Snow Lion Rides

Bhutan Cycling Tour

13 NIGHTS | 14 DAYS

HIGHLIGHTS

The Dragon’s Descent tour is as spectacular and fascinating off as it on the bicycle. The cycling from the mountain to the subtropical regions include the dramatic shift in scenery, from high-altitude peaks and prayer flags to lush valley, people-to-people encounters, the thrilling descent into warmer climates, and the immersion in diverse landscapes, culture, and hospitality along the way. Cyclists experience breathtaking views of mountains ranges, pass through ancient forests and charming villages, and can even visit historic monasteries and dzongs. The journey provides a comprehensive cycling experience, from challenging mountain roads to scenic, downhill stretches that offer a satisfying conclusion to the adventure. We’ll round out the tour with a return flight to Paro from Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). Count on an opportunity Snow Lion Travel offer you 14 days cycling tour in Bhutan covering seven districts in Bhutan. The route passes through mountains to sub-tropical, valleys and some beautiful passes adorned with prayer flags.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Alt: 2050m

After arrival into Paro's high altitude airport in the Kingdom of Bhutan, clear customs and immigration, and meet escort to transfer into Paro for lunch orientation at the famed Sonam Trophel Restaurant. Afterwards, briefly strolling around downtown Paro and an optional visit to the National Museum of Bhutan located in the watch tower of Ta Dzong. The museum is home to a variety of Thangka art canvases, Buddhist relics, Paro artifacts and rare stamps. The museum is ideal for those who want to learn about the history and culture, but also a perfect place to visit this acclimation day with no strenuous activities planned this day. Time permitting, also visiting Rinpung Dzong, the seat of provincial administration and a monastic school. In the early evening, enjoying a sampling of local cuisine during an orientation dinner with your guide.

For those impatient to pedal, we can enjoy a short evening ride along the Pa Chu River to Drugyel Dzong allowing you acclimizing to the higher elevation, and will cover all the main highlights of the Paro Valley.

Distance: 64 km | Alt: 2700m

Today we start early for rural Haa Valley by way of the spectacular Chele La Pass which at 3,810 meters (12,500 feet), is the highest road pass in Bhutan. The climb from Paro snakes upwards through blue pine and rhododendron forests for 21 miles (35 kilometers) on an empty road. On a clear day we'll view Bhutan’s highest peak, the sacred Mount Jhomolhari, towering in the distance at over 7,400 meters (nearly 24,000 feet).  After reaching the pass we'll pay respect to elders, as is the Bhutanese custom, and admire the surrounding Himalayan views, and if we've ridding for long, break for refreshment before cycling past the hundreds of colorful prayer flags and enjoying a long, winding descent through the pines into the remote and untouched Haa Valley, with a sparse population and very few tourists. On entering the valley, we'll see the Wangchulo Dzong, and continue on the flat road along the Haa river to the tiny Haa township. In the afternoon, strolling around Haa before dinner.

Distance: 90 km | Alt: 2300m

Cycling alongside the Haa chu River, you’ll journey through pristine valleys with opportunities to spot wildlife like monkeys and yaks. The route showcases Bhutan’s rustic charm, passing through small villages with cheering locals. Lunch is a serene picnic amid stunning natural surroundings. The final stretch follows the Wang Chhu River, transitioning from tranquil countryside to the bustling charm of Thimphu. Upon arrival, riders can unwind and explore the city, famed for its harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.

Ride 3 km, through the town and further up the hill to Kuensel Phodrang, place with 54 meters high statue of Buddha. Enjoy wonderful glimpses of the Thimphu valley. Then ride back to the town and pay a visit to Memorial Chorten, always busy with devotees. Place was built to remember third king of Bhutan. Continue riding through the town, crossing the famous main traffic junction directed by the policeman with dance-like moves. Thimphu is famously only capital in the world without any traffic lights. We will ride to the Changankha lhakhang and will visit this temple which is popular among parents to get blessing for their children. Continue riding to Motithang preserve where national animal of Bhutan, the takin, might be seen. Then we will be riding scenic road with the views of town and also of Tashichho dzong, the seat of the king and the government. On the way, you can stop to visit Zilukha nunnery, one of the few monastic establishments for females. Conclude your ride at Dechenphodrang temple with beautiful view all around. Ride back to hotel and get rest. If you are in party mood, you can visit The Mojo Park rock club or other venue to mingle with young Bhutanese.

 

Distance: 73 km | Alt: 1,310m

After breakfast, you will have an early start of today's journey for a full day ride to Punakha. After 25km of biking, you will reach Dochula Pass at an altitude of 3,140m, which offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Eastern Himalaya on a clear day. Here the impressive collection of 108 chortens sits as well.

After stopping for lunch, you will continue traveling down to the Punakha Valley which is around 40km below at an altitude of 1,372m. Upon arriving, you will head to visit the Punakha Dzong. Standing by the riverside of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive buildings and one of the top favorite attractions in Bhutan. Moreover, the rectangular shape fortress is also an honorable treasury where preserves numerous Buddhist relics and historical legacies

Today you'll ride around the atmospheric Punakha Valley, visiting several cultural sites along the way. Your first stop is Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a gleaming temple that can only be reached by a short, steep hike up the hillside. From here, you'll have sweeping views of the entire valley. Walk back down to the road and bike back toward the city. On the way, stop in at Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple in the village of Lobesa.

Distance: 73 km | Alt: 3000m

Today you'll set out towards the Lawa La Pass, the entry point into the lovely Phobjikha Valley. This scenic glacial valley is the winter home to rare black-necked cranes and is an important wildlife reserve for wild boars, Himalayan black bears, red foxes, and many other animals. You'll ride along a flat dirt road toward the Pele La Pass for 35 miles (56 km) and stay overnight hotel in Phobjikha.

Distance: 75 km | Alt: 2,200m

 This leg of the tour traverses the Black Mountains, offering a mix of challenging climbs and exhilarating descents. Riders will ascend Pele La Pass (3,360m), where yaks graze in the high-altitude meadows, and descend into Trongsa. The route provides an authentic glimpse into Bhutan’s rural life and rugged terrain.

Distance: 85 km | Alt: 612m

Today’s journey from Trongsa to Tingtibi is a scenic ride of approximately 85km that takes about 4-5 hours, traversing through diverse landscapes and asignificant change in altitude. The route descends from the high-altitude region of Trongsa, passing through varied forest types and potentially offering opportunities for birdwatching due to the variety of habitats. Key sight along the way include the royal palace of second King of Bhutan, Jigme Wangchuk at Kinga Rabten and a descent towards the lower elevation of Tingtibi.

Distance: 93 km | Alt: 300m

Your ride starts from Tingtibi to Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), which is a scenic for varied journey, with smooth roads and some downhill sections, particularly after Tingtibi. The route will follow the Manas river and the Indian border before reaching the low traffic in the area around Panbang, making it ideal for an east ride. As you descend to the southern parts of Bhutan, you will notice a shift in culture, with a more prominent presence of Nepali-origin communities who are often Hindu. You might see Hindu temples along the way. A bike ride from Tingtibi to Gelephu is a worthwhile experience, offering a great mix of scenery, nature and culture.

Explore the ongoing development of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) which is under construction. The GMC is a pioneering national project in Bhutan, envisioned as a unique economic hub and Special Administrative Region (SAR) that harmonizes sustainable development, advanced technology, and the nation’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). The city is situated in southern Bhutan near the border with India, and is planned to cover an area of approximately 2500 square kilometers, larger than Singapore. Its strategic location is intended to leverage regional connectivity between South and Southeast Asia. You can see the master-planned international airport, Sunkosh Temple-Dam, and timber-framed building. Existing attractions near Gelephu include the hot spring for medicinal baths, the adjacent Royal Manas National Park, and the nearby Gelephu hot spring. 

After a morning flight from Gelephu to Paro. This first landmark in Paro you will visit is the Ta Dzong Museum, the national museum located on the hill behind the Paro Dzong. It houses many fine arts, religious relics, handicrafts, as well as textiles, jewelry etc., offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Then head to visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, which is one of 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Built in a manner similar to the Jokhang in Lhasa, Tibet, the temple has the great golden image of Buddha Shakyamuni. After that, you will go to explore the famous Paro Rinpung Dzong. It is a large Dzong, Buddhist monastery and fortress built in 17th Century to protect Paro valley. Rinpung Dzong houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag.

After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch. In the afternoon drive or ride the relatively flat road to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong.  The original monument (destroyed by fire in 1951) was built by Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644.  In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit other sights in Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

With hearts full of memories and tales of adventure, riders will bid farewell to Bhutan.Transfers to Paro International Airport will be arranged, ensuring a smooth departure.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  1. All meals with one refreshments of tea/coffee with snacks in the evening.
  2. Lodge in 3* standard hotels on twin/double sharing as per itinerary
  3. A resourceful licensed outstanding English speaking tour guide.
  4. Local transport including piuck up and drop off to airport.
  5. Cycle, support vehicle, mechanics, and luggage transport.
  6. Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to government.
  7. Bottled water at all times during trip.
  8. Bhutan visa fee and processing.
  9. All entrance fees and permits.
  10. Farm house visit and dinner.

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

  1. Flight
  2. Any supplement costs.
  3. Any tips and gratitude to tour staff.
  4. Any kind of personal expenses/beverages.
  5. Any liabilities due to cancellations of flights, roadblock, etc.
  6. Optional activities, such as horse charge for Tiger’s Nest Hike and Traditional Hot Stone Bath.

Prompt and precise service

We feel fortunate to share the beauty of our Himalayan home with you.

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Contact

Tel:+97517115125

Email:travelsnowlion@gmail.com

 

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