BHUTAN CYCLING TOUR

Outline Itinerary 1 (Long Route)

Day 01 : Arrive Paro and transfer to Thimphu (2250m)
Day 02 : Biking in Thimphu (2350m)
Day 03 : Riding bike from Thimphu to Punakha (1310m) 77km
Day 04 : Biking in Punakha (1310m)
Day 05 : Riding bike from Punakha to Trongsa (2300m) 142km
Day 06 : Riding bike from Trongsa to Bumthang (2800m) 68km
Day 07 : Biking in Bumthang (2800m)
Day 08 : Ride to Ura Valley (2850m)and back to Bumthang (2800m) 69km
Day 09 : Bumthang to Gangtey (2900m) – Phobijikha 188km
Day 10 : Gangtey (Phobijikha) to Thimphu (2350m) 135km
Day 11 : Riding a bike to Haa valley (2740m) -Day excursion 115km
Day 12 : Hike to Paro Taksang ‘Tigers Nest’ (3120m)
Day 13 : Paro depart
 

Itinerary in detailed
 

Day 01 : Arrive Paro and transfer to Thimphu (2250m)
Flying into Paro is a great experience flying over world’s highest mountain series with majestic views of the awesome peaks of Bhutan like Jomolhari, Jichu Drake including Mt. Everest. Upon arrival at Paro airport, our representative will meet/greet you. After some refreshments at the Paro town and cycle towards Thimphu. En-route visit the splendid ‘Tachocho Lakhang’, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s Iron Bridge Builder. Further ride will reach Chuzom marked by the confluence of Paro Chu (river) and the Wang Chu. There are three Chortens at the confluence each built in a different style. Overnight at Hotel (Thimphu).

Day 02 : Biking in Thimphu (2350m)
Explore around Thimphu today visiting the important landmarks of Thimphu like the National Memorial Chorten- a stupa for world peace and prosperity built in 1974 in the memory of the Third King of Bhutan. Then to the National Library to see the kingdoms’ rich culture, the National institute of ‘Zorig Chusum’ where a training course of Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts are given, the Folk Heritage Musuem which adds insight of the traditional Bhutanese farm house and the rural past.
After lunch, visit ‘Changangkha Lakhang’ which is fortress like temple located in a ridge above Thimphu. Then to Takin Preserve where the rare national animal of Bhutan ‘Takin’ is kept. This animal is associated with the country’s religious history and mythology. Further ride to the ‘Buddha’s Point’ which offers impressive view of the Thimphu Valley. A big Buddha statue seated on a throne is located here symbolizing peace and happiness in the world. Then bike towards the BBS Tower which also has bird eye-view of the capital city, visit the nunnery temple as well. Now drive to ‘Tashichoo Dzong’ after storing bike in the car. This Dzong is the fortress of the glorious religion and Bhutan’s administrative and religious centre. It houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and other government offices. The Dzong is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Overnight at Hotel (Thimphu).

Day 03 : Riding bike from Thimphu to Punakha (1310m) 77km
Bike towards Punakha (the ancient capital) through agricultural land and valleys crossing over Dochu La, 3050meters pass, snow-capped eastern Himalayan ranges can be seen on a clear day. The road from the Thimphu valley to Dochula Pass is ascending up for about 1 hour more. At Dochula pass and enjoy the view of eastern Himalayan ranges stretching about 25 kilometer in a clear day. There are 108 chortens at Dochula built by the eldest Queen Mother. Continue biking to Punakha winding down through the lush forest of oak, fir, spurs, and rhododendron. En-route pass thru Sopsokha village and visit the temple of fertility “Chimi Lhakhang” which is located atop hill. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04 : Biking in Punakha (1310m)
In the morning ride towards the Punakha Dzong built in 1637 standing majestically at the junction of the two rivers Pho Chu and Mo chu. Arguably Punakha Dzong is considered to be the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan with outstanding structure and intense artwork, and it’s also the winter residence of the Je khenpo, the chief abbot of Bhutan. Also this is the second Dzong built in Bhutan by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the year 1637. Enjoy the afternoon then cycle off road about 3 hours along the Phochu river to visit farm house and walk along the rice field. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 05 : Riding bike from Punakha to Trongsa (2300m) 142km
Today from Punakha bike towards Trongsa crossing over the Pele La pass (3390m) on the black mountain range, a frontier of western and central Bhutan. Trongsa is a historical place where attempts to unify the nation was launched. Continue towards Trongsa, you will come across the incredible Trongsa Dzong, an architectural wonder. Trongsa medieval watchtower and the great Mangde Chu further adds to the beauty of Trongsa Dzong. The Dzong was built in 1648 and was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan from where the first and second kings ruled the country. Overnight at Hotel (Trongsa).

Day 06 : Riding bike from Trongsa to Bumthang (2800m) 68km
After breakfast, visit Ta Dzong (Royal Heritage Museum) located above the Trongsa Dzong. This Dzong infact is a watchtower and used to guard Trongsa Dzong. It is now being restored from the ground up turned into a museum. After lunch, the bike ride proceeds from Trongsa ascending to Yotong La Pass (3425m). From the pass, get the first glimpse of the Black Mountains and other high snow-capped peaks like Mt. Jomolhari and the pass is marked by prayer flags in hundreds. Then bike along through a lush valley and hilly forest en-route stopping at Yathra, the textile weaving handloom, you can also even get a glimpse of some of the weavers at their looms. Overnight at Hotel (Bumthang)

Day 07 : Biking in Bumthang (2800m)
Explore biking around Bumthang with visits to Jakar Dzong- the administrative centre of the valley, Jambay Lakhang- one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan dating back to the introduction of Buddism in Bhutan and Kurjey Lakhang- a scared place where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint on the cave when meditating. From Jambay Lakhang to Kurjey Lakhang is biking thru agriculture field and from there on cross a suspension bridge to Tamshing Lakhang located on the other side of the river opposite the Kurje Lakhang. Also visit Mebar Tsho (Lake of burning fire), scared lake for Bhutanese where it’s belived that Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasures from the lake. Overnight at Hotel (Bumthang).

Day 08 : Ride to Ura Valley (2850m)and back to Bumthang (2800m) 69km
Today is biking to the Ura Valley crossing Shertang La pass. Four valleys (Ura, Chumey, Tang, Chokhor) made up of Bumthang and it is one of the most beautiful and scared valleys of Bhutan. En-route pass thru pastureland, fields and mountains via zigzag roads before reaching the clustered village of Ura. Explore around Ura then ride back to Bumthang. Overnight at Hotel (Bumthang).

Day 09 : Bumthang to Gangtey (2900m) – Phobijikha 188km
After breakfast, visit the glacier valley of Phobijikha which is one of the most important wildlife preserves of Bhutan as black-necked cranes migrate from Tibet in winter here. An interesting Nyingmapa Monastery dated back to 17th century is also located here. Lunch will be at Chendebjee then continue drive to Phobijikha Valley; before reaching Phobijikha, ride along from the Lawala pass till hotel. Overnight at Hotel (Phobijikha).

Day 10 : Gangtey (Phobijikha) to Thimphu (2350m) 135km
Drive back to Thimphu then visit the Crane Observation and information centre. Continue driving en-route visiting Wangdue Dzong and short walk to Rinchen Gang clustered village where houses are made up of mud and stones. People inhabiting this village is said to be of Indian origin. Stop at Dochula for lunch then continue drive to Thimphu. Evening: Stroll around Thimphu town/shopping. Overnight at Hotel (Thimphu).

Day 11 : Riding a bike to Haa valley (2740m) -Day excursion 115km
This day is day excursion to the Haa Valley crossing over Chelela pass (3822m) riding along past forests of blue pine, fir & oak. Mt. Jomolhari can be spotted from here including other snow-capped peaks and beautiful valley below the pass. After lunch, bike further down to reache the Haa Valley where Meri Phuensum, three mountains symbolizing Rigsum Gonpo: Jampelyang (manjushri), Chana Dorji (vajrapani) and Chenrizi (avaloketeshvara) are located. Explore aoudnt the remote village takig about 30 minutes of walking and stroll in town later. Also visit Lakhang Karpo and Lakhang Nagpo. In the evening drive back to Paro. Overnight at Hotel (Paro).

Day 12 : Hike to Paro Taksang ‘Tigers Nest’ (3120m)
After breakfast bike through the outskirts of Paro Valley then start the hike on foot towards the Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This hike ascending all the way up takes about 2 hours passing through pine forest. The monastery is perched in a huge granite cliff of 900 meters and it’s believed that a great saint ‘Padmasambhava’  came here in 7th century on a flying tigress to meditate for 3 months. The holy location is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese. 
Afternoon: visit Kyichu Lakhang- a sacred monastery dating back to 7th century, then proceed towards Drugyal Dzong- a fort which defended Paro Vallry from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. You can spot Mt. Jomolhari from Drukgyal Dzong in a clear weather. Later on return back to Paro. Overnight at Hotel (Paro).

Day 13 : Depart from Paro International Airport
After early breakfast, drive back to Paro International airport for flight to onward destination. Our sincere service doesn’t end here. While you and tour guide exchange thanksgiving and bids farewell, your helpful driver will gently stack your valuable luggage on the trolley, and your tour guide will help you to push till check-in counter and waits until you get through to board gate.

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Abstract/abbreviate
Dzong: Fortress
Lhakhang: Temple
Tak Tshang: Tiget Nest
Chazam: Suspension bridge
Chorten: Stupa