Bhutanese Dragon Bike Tour
Overview
With an unmatchable ‘blueness’ in the sky and wonderfully unique vistas of lofty mountains, monasteries perched on hilltops and bright windows adorning white-washed ‘Dzong like’ houses, Bhutan is nothing short of a topographical wonder! Looking at the surreal landscape around you, you will certainly be gasping from something other than the altitude. Surrender to the warm hospitality and savour your surroundings.
Paro
Paro
casual
challenging
50km or 30mi
Age: 18+
Highlights
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Day | Place | Hotel | Meals | Distance | Activity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DAY 1 | Thimphu | L,D | |||
DAY 2 | Thimphu | B,L,D | 40km/24mi* | cycling | |
DAY 3 | Punakha | B,L,D | 65km/39mi | cycling | |
DAY 4 | Punakha | B,L,D | 30km/18mi | cycling | |
DAY 5 | Phobjikha Valley | B,L,D | 70km/42mi | cycling | |
DAY 6 | Phobjikha Valley | B,L,D | 30km/18mi | cycling | |
DAY 7 | Trongsa | B,L,D | 50km/30mi | cycling | |
DAY 8 | Bumthang Valley | B,L,D | 50km/30mi | cycling | |
DAY 9 | Bumthang Valley | B,L,D | |||
DAY 10 | Fly to Paro | B,L,D | |||
DAY 11 | Haa Valley | B,L,D | 50km/30mi | cycling | |
DAY 12 | Haa Valley | B,L,D | hiking | ||
DAY 13 | Paro | B,L,D | hiking | ||
DAY 14 | Paro | B |
Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Thimphu
Enjoy a flight to Bhutan over a stack of snow-topped mountains for a large part of journey. Pray for a clear sunny day for a stunning view!
We meet at the Paro airport and drive to Thimphu and have a relaxing evening.

Day 2: Thimphu
We warm up with a short ride around Thimphu. Visit museums, textile weavers, post office, markets and watch archery at the stadium. After lunch, ride up north on tarmac roads passing through Thimphu’s various residential neighbourhoods and surrounding villages. On the way back, visit the Changangkha Lhakhang and Trashichhodzong Fortress, a fine example of Bhutan’s rich architecture that holds the office of His Majesty the King and the Prime Minister.

Day 3: Punakha
We take up with a bit longer ride to balmy Punakha over the mountains. The route takes us through apple orchards and pine forests and passes through Dochu La Pass (3,140m). The landscape changes dramatically from here to rhododendron forests and fir. We stop by for a lunch here and admire stunning views all around.
A long descend from here takes us to Punakha, a picturesque settlement where we can see small stands of apple orchards and locals busying themselves over farmlands.
Time to rest well and gear up for some serious cycling ahead!

Day 4: Punakha
Today, enjoy a beautiful countryside ride visiting ancient fortresses, suspension bridges, paddy fields, temples and a school. Soak your feet in the glacial rivers over a picnic lunch.
Post-lunch visit Punakha Dzong. Sitting majestically at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

Day 5: Phobjikha Valley
The topography changes drastically from lush valley to wetlands over the Nobding valley. Along the way, cross Lha Wang La Pass for a glimpse of Phobjikha Valley. This area is known for black-necked cranes. Wild boars, sambars, Himalayan black bears, leopards and red foxes are also there in surrounding hills.
Undisputedly, this is the most spectacular valley during the ride.

Day 6: Phobjikha Valley
Phobjikha valley is a paradise for bikers and today enjoy a ride on beautiful single-track trails that traverses through pine-forests festooned with prayer flags and overlooking the bowl-shaped marshland and meadows. Visit the famous Gangtey Gompa monastery and the Black-necked Crane Information Centre on the way.

Day 7: Trongsa
Today we ride to Trongsa past gorges, meadows and through snow bound passes connecting east to west of Bhutan. The town is based on a steep ridge and commands spectacular views of the valleys.
Visit Trongsa Dzong, a spectacularly sited dzong, situated atop a steep ridge with a sheer drop into the clouds on its other side.

Day 8: Bumthang Valley
Get ready for a tough yet rewarding day and ride to Bumthang valley comprising of Chokhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume valleys. It’s a long switchback route today with Yutung La Pass at 3,400m.

Day 9: Bumthang Valley
Today you can plan your own day. Spend day at leisure or take a stroll around the Valley. Visit Kurjey Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong and Tamshing Lhakhang.
Alternatively, you can ride to Ura Valley over the Shertang La Pass.

Day 10: Fly to Paro
Enjoy a gorgeous flight to Paro and later visit Paro National Museum followed by Rinpung Dzong. Enjoy the evening shopping around for various handicrafts and artefact.

Day 11: Haa Valley
Take the switchback road to get that blood pumping over the Cheli la Pass; that panoramic views from Haa will be highly rewarding.
Day 12: Haa Valley
Today spend the day at leisure or go for a hike to nearby majestic mountain peaks.

Day 13: Paro
Explore on foot and hike up to the Tiger’s Nest, which overlooks the town from its perch on a sheer hill. The 17th century monastery is a perfect place to get a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the region. Lovely Kyichu Lhakhang, is another monastery worthy of your time.
Day 14: Paro
Today we transfer to the Paro airport.
Map
Dates and Prices
Note:
Our base pricing is in USD. However, we can also quote in AUD, GBP, CAD, and EUR, and you can pay in the same. Please write us.
Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?
Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as private one.
We offer private departures on almost all our itineraries, and for groups of four or more, they cost the same as our standard trips!
Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
trip leader
Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
shuttle
A Van support that follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
refreshments
Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.
entrance
Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.
Exclusions
Airport pickup and drop
We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.
meals
Some meals may not be included. Please check your itinerary.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Reviews from our friends
End of reviews