Mystical Bhutan Biking Adventure - 15 Days
E-Bike hire - US $630 (limited availability)
Mountain bike hire - US $350
Single room surcharge - US $495
Overview
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 to 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. Bhutan has one the world’s largest protected wildlife sanctuaries - 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.
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 high level of fitness and 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.
Highlights Include:
Culture: Dragons, Dzongs, and the Himalayas. Deeply spiritual people and their ancient Buddhist traditions
Nature: Outstanding scenery, abundant wildlife and flora
Activity: A hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery and a visit to Punakha Dzong. Crossing Bhutan from west to east
Culinary: Ema Datshi, the most popular dish in Bhutan
Souvenir: Hand-woven Textiles
Tour Gallery
Full Itinerary
Arrival in Paro
Welcome to Bhutan! You'll be met at Paro airport and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you’ll visit the Paro Museum which features local art, textiles, artefacts and sculptures. You’ll also visit one of the major Dzongs (fortified monastery) located in Paro. This evening a welcome dinner will be prepared in traditional Bhutanese style.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Paro
Paro to Thimphu with hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery
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. After lunch 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!
Cycling Distance: 10 to 15km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Thimpu
Thimpu to Punakha
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 (Buddhist shrines) 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.
Cycling Distance: 67km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Punakha
Punakha to Wangdue
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 because 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 it's just a short ride to Wangdue.
Cycling Distance: 23km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Wangdue
Wangdue to Trongsa
We start with a transfer to avoid a 52 km climb!! From the summit of Pelela Pass at 3,420m it's a 68 km ride to Trongsa, home to Bhutan's largest dzong. It was built in 1644 and is situated high above the Mangde Chhu (river) with sheer drops on one side. The only road connecting eastern and western Bhutan passed through its courtyard where the massive doors could be shut, dividing the country in two. There will be a visit to this dzong in the late afternoon.
Cycling Distance: 68km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Trongsa to Jakar
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. Then it's a 24 km descent through 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.
Cycling Distance: 70km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Jakar
Jakar Loop
The morning is free to sleep in or have a wander 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.
Cycling Distance: 30km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Jakar
Jakar to Tang Valley
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.
Cycling Distance: 32km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ogden Choling Heritage House
Tang Valley to Shirtung La to Ura
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. Since 1994, climbing mountains higher than 6,000 metres has been prohibited in Bhutan out of respect for local spiritual beliefs and 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.
Cycling Distance: 55km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Ura
Ura to Thrumshing La to Sengor
From Ura your ride is approximately 35kms 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 at a guesthouse or campsite.
Cycling Distance: 55km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Campsite in Sengor
Sengor to Mongar
Starting at 3,051m its a fantastic 60 km descent all the way to the Kuri Chhu (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.
Cycling Distance: 88km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Mongar
Mongar to Kori La to Trashigang
Today is a day of ups and downs beginning with a 20 km climb to Kori La at 2,390m. Again your effort is rewarded with a 42 km descent to the Drangme Chhu River. Then its a relatively flat ride (for Bhutan anyway) along the river to the bridge that crosses Drangme. After one final climb you will arrive at your hotel on the outskirts of Trashigang, the easternmost point of this tour.
Cycling Distance: 90km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Trashigang
Trashigang to Yongphu La to Wamrong
A tough start to the day with switchbacks for 25 km up to the Yongphu La at 2,544m. 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 the town of Wamrong.
Cycling Distance: 82km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Campsite in Wamrong
Wamrong to Samdrup Jongkhar
You'll 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!
Cycling Distance: 95km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar
Departure from Guwahati Airport
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
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Download the Itinerary PDF here
All distances are approximate. Our tours often go off the beaten track and follow routes that are not always predictable. We cannot always guarantee the weather. For these reasons we may occasionally have to update our itineraries. We will only do this to improve your experience or for safety reasons. Our listed accommodation is always accurate at the time of writing but should we need to change you can rest assured that it will be for similar or better. Display price may differ to what is quoted as this tour is invoiced in the currency stated, and can be dynamic with daily exchange rates.
The Details
- 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
- International & domestic flights, airport taxes
- Indian visa
- Surcharge for single room
- 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
Off-the-beaten-track destinations don’t come easy. This tour is mountainous and includes high altitude cycling.
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 high level of fitness and 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.
If you're unsure about anything, please see our FAQs page for extra information.
FAQsBooking information
Participants will be asked to complete a booking form after confirmation of their booking.
BOOKING CONDITONS
To ensure the trip's viability with our suppliers, a minimum of typically 2 participants is usually required. Upon submitting your booking request, we will provide specifics regarding minimum numbers. Following trip confirmation, you may proceed with flight bookings and other travel arrangements. A ‘Limited’ trip status signifies limited spaces available. For trip status inquiries, kindly email or call our office.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
A deposit is required to secure your place on your selected tour departure. On receipt of your deposit, Global Cycling Adventures will email you a confirmation to verify your travel arrangements and advise final payment details. The final payment is normally required 60 days before departure date unless otherwise specified.
CANCELLATIONS & AMENDMENTS
All tour cancellations will require notification in writing to Global Cycling Adventures by the person participating on the tour. Please be advised that booking cancellations or amendments will incur relevant fees. Cancellation charges are tour-specific and timing-dependent. For a comprehensive outline of our terms and conditions, including the cancellation policy, please refer to the travel proposal provided by our team.
We recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance on payment of your tour deposit in case unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel your tour.
OVERSEAS JURISDICTION AND TERMS
For all overseas tours, the terms and conditions, laws, and jurisdiction of the destination country will apply. By booking a tour with us, you acknowledge and agree that local regulations, industry practices, and terms specific to the destination country may supersede or modify our standard terms. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable local laws and regulations while participating in the tour.
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