Best of Bhutan Bike Tour

Enjoy a flight to Bhutan over a stack of snow-topped mountains for a large part of the journey. Pray for a clear sunny day for a stunning view! Here we’ll be greeted by Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, as well as Bhutan's unique peaks, Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drakey. To enhance your Himalayan range vistas, please ensure that you are seated on the left side of the aisle.

We meet at the Paro airport and drive to Thimphu. During the journey, make a stop to explore Tamchog Lhakang and enjoy a brief respite in Bhutan's pristine natural environment. We'll have the opportunity to stroll across the historic iron bridge, which has been faithfully reconstructed using the original chain links crafted by the renowned Tibetan bridge builder TangThong Gyalpo in the 15th century.

On arrival at Thimphu, we do a bike fit and later in the evening, visit the Memorial Chorten Stupa, a revered monument erected in honor of Bhutan's third king. Following this visit, savor a delightful welcome dinner at a top-notch restaurant, followed by briefing.

Today we warm up with a short ride around Thimphu. Visit museums, textile weavers, post offices, and markets, and watch archery at the stadium. After lunch, we ride north on tarmac roads passing through Thimphu’s various residential neighborhoods 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.

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 forest and fir. Take in the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan ranges from the mountain pass, and then explore the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a series of 108 stupas constructed to symbolize the remarkable legacy of the Fourth King.

After a lengthy descent, we continue our journey along a picturesque stretch of rolling roads that run alongside the river, eventually leading us to Punakha, a picturesque settlement where you can see small stands of apple orchards and locals busying themselves over farmlands.

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.

From here, head towards the longest suspension bridge, then proceed northwards to Samdingkha along a charming expanse of rural roads. Afterward, continue riding further towards Khuruthang town before returning to the hotel, completing a pleasant loop.

The landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation as we transition from the lush valley to the wetlands in the Nobding valley. Having cycled through enchanting rhododendron forests for most of our journey, the stark contrast of descending into the distinctive open marshlands of the valley is truly remarkable.

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.

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.

Post-lunch, we shuttle to Paro. The drive to Paro takes about 4.5hrs.

Today, ride to the parking lot and leave the bikes behind 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.

During the return journey, make a stop at the remnants of the Drugyal Dzong fortress, a significant piece of Bhutanese heritage. This fortress served as a strategic watchtower and played a vital role in repelling numerous Tibetan invasions during the 1600s. On a clear day, we can catch a glimpse of the majestic Jumolhari, also known as the 'Mountain of the Goddess,' towering at 7,329 meters (24,029 feet). Afterward, proceed to the 7th-century Kichu monastery, believed to be Bhutan's earliest Buddhist monastery, established by the renowned Tibetan King Songsan Gyempo. Finally, conclude the ride by returning to the hotel.

Enjoy the evening shopping around for various handicrafts and artefacts.

Following your morning meal at the hotel, our driver will transport you to the airport.