11 days
From US $4,695
Pristine Bhutan Bike Tour
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
6
Min. 2, Max. 14
Highlights
diverse topography
Soak into the stunning and dramatically diverse topography of Bhutan and regions around
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Place | casual Inns or similar | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Thimphu | Thimphu Tower | L,D | ||
| DAY 2 | Thimphu | Thimphu Tower | B,L,D | 40km/24mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Punakha | Hotel Lobesa | B,L,D | 65km/39mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Punakha | Hotel Lobesa | B,L,D | 30km/18mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Phobjikha Valley | Gakiling | B,L,D | 70km/42mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Phobjikha Valley | Gakiling | B,L,D | 30km/18mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Paro | Metta Resort | B,L,D | ||
| DAY 8 | Haa Valley | Ugyen Homestay | B,L,D | 50km/30mi | cycling |
| DAY 9 | Haa Valley | Ugyen Homestay | B,L,D | hiking | |
| DAY 10 | Paro | Metta Resort | B,L,D | hiking | |
| DAY 11 | 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, we’ll ride up north on tarmac roads passing through Thimphu’s various residential neighbourhoods and surrounding villages. On the way back, we’ll 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 you 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. 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 you 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.
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: Paro
We shuttle to Paro and later visit Paro National Museum followed by Rinpung Dzong. Enjoy the evening shopping around for various handicrafts and artefacts.
Day 8: 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 9: Haa Valley
Today you can plan your own day. Take a hike to nearby areas or spend the day at leisure amidst the majestic mountain peaks.
Day 10: Paro
Early morning, shuttle to Paro 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 11: Paro
Today we take a transfer to Paro airport.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Single Supplement
From US $875
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $280
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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 follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.
Airport pickup and drop
Enjoy a hassle-free start and finish to your journey.
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.
Additional Inclusions
- Sustainable Tourism Fee/Tourism Tax (US $100 per day per person)
- Visa Fees (US $40 per person)
- All necessary permit fees
- Airport pick-up and drop
- All meals
Exclusions
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Weather
Bhutan's climate exhibits distinct seasonal variations, making it an enchanting destination for cycling enthusiasts. The country can be broadly categorized into four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The most favorable months for cycling are during spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November). During these seasons, the weather is relatively mild, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures, creating ideal conditions for cycling adventures.
In spring, Bhutan's landscape comes alive with vibrant blooms, and the cycling trails are adorned with colorful rhododendrons and other wildflowers. In particular, the lower geographic zones of Bhutan, such as the valleys and lowlands, are ideal for cycling in spring. The temperature ranges from cool to warm, providing a comfortable experience for riders exploring the picturesque valleys and rolling hills.
Similarly, autumn presents a magical spectacle as the lush greenery transforms into a stunning tapestry of gold and crimson foliage. During autumn, the higher geographic zones of Bhutan, particularly the mountainous regions, offer fantastic cycling opportunities. The weather remains dry, with refreshing temperatures, making it perfect for cyclists to traverse the diverse terrains and immerse themselves in Bhutan's rich cultural heritage.
January
Offseason
February
Mixed
March
Best
April
Best
May
Best
June
Good
July
Mixed
August
Offseason
September
Mixed
October
Best
November
Best
December
Good
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one soft-sided medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa
All visitors require a visa before traveling to Bhutan (except those from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives, for whom the relevant processes and fees are different).
We will be handling your visa application on your behalf. To proceed, all participants must share the following documents with us for the application process:
- Passport copy
- Recent passport size photo (digital)
- Arrival and departure flight copy
- Copy of travel insurance coverage during travel time in Bhutan
Frequently Asked Questions
In terms of road surface, most of this trip is on double-lane paved tarmac roads. The traffic, never much to begin with, begins to thin out as we move eastwards. The ride from Paro to Haa is on single-lane tarmac roads which is broken at some sections. The traffic, however, continues to remain sparse.
We've classified our Bhutanese Dragon Bike Tour as 'Challenging'. This means it is best suited for people who love challenging uphill climbs and relatively longer cycling distances.
Several days on this tour have average elevation gains of more than 1,500m (4,920 ft) over 40-50 kms (25-31 mi).
Yes, your trip leader will carry bottled water or RO water in a camper in the support van for guests' use.
For guests in good physical shape, altitude sickness is rare. However, if you're unsure or coming from sea level, we recommend starting Diamox (Acetazolamide) about three days before arrival to help with acclimatization. If symptoms persist, the best solution is to descend to a lower altitude using our support vehicle.
Yes, we have e-bikes available for this trip. Our e-bikes are Stella or of an equivalent brand, and are of high-quality.
Yes, e-bike batteries can be charged at the hotels you're staying in.
Once fully charged, the e-bike batteries can last one full day.
No, but we'll charge the batteries over lunch to ensure glitch-free riding.
Yes, please communicate your dietary preferences to your trip leader and they'll ensure that the food you eat is spiced as per your requirements.
Yes, airport transfers are included in the price for this tour.
We are not medical advisors, and as such are not qualified to dispense medical advice. However, we recommend consulting the resources below for advice on vaccines and medications:
- CDC portal for travelers from the US
- NHS' Fit For Travel portal for travelers from the UK
- Smart Traveller portal or travelers from Australia.
In addition to the above, you may also refer to the travel advice issued from time to time by your government.
Tips are not included in your tour price.
As a general rule, you may tip US$ 15-25 per person per day.
This figure is for the entire crew including the trip leader, the driver, and other support staff.
However, you are not obligated to tip, and you can always tip less or more than the above amount depending on the level of service you received on tour.
It is usually the norm to tip the tour guide, who then distributes the amount among the entire crew. However, you can also tip each individual member of the crew if you so desire.
In case you want to tip the staff at a hotel such as porters, you may pay them US $2-3 per day.
Bhutan is a small country with limited infrastructure. It is best if you exchange currency upon your arrival in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan and the location of its main international airport. ATMs are available in Thimphu that accept major international credit cards that have either Visa or Mastercard enabled.
Yes, you may wear riding shorts while riding your bike. When not cycling, it would be advisable to wear comfortable full-length pants. We recommend keeping a pair of comfortable pants handy in you support van.
When visiting temples and monuments, visitors should wear full-length, loose-fitting pants. Holy places of certain religions may also require covering your head. Your guide will inform of the dress etiquette required for visiting specific religious places.
Bhutan is a mountainous country and it can get a little chilly at night. It is advisable to pack a fleece jacket to be worn in the evenings.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
We don't have anything planned for the last day, so you are free to depart at your discretion.
For answers to broader questions, please visit our Comprehensive FAQs section.
