Bhutan Cycling Expedition

Embark on a thrilling cycling expedition through the stunning landscapes of Bhutan with us! This adventure promises an unforgettable experience, combining the thrill of cycling with the serene beauty of Bhutan's valleys and mountains. Starting in Thimphu and ending in Paro, this journey will immerse you in the rich Bhutanese culture, with stops at traditional villages, monasteries, and local markets. Whether you are an avid cyclist or a passionate traveler, this expedition offers a unique opportunity to challenge yourself on diverse terrains while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts.

Join us for this moderate to challenging ride, guided by our team of experienced professionals who will ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the trip. With well-planned routes, rest stops, and support vehicles, you'll have everything you need for a memorable and eco-friendly adventure. Don't miss out on this chance to explore the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” on two wheels. Register today and pedal towards an extraordinary journey that blends adventure, culture, and nature in one of the world's most beautiful destinations.

Upon arrival at Paro, check in to your hotel.
In the evening, go for an acclimatization ride to Drukgyel Dzong.
The route to Drukgyel is very scenic with minimal traffic. Drukgyel Dzong, now an imposing ruin, was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the trade and military route to Tibet.
It served as an administrative center until 1951.
Note: The ride covers a distance of 15 km and takes approximately 40-50 minutes.

Cycle from Paro to Thimphu, making stops at Tachogang Temple and Chuzom to relax.
At Tachogang Lhakhang, we can take a leg stretch walk crossing the Paroo River or enjoy the roadside views, depending on our arrival time.
Chuzom, the meeting point of the Thimphu and Paro rivers, is a tri-junction leading to Thimphu, Paro, and Phuentsholing.
Here, you can enjoy the lovely portrait of the King and Queen of Bhutan.
Explore Thimphu city if time permits, as walking through the city provides a great understanding of this modern city, which is unique for having no traffic lights.
Thimphu offers a variety of imported garments, local souvenirs, and unique handicrafts.
Spend the night in Thimphu at an altitude of 2400 meters.
Note: The cycling distance is 65 km, which takes approximately 2.5-3 hours.

In the morning, ride to Kuensel Phodrang and Changangkha Lhakhang.
The trail takes you through blue pine forests with perfect views of the Thimphu Valley.
The cycling distance is 5 km, taking about 1.2 hours.
Next, cycle from Taba to Lungtenphu, offering views of Thimphu city, bird watching, and landscape photography opportunities.
This ride covers 7 km and takes about 2 hours.
After lunch, ride to Sangaygang and Wangdi Tse Temple.
Visit the Takin Reserve to see Bhutan's national animal, which has a unique story.
If time permits, hike to Wangditse Monastery through oak, blue pine, and rhododendron forests.
From here, you can enjoy stunning views of Tashichodzong, Thimphu city, and the Buddha statue.
The distance is 7 km, taking approximately 2.5 hours.
End the day with a cycling trip to Tango/Cheri base and back to Thimphu.
Cheri Monastery, established in 1627, is a meditation center for higher-level Buddhist studies and houses many sacred relics.
The ride covers 18 km and takes about 3 hours.

Cycle from Thimphu to Punakha, stopping at Dochula Pass for a stunning 180-degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges.
The pass is especially scenic on winter days with snow-capped mountains and 108 chortens.
Visit Lamperi Botanical Garden, which hosts a variety of plants, herbs, birds, and animals.
If you visit between April and June, you can see many of Bhutan’s rhododendron species and spot some of its 220 bird species.
Enjoy a hot packed lunch here if you planned a picnic.
Note: The distance is 72 km, which takes about 5 hours.

In the morning, ride to Khamsum Yulley Temple, which stands majestically above the Punakha valley.
The hike to the temple takes about 45 minutes uphill and offers amazing views of the Punakha valley and Mochu river.
The cycling distance is 7 km, taking about 1.5 hours.
In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong and the Punakha Suspension Bridge.
Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo, Bhutan's religious head.
It stands at the confluence of the Phochu and Mochu rivers, making it one of the most photogenic Dzongs in Bhutan.
The Punakha Suspension Bridge connects the dzong with the villages of Shengana, Samdingkha, and Wangkha.
These villages offer an authentic view of traditional Bhutanese life.
The cycling distance is 7 km, taking about 2 hours.

Today, we will drive back to Paro with Dochula en-route.
Enjoy outdoor activities wearing Gho/Kira, play archery: Nicely made and well maintained activity place attached to wholesale Buddha statue store, offers wearing Bhutanese dress, playing archery and darts for guests visiting Bhutan.
The center is maintained and operated by HBT herself and it's free of cost for all HBT guests.
Explore the tiny town: Tiny Paro town actually can offer a lot more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan made products, grocery and imported garment shops besides having many small restaurants around.
Note: Cycling distance: 72 km, Approximate Time: 8-9 hrs

Today we will take a Chelela excursion and enjoy the ride.
Visit the temples of Dzongdrakha: The Temple is situated in the western region of Paro Valley on the Cliffside and often referred as “Mini Taktsang” of Bhutan.
Tucked in a cliff above Bondey village, visit to temple offers pictorial hikes and one of the must visit places in Paro for inquisitive guests while in Paro.
Chelela Pass at 3988m: Highest motor-able road pass connecting two districts Paro and Haa, an elevation of 3988m above the sea level.
On clear days, one can enjoy a view of the most sacred Mt. Jomolhari (7314m).
The pass is dotted with beautiful prayer flags and offers amazing walks around, worth a visit while in Bhutan.
You can also plan to ride mountain biking from Pass to Paro valley with a stretch of 36-48 km, mostly downhill and easy ride. Distance: 37 km, Approximate Time: 4 hrs

Cycle to Tiger Nest base and later hike to the temple. Later, I rode back to the hotel.
Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple): is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”.
The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley.
Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take the whole day to complete the hike.
If time permits, Sangchen Choekhor Monastery: The shedra, a Buddhist college, is home to about 150 monks, studying for six years before they move on to Tango Monastery upon graduation.
It’s worth a visit mainly for the fine views from the switch backing drive up.
Look for the stuffed bear to the side of the main entryway.
Hot stone bath with dinner at the farmhouse: Hot stone bath is very unique to Bhutan and offers great medicinal values.
In most cases, the bathtub is made of wood placed on a ground level in a quiet hut for privacy.
A couple can get into one bathtub to soak.
Enjoy the great ancient techniques of curing body ache, join pain and harness many other values.
This is an additional cost check with the guide/driver. Distance: 8 km, Approximate Time: 20-30 mins