Contact us for more info about Mystical Bhutan 15 day Biking Adventure

We don't currently have scheduled dates for this tour, however please let us know you're interested and when you'd like to go and we will endeavour to provide you with a tour to meet your needs.

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    Mystical Bhutan 15 day Biking Adventure

    Journey to the Land of the Thunder Dragon from $10720 NZD

    Contact us for more info about Mystical Bhutan 15 day Biking Adventure

    We don't currently have scheduled dates for this tour, however please let us know you're interested and when you'd like to go and we will endeavour to provide you with a tour to meet your needs.

      [recaptcha]

      15 Days
      • 2024
      • 2025
      • Best time to travel: May - October
      • Availability Guide:
      • Current date selected
      • Plenty
      • Limited
      • Closed or too close to departure (Call Us for options)

      Rarely is any country well known and at the same time steeped in such mystery. This Bhutan cycling tour allows the opportunity to experience the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

      Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan is a landlocked, mountainous kingdom bounded by China and India. Its topography and climate varies from tropical lowlands in the south, to lush valleys, temperate forests and awe inspiring peaks and glaciers in the north. This tour is for those who love climb as there are no flat sections. As well as a wide range of flora, including medicinal plants, orchids, rhododendrons, and the blue poppy (National Flower) there is also an abundance of wildlife and birds. Plus Bhutan has one the world’s largest protective wildlife sanctuaries, which is home to many endangered species. Scattered throughout the country are more than 2,000 monasteries and countless chortens, ranging from simple to elaborate structures. A journey to Bhutan is the chance to experience a truly exotic culture in a spectacular natural environment.

      Paro to Guwahati

      Paro Airport
      • Mountain Biking
      • Grade
      • Group size: 2-16
      • USD 495 single room surcharge
      • USD 350 mountain bike hire
      • USD 630 e-bike hire (limited)
      • Prices from Oct 2024 subject to change
      • This tour is invoiced in USD
      • Biking mostly on paved roads (minimal offroad)
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      Mystical Bhutan 15 day Biking Adventure Fitness and Preparation
      This bike tour is a true classic with Himalayan mountain passes, exhilarating descents, magnificent views, clean air, plus an abundance of culture and history in one of the world's most secluded countries. The riding is mostly on paved roads (variable condition) with little traffic. There will be a mix of some easier, shorter days as well as some longer, challenging days due to the altitude and climbing involved. You will be cycling at altitudes of 2,000 m to 3,000 m (and sometimes over 3,400 m) above sea level, so it will take a few days to acclimatise. It's important you have a reasonable level of fitness and have some cycling experience as there will be some long climbs (some over 20km) as well as fast, sweeping descents. However the tour is fully supported, so the van is always close at hand if needed. Accommodation is mostly in small 3-star hotels with comfortable rooms and traditional amenities in order to keep the tour as authentic as possible. With outstanding scenery, abundant flora and fauna, plus deeply religious and friendly people, this destination will be one to remember.  

      Full Itinerary

      DAY 1

      Arrival Day: Paro

      No biking

      You'll be met at Paro airport and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you’ll visit the town's Museum which features local art, textiles, artefacts and sculptures. You’ll also visit one of the major Dzongs located in Paro. This evening a welcome dinner will be prepared in traditional Bhutanese style.

      Meals: Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 2

      Paro to Thimphu (plus Tiger's Nest Monastery Hike)

      Biking: approx 10-16 km

      A hearty breakfast sets you up for the first trip highlight - a hike to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery. After a short transfer to Takstang, begin your 4 km climb, ascending roughly 900m. The rewards will be worth the effort, with fantastic views and an unprecedented look at one of the most secluded sites in Tibetan Buddhism. Then it's back down the hill and a transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city. Here you'll visit various museums and institutes, showcasing Bhutan's fascinating local arts and traditions. Later you'll be fitted to your bikes before going on a short warm up ride to get used to the altitude! After dinner at the hotel, rest up for the upcoming cycling days ahead!

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 3

      Thimphu to Punakha

      Biking: 67 km

      Today will be the first major hill challenge. After a 5 km warm up, it's an 18 km climb to the pass at Dochula, known for its spiritual energy and 108 Chortens that are located at the top. Lunch at the Dochula Café is the perfect place to take in the expansive views of the deep valleys and eastern Himalayas. Then as you descend you'll notice the change from oak, maple and blue pine forests to rhododendron, hemlock and fir vegetation. Along with the many monasteries that come into view, this descent will be one to remember.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 4

      Punakha to Wangdue

      Biking: 23 km

      It's a more leisurely ride today, exploring the beautiful and lush valley that surrounds Punakha. There will be time to visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most impressive Dzongs in Bhutan, built in 1638 and made all the more remarkable as it was constructed without the use of drawings or a single nail! You'll also visit Chhimi Lhakhang, which was built in 1499. It's also known as the temple of the “Devine Madman” (Lama Drukpa Kunley), a disciple of one of the five great tertons (treasure discoverer) Pema Lingpa. This temple is also noted for its blessing of women who wish to bear children. In the afternoon its just a short ride to Wangdue.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 5

      Wangdue to Trongsa

      Biking: 68 km

      To avoid a 52 km climb, the day starts with a transfer!! Then from the summit of Pelela Pass at 3,420m it's a 68 km ride to Trongsa, home to Bhutan's largest dzong. Built in 1644 and with sheer drops on one side, it's situated high above the Mangde Chhu (river). The only road connecting eastern and western Bhutan passed through the courtyard of this dzong, where the massive doors could be shut, dividing the country in two. A visit to the dzong will be later in the afternoon.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 6

      Trongsa to Jakar

      Biking: 70 km

      It's an interesting ride today, because as you head over the pass of Yontong La (28 km), you can still see the old trade route that runs parallel with the pass. Now its a 24 km descent through the fir, then pine and bamboo forests before reaching Zungney. The final leg is a gradual climb to Kiki La before descending to Jakar, also known as Bumthang.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 7

      Jakar Loop

      Biking: 30 km

      The morning you may like a sleep-in before wandering around this small town that is the trading hub of the Bumthang Valley. In the afternoon a leisurely ride gives you the option to visit some of the many dzongs and Goembas that are scattered around the valley.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 8

      Jakar to Tang Valley

      Biking: 32 km

      Today you'll cycle on the main road for 12 km before turning off to ride up the remote Tang valley. Your first stop is at the 'burning lake' to learn its legend before riding on to visit a nearby nunnery. You will continue your climb on a mixture of paved and dirt roads to Ogyen Choling Heritage House. This former palace is now a guesthouse with a private museum which you can visit during your stay and learn about feudal Bhutan.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 9

      Tang Valley to Shirtung La to Ura

      Biking: 55 km

      Heading back to the main road, today's main climb leads to the pass of Shirtung La, from where you'll hopefully have a clear view of Gangkhar Puensum. At 7,570 metres its the world’s highest unclimbed peak. In 1994, climbing mountains higher than 6,000 metres has been prohibited in Bhutan out of respect for local spiritual beliefs. Then since 2003 mountaineering has been forbidden completely. You have the option of descending to Ura village either on single track trails or on the paved road.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 10

      Ura to Thrumshing La to Sengor campsite

      Biking: 55 km

      From Ura, your ride is approximately 35 kms to Thurmshing La, the highest pass in Bhutan at 3,798m. After resting at the summit you are rewarded with a glorious 20 km descent to Sengor. Tonight's accommodation will be a guesthouse or at a campsite.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 11

      Sengor to Mongar

      Biking: 88 km

      Starting at 3,051m its a fantastic 60 km descent all the way to the Kuru Chu River at 579m. Then we slowly make our way up a series of switchbacks to the remote village of Mongar (at 1,590m), one of the country's oldest educational hubs.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 12

      Mongar to Kori La to Trashigang

      Biking: 90 km

      It's a day of ups and downs beginning with a 20 km climb to Kori La at 2,390 m. Again your effort is rewarded with a 42 km descent to the Drangme Chu River. Then its a relatively flat ride, for Bhutan anyway, along the river to the bridge that crosses Drangme. After one final climb you arrive at your hotel on the outskirts of Trashigang, the easternmost point of this tour.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 13

      Trashigang to Yongphu La to Wamrong campsite

      Biking: 82 km

      A tough start to the day with switchbacks for 25 km up to the Yongphu La at 2,544 m. On the way you'll pass the town of Kanglung, home to Sherubtse College, the first accredited college in Bhutan founded in 1966 by Jesuits. Admire the sweeping panoramic views before continuing on undulating terrain above scattered houses and fields to our guesthouse or campsite in the town of Wamrong.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 14

      Warming to Samdrup Jongkhar

      Biking: 95 km

      Ride to the final pass at 2,388m and catch your first glimpse of the Assam plain. Then its another amazing descent of 3,080m following many rivers all the way down to the border town of Samdrup Jongkhar. You'll feel the change in temperature as you descend almost back to sea level, ending at an elevation of 130m! Tonight will be a celebration for your accomplishment of crossing Bhutan from west to east!

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 15

      Departure Day: Transfer to Guwahati Airport

      No biking

      Time to pack the bikes away and cross the border to India. It will take approximately 4 hours to drive to Guwahati Airport, depending on the time taken at border control. Your flight should not depart before mid afternoon.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Tour Inclusions and Exclusions:

      Tour Includes:

      • Accommodation: mainly 3 star hotels with traditional amenities & 2 guesthouses or campsites
      • Airport arrival transfer (day 1)
      • Airport departure transfer (day 15)
      • Meals as listed in the itinerary
      • Local English speaking riding guide(s)
      • Vehicle(s) for transport and general support
      • Bhutan visa fee
      • Drinking water and snacks while riding

      Tour Excludes:

      • International & domestic flights, airport taxes
      • Indian visa
      • Bike hire (mountain bike or e-bike)
      • Optional activity costs
      • Personal expenses and drinks (except water while riding)
      • Travel insurance
      • Tips for guide(s) and support crew