Tour of The Dragon
7 NIGHTS | 8 DAYS
HIGHLIGHTS
Tour of the Dragon is an annual international mountain bike race organized in Bhutan on the first Saturday of September. Regarded as one of the toughest one day mountain bike races in the world, the event has attracted daring cyclists from across the globe to participate in this competition. Determined to either complete or win the race, the competition gets many repeat participants every year. The race starts from Bumthang district in central Bhutan and finishes in the capital Thimphu covering a total distance of 268 kilometers. Racers will have to cross four major mountain passes ranging from 2800 meters to 3500 meters in elevation. In the ten to fifteen hour journey, racers will experience drastic change in elevation, fight tough Himalayan terrains all the while dealing with the thin mountain air. It will truly test the endurance of any respected cyclist.
- Crosses four major mountain passess; Kiki la, (2870m), Yotongla (3430m), Pelela (3430m) and Dochula (3150m).
- Passes through five districts; Bumthang, Trongsa, Wangdue, Punakha and Thimphu.
- Mixed terrainof paved roads and rugged trails, demanding both strength and strategy.
- Finish line in capital Thimphu Clock Tower Square, greeted by cheering locals and cultural performances.
- Organized by the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC), with support teams, medical aid, and local hospitality throughout.
- Conceived by His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, the Tour of the Dragon is more than a race—it’s a celebration of Bhutan’s resilience, beauty, and the spirit of adventure.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Alt: 2050m
Fly into Paro by Drukair, Bhutan’s National Airline. The great snow-capped peaks of the inner Himalaya rise up to the heavens can be seen during clear weather. As the plane approaches Bhutan, if you look down farm house as dots on the hillsides can be seen.
As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, you will see Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking the Paro Chu (river), with Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and the National Museum, above it. You will be received by the representative of Snow Lion Travel, who will be your Bhutan travel guide throughout your tour. After meeting with the guide and driver, drive to hotel and visit Paro Rinpung dzong, built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration center and school for monks. Visit Taa dzong which was built in the 17yh century as a watchtower for the Paro Dzong. This dzong was converted into the National museum in 1967.
After breakfast, drive up to the base camp of Taksang and then hike up to the most famuse monastery in the entire kingdom of Bhutan perched in the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro valley. The hike to the viewpoint will take about an hour and it will take 3 hours to the monastery. Till view point, you can experience horse ride by paying $20 per horse but if you prefer to hike, then it is great. Lunch at Taksang cafeteria just above view point. On the way back to hotel from the tiring hike, visit Kichu temple and then you will be visiting one of the farm house in Paro to experience Bhutanese life-style and the organic Bhutanese dinner. You can also experience hot-stone bath at farm house ($25 per person). Families in olden days would soak after their seasonal farm work in winter. The long, healing bath relaxed their tired bodies and helped cure backaches and joint pains.
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: 215 km | Alt: 2800m
After breakfast, drive to Bumthang via Pelela at the altitude of 3150 meters, a wonderful opportunity for photographs. En-route at Chummy village to visit Yathra weaving central. Which Yathra are made into colourful scarves, bags,blankets and sweater. Continue drive to the beautiful valley of Bumthnag and check into the hotel and take a rest.
Rest Day and sightseeing in Bumthang with bike options for those that wish to ride this day. For race participants, the pre-race briefing, meet with the President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, walk around town. After lunch our tour guide and driver will help for preparation. Then rest in preparation for late night start of the Tour of the Dragon race event.
Our team will make everything ready before you begin your 268 km journey on a cycle. The race starts at 2am in the morning with many tourists and locals participating in the program. There will be a health team, mechanics, and support staff to assist you on the way if in case you decide to stop the ride. Our tour staff will be there to serve you lunch and refreshment on the way. The first person reaching the destination will be received by the president of Olympic. The ride also awards with certificate and cash prize
After a full day of bike race to Thimphu, cyclists can enjoy a recovery and sightseeing experience that visiting the city’s highlights and immersing themselves in the local culture. Enjoy the sightseeing in Thimphu with a visit to
world’s tallest sitting Buddha (51 meters) at Kuenselphodrang, Visit Art and Craft school known for its painting and the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. This temple was first initiated by the 3rd King as a protection from the negative elements of mordernization. The Royal Queen mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the 3rd King who passed away in the year 1972.
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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Contact
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Email:travelsnowlion@gmail.com
