dwarf bamboo and pine forests. Monks perform rituals in the courtyard, framed by stunning valley views. The nearby Gangtey Nature Trail meanders through meadows and farmhouses, alive with birds and summer blooms despite slick conditions. July’s quiet season lets visitors enjoy the monastery’s sacred energy and the valley’s peaceful silence without the winter crowds of migrating cranes.
Location: Phobjikha Valley, Wangdue Phodrang District
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Black-necked Crane Centre, Longtey Village, Kilkhorthang Trail, Khewang Lhakhang
Stay Options: Dewachen Hotel & Spa, Hotel Gakiling
6. Royal Manas National Park
Photo: Chandrashekhar / Wikimedia Commons
Royal Manas National Park, along Bhutan’s southern border, is a July hotspot for wildlife and tropical forest lovers. The wet season thickens the forest canopy, alive with cicadas and flowing rivers. Visitors can spot golden langurs, elephants, hornbills, and rare orchids thriving in the rain. Guided treks and river safaris offer immersive experiences, with boat rides on the rising Manas River feeling thrilling as the forest envelops you. Conservation centers within the park provide insights into Bhutan’s environmental protection, making it a rewarding and offbeat destination during July’s lush season.
Location: South-central Bhutan (Gelephu/Manas area)
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Cost: ₹300 per person
Nearby Attractions: Tingtibi town, Umling Eco Trail, Panbang Suspension Bridge, Goshing Gewog
Stay Options: Eco-lodges near Panbang, Yangchenphug Guesthouse
7. Lhuentse Dzong
Photo: muddum27 / Wikimedia Commons
Lhuentse Dzong, deep in Bhutan’s eastern highlands, is a culturally rich July destination. The drive winds through thick, monsoon-soaked forests, with fog lingering along the ridges and occasional landslide clearings. The dzong stands on a rocky spur above the Kuri Chhu River, prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Inside, dimly lit halls glow with butter lamps as monks perform quiet morning rituals. Nearby Khoma village is famed for exquisite Kishuthara textiles, where travelers often visit local weavers crafting intricate designs on traditional wooden looms.
Location: Lhuentse District, Northeastern Bhutan
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Jarey Village, Ney Temple, Minjey Valley, Takila Buddha Dordenma
Stay Options: Local farmstays, Lhuentse Guest House
8. Talo Village
Photo: Phuntsho Wangdi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Talo Village, perched above Punakha, offers a peaceful July retreat in Bhutan away from tourist crowds. The scenic uphill drive passes rain-soaked terraced fields and forests. In July, blooming cornfields and orchids adorn the village, with the fresh scent of wet earth along narrow paths. At the top, Talo Sangnacholing Monastery provides quiet temple grounds and sweeping valley views as monks chant morning prayers. Warm hospitality awaits as local families often invite visitors for tea or simple meals, offering an intimate glimpse into their close-knit, traditional hillside lifestyle.
Location: Above Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang
Nearby Attractions: Laptsakha Monastery, Gasa Tsachu, Puna Mochhu Riverbank
Stay Options: Local homestays, Uma Punakha
9. Drapham Dzong Ruins
Photo: Neelraj!! / Wikimedia Commons
Drapham Dzong Ruins, hidden in Bumthang’s Tang Valley, reveal Bhutan’s medieval past and remain overlooked in July. Surrounded by monsoon fog and silence, the 16th-century fortress lies in scattered stones full of history. July’s rains turn the valley vibrant green, with fields blooming with wildflowers and grazing yaks. A gentle, rain-slick trail leads to the ruins from the nearest road. Visitors often pair this quiet, atmospheric site with a trip to the nearby Ogyen Choling heritage complex, immersing themselves in the region’s rich cultural and natural beauty during the monsoon season.
Location: Bumthang District
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
Nearby Attractions: Tang Valley, Kunzangdrak Monastery, Membar Tsho, Jakar Lhakhang
Stay Options: Mountain Resort Bumthang, Ugyenling Hotel
10. Chorten Kora
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn / Wikimedia Commons
Chorten Kora, near the Kholongchu River in Trashiyangtse, is a historically significant Bhutanese site to visit in July. Built in the 18th century by Lama Ngawang Lodrö to subdue a harmful demon, it’s modeled after Nepal’s Boudhanath Stupa and rich in spiritual symbolism. Taking twelve years to complete, it honors faith and sacrifice. Local legend tells of a 16-year-old Tawang girl who entered the stupa during its consecration and never returned. Visitors can join locals in circumambulating the outer walls, spinning prayer wheels in reverent, slow circles.
Location: Trashiyangtse District
Timings: 24*7
Nearby Attractions: Gomphu Kora, Trashiyangtse Institute of Zorig Chusum, Bomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary
Stay Options: Karmaling Hotel, local guesthouses
Traveling in the monsoon season reveals some of the best places to visit in Bhutan in July. The rains bring valleys to life and add a magical touch to temples, villages, and mountain trails. Explore sacred sites like Chimi Lhakhang and the misty slopes of Haa. With fewer crowds and lush landscapes, July is perfect for an authentic Bhutan experience. Plan your trip with TripXL today!
Cover Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
