Mystical Bhutan

Bicycling in Bhutan is rewarded with stunning views, pristine nature and long descents. However, those vistas come at a price of long, but gentle, climbs, at high altitude, but the riding is on good paved roads with little traffic. We start cycling from Thimpu after visiting Paro, and head east, stopping to visit dzongs (fortresses), monasteries and temples and absorbing the Buddhist culture.

Tour Cost	US$4,275	Single Supplement	US$450
Bike Hire	US$185	Total Cycling Distance	550 kilometres
Tour Grade	out of 5	Number of Days	14 Days/13 Nights
Number of Cycling Days	8 full, 1 half.	Tour Meets	Paro
Tour Ends	Paro	Group Size	Minimum 1. Maximum 16.

Day 1

Morning arrival to the Land of the Thunder Dragon and in the afternoon we’ll visit Paro Museum and one of the major Dzongs (fortress temple).

Day 2

We transfer to the capital and largest city of Bhutan, Thimphu, to visit museums and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Time to get used to biking and at altitude with a leisurely cycle to Dodina, past small villages, farmlands and dense forests.

Day 3

The first of many hills – 18 km up to Dochula pass. After admiring the 108 Chortens at the top and the expansive views of the snow-capped mountains of the eastern Himalayas it’s time to descend down the pass to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan.

Day 4

Today we stay in Punakha valley and along the Mo River we ride out and back to Tashithang where we bicycle through rice fields, gardens and villages.

Day 5

A leisurely ride as we cycle to the impressive sites of the valley. We visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most impressive Dzongs in Bhutan, uniquely located at the confluence of the Poo and the Mo Rivers, and Chhimi Lhakhang, also known as the temple of the “Devine Madman,” before riding the short way to Wangdue.

Day 6

The toughest ride of the tour will take us over the Black Mountains, the division between east and west Bhutan, and offers some quite spectacular views. A gentle downhill though bamboo and pine forest takes us to our overnight at Phobjikha.

Day 7

A rest day from the bike in a glacial valley, a great place to explore by foot as the area below the recently restored Gante Goemba monastery is dotted with villages and Ihakhangs (Buddhist temples).

Day 8

Time to climb, over Lawala pass up to Pele La but the effort is rewarded with a 27 km downhill to Chendebji, with the Black Mountains providing a stunning back drop. Then it’s a gentle climb all the way to Trongsa.

Day 9

After a visit to Trongsa Dzong, situated high above the Mangde River, be prepared for a two pass day. Heading over the Yontong La we will see the old trade route that runs parallel with the pass before heading downhill through the fir, then pine and bamboo forests before reaching Zungney. We have a gradual climb to Kiki La before descending down to Jakar.

Day 10

The morning is free to wander around the small but interesting town of Jakar that is the trading hub of the Bumthang valley. In the afternoon we have a leisurely ride and a chance to visit some of the many dzong’s and Goemba’s that are scattered around the valley

Day 11

Free day to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Bumthang valley.

Day 12

Time to retrace our journey, as there is only one road that bisects Bhutan, we’ll transfer to Wangdue.

Day 13

A choice to ride the Dochula pass in reverse or drive up and stop and take in the views as we head back to Paro.

Day 14

Tour concludes in Paro and we transfer you to the airport for onward travel.

Date	Availability	Price	Single Supplement	Bike Hire	Book
April 8, 2012	Available	USD 4,275.00	USD 450.00	USD 185.00
June 3, 2012	Available	USD 4,275.00	USD 450.00	USD 185.00
August 5, 2012	Guaranteed to Depart	USD 4,275.00	USD 450.00	USD 185.00
September 2, 2012	Available	USD 4,275.00	USD 450.00	USD 185.00
October 14, 2012	Available	USD 4,275.00	USD 450.00	USD 185.00

• We had an absolutely fantastic time riding across Bhutan's stunning countryside. The equipment was first rate. Kinga, our guide and Karma, our driver, made every day a treat; this trip is a perfect blend of recreational and cultural adventures. Their hospitality and support were greatly appreciated.

  Many thanks!

  Peter and Melissa Morse - September 2009