Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal - clear skies, mild temperatures, and stable weather for multi-week treks. These seasons fill up fast, so book 2-3 months ahead if you want a specific trek. Winter and summer each have their fans, but conditions are either snowy or rainy.

For longer treks (13+ days) and specialized trips like the Jomolhari or Rodung La expeditions, aim for 2-3 months. Shorter 7-9 day cultural tours are often more flexible, but checking availability a month ahead gives you better choices.

Yes. Bhutan requires visitors to hire a licensed guide, and that's genuinely a good thing - guides navigate remote passes, unlock monastery access, and share cultural context that transforms a trek into something memorable. Most visitors book full-service packages that include guide, porter, and logistics.

Accommodation, meals, a guide (sometimes multiple guides for high-altitude treks), and internal transport are standard. High-end retreats add wellness activities; birding and cultural tours include specialist guides. Check your specific tour - what counts as 'included' varies between operators.

Multi-week treks demand fitness and altitude acclimatization, so they're not practical for young children or those with mobility constraints. Shorter cultural tours with easy walks and car-based itineraries are more family-friendly. Check with operators about age guidelines and accessibility for your specific tour.

Your tour operator handles transport - either private car with driver or included in your trek package. Self-driving is possible but uncommon for tourists; hiring a local driver is more practical and culturally standard.

For high-altitude treks (Jomolhari reaches over 4,000m), yes - acclimatization matters. Most itineraries build in rest days and gradual climbs. Shorter cultural tours and lower-altitude treks avoid this entirely. Be honest about your fitness when choosing.