from 0 review
7 Days 6 Nights
Daily Tour
Unlimited
English
The rugged, mountainous terrain of Bhutan makes it an ideal landscape for cycling, with a mix of on-road and off-road trails set against breathtaking scenery. The sport is steadily gaining popularity among both visitors and Bhutanese alike.
This tour takes in a variety of biking routes, from smooth rides on paved roads to more challenging off-road dirt trails winding through rugged terrain, offering a level of intimacy with the landscape that’s rarely experienced from inside a vehicle.
Fly into Paro by Drukair or Bhutan Airlines. After completing your immigration formalities, you will be received by our representative, who will be your tour guide throughout the trip, and drive to Thimphu. Visit the National Memorial Chorten: chorten literally means 'seat of faith', and Buddhists often call such monuments the 'Mind of Buddha'; you'll find elderly locals in circumambulation here throughout the day. Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan's national animal, the takin, an extremely rare member of the goat family found only in Bhutan, usually seen in herds at very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). Tashichho Dzong, the 'fortress of the glorious religion'. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and was reconstructed into its present form by the late King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, between 1962 and 1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room, the office of the King, and the central monk body. Craft Bazaar: a one-stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan-made arts and crafts. The bazaar's 80 stalls cover all aspects of traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship, with artisans from across the country displaying and selling their handicrafts. Also visit other handicraft stores in town. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast, cycle to Buddha Point to visit the tallest Buddha statue, then continue through Kuenselphodrang via Depsi towards Thimphu town. From there, ride towards Sangaygang and the Motithang Mini Zoo, returning via Zilukha for some of the best views over the valley. Enjoy the ride through Thimphu's pristine environment, with fresh air and amazing sights along the way. Lunch will be served in Thimphu. After lunch, ride towards Dodedra. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.
Today's ride begins with the climb to Dochula Pass, a height gain of about 670m. After a stop to enjoy the views at Dochula, enjoy a downhill ride into the valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. At Lobesa, visit Chhimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility, and then Punakha Dzong, widely regarded as the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. From here, ride on to Kabesa village, the viewpoint for Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.
Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: a beautiful hike takes you to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley, with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond. Afterward, cycle back towards Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast, ride to Paro. Lunch will be served in Paro. In the afternoon, ride towards Drukgyel or explore in and around Paro valley by bike. Evening stroll around Paro town. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.
Hike up to Paro Taktsang Monastery, the most famous and sacred monastery in Bhutan. Taktsang means 'Tiger's Nest', named for Guru Rinpoche, who reportedly flew to this site on the back of a flying tigress in the 8th century. The walk takes about 2.5 hours uphill from the road end. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, with many trees festooned with Spanish moss and occasional groves of fluttering prayer flags. Lunch will be served at the Taktsang cafeteria. On the way back, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the two oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo (traditionally regarded as the 33rd king of Tibet, and considered a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, known to Bhutanese as Chenrezig). Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward departure, bringing an unforgettable Bhutan cycling adventure to a close.
1.1. Yes, all visitors will need a visa to visit Bhutan, except for visitors from India, who will require a permit. 1.2. Nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives shall be eligible for a visa on arrival at the port of entry. 1.3. Nationals of Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic and official passports shall be eligible for a visa on arrival at the port of entry. 1.4. Visitors from India will need a permit to visit Bhutan. This applies to anyone holding an Indian passport, or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals aged under 18 years, a passport or a birth certificate will suffice, and they must be accompanied by legal guardians.
2.1. Visitors can process a visa or permit online from the website of the Department of Immigration. Visitors can also engage tourism service providers (see www.bhutan.travel for more details) to process the travel documents and plan a trip. The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) will also offer customer service to help answer questions regarding visa applications and to answer questions about travel within the country. 2.2. Although visitors from Bangladesh and Maldives can process visas on arrival and visitors from India can process permits on arrival at the port of entry, it is recommended that these be applied online to reduce wait time and for faster clearance at the port of entry.
3.1. A passport copy is required. The passport must be valid for six months from the intended date of departure from the Kingdom; 3.2. Travel insurance valid for the duration of the trip; and 3.3. A recent passport size photograph.
4.1. The visa fee is USD 40 per person and it is non-refundable. While the process to issue the visa is usually quick, the visa can take up to five working days to process.
5.1. Visitors from India can use a passport or voter ID card. Children under 18 years of age can use a birth certificate or passport, and must be accompanied by a legal guardian. 5.2. Passport size photograph is also required. 5.3. Travel insurance is required and should be valid for the whole duration of the trip.
Please Visit Tourism Council of Bhutan
