Bhutan Cycling Tour
5 NIGHTS | 6 DAYS
HIGHLIGHTS
This six days “Essential Bhutan Tour” will take you to enjoy the wonderful road cycling tour in the most important western destinations of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. While the riding tour, you have the chance to discover the enchanting natural scenery and admire the ancient monasteries of Bhutan. Also, you can stroll in the local markets to explore the traditional arts and crafts inherited over the centuries and buy one or two special souvenir for your families and friends.
You will not miss the world-famous Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan while this 6 days Bhutan bike tour. Another short hike to Khamsum Yuelling Temple in Punakha valley will also be added to this trip, which offers you a stunning view of the terrace of rice fields.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Alt: 2250m
Upon your arrival in Paro by Druk Air, Bhutan’s national carrier, you will be picked up by your tour guide at the airport and then escorted to the hotel. After a short rest, you will go to tour the Paro city (2,250m).
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.
Distance: 50 km | Alt: 2300m
Today after breakfast, you will leave Paro on a cycle and begins your ride to Thimphu (2,300m). You will follow the zigzag road beside the Pa Chhu river to its confluence with the Thimphu River. You are going to ride between the elevation of 2250m and 2300m. However, the road does undulate and there are no flat roads.
After arriving at Thimphu, your guide will help you check in the hotel and you can have a short rest to refresh yourself. Then you will explore this capital city of Bhutan on your bike. Ride to the Tashichho Dzong, a Buddhist monastery on the western bank of the Wang Chu. It is the eminent fortress where the national government and central monastic body are located. In addition, here sits the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.
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.
Distance: 123 km | Alt: 2250m
Today’s biking tour will take you to explore the Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Temple, located on a ridge above Punakha Valley. The ride takes you to pass through several royal palaces and rich terrace of farmhouses and rice fields dotted around the hillside. You will leave the bike at the parking lot and hike for 1.5 hours to visit Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Temple.
Later, crossing the suspension bridge and through the terrace of rice fields, you will be rewarded by a superb view of the temple. It is unlike any of the temples that you will encounter in Bhutan, which was built for the peace of the world.
Then after lunch, you will transfer to Paro
Alt: 3120m
In the morning after breakfast, you will start your hike to Taktsang Monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery). You will spend 5 to 6 hours for the hike. Perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley, Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. The principal monastery of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory.
After exploring the monastery, you will begin your return tour to Paro. In the afternoon, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century.
After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- All meals with one refreshments of tea/coffee with snacks in the evening.
- Lodge in 3* standard hotels on twin/double sharing as per itinerary
- A resourceful licensed outstanding English speaking tour guide.
- Local transport including piuck up and drop off to airport.
- Cycle, support vehicle, mechanics, and luggage transport.
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to government.
- Bottled water at all times during trip.
- Bhutan visa fee and processing.
- All entrance fees and permits.
- Farm house visit and dinner.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
- Flight
- Any supplement costs.
- Any tips and gratitude to tour staff.
- Any kind of personal expenses/beverages.
- Any liabilities due to cancellations of flights, roadblock, etc.
- Optional activities, such as horse charge for Tiger’s Nest Hike and Traditional Hot Stone Bath.
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