Bhutan bike guide in traditional clothes

Heart of Bhutan Bike Tour

Classic Inn to Inn ✦ 12 days ✦ Ambitious ✦  From $6795
A trailblazer, Bhutan cycling tours since 2004

Bicycling Bhutan's Historic Dzongs and Rural Villages

Experience the magic of the Himalayas on our 12-day Bhutan Cycling Tour, a journey through breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, and vibrant cultural traditions. From soaring mountain passes to lush valleys and remote villages, this Bhutan bike tour offers a unique blend of adventure, spiritual discovery, and authentic Bhutanese hospitality.

Our journey begins with a scenic flight into the Paro Valley, followed by exploration of Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. We'll tackle challenging climbs to Dochula and Pelela Passes, rewarded with panoramic views of the Himalayas, and descend through lush forests and semi-tropical landscapes. We'll explore the Black Mountains, with a chance to spot Black Neck Cranes in the Phobjikha Valley, and visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong. We'll also experience the warmth of Bhutanese culture, visiting a local farmhouse and learning about traditional handicrafts in Chumey Village.

Our adventure continues with a ride over Yotongla Pass, a descent into the Bumthang Valley, and exploration of the Jakar Dzong. We'll visit the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang and then journey back towards Punakha, where we'll explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong. A hike to the Chimi Lhakhang, known for its fertility blessings, and a ride to the rarely visited Haa Valley offer further cultural immersion. Our final challenge is the climb to Chelela Pass, followed by a thrilling descent to Paro, where we'll hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktshang Goemba). This Bhutan bicycle tour isn't just a trip; it's a transformative experience, a chance to connect with the spiritual heart of the Himalayas. Join us for one of Bhutan's best bicycle tours and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Heart of Bhutan Bike Tour
rides: 30 to 65 kms
sleep: boutique inns
eat: best regional cuisine

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memorial chortens on top Dochula Pass bicyclists on quiet Bhutan road lady in local dress with donkey along road Punakha Dzong a masked dancer from Tsechu Festival Thimphu Bhutan National Museum building
 

Bhutan bicycle tour day by day details  

day 1: Arrival in Paro & Thimphu Exploration – A Kingdom Beckons
  • Scenic flight into Paro Valley
  • Visit to the National Museum of Bhutan
  • Welcome dinner and orientation
Your journey into the fabled Kingdom of Bhutan begins with one of the world's most breathtaking flights, soaring into the stunning Paro Valley.  After stepping off the plane and breathing in the crisp mountain air, we'll enjoy lunch and then a short, scenic drive to Thimphu (60km/2 hours). Time permitting, we'll visit the National Museum of Bhutan, where you can admire a fascinating collection of rare artifacts, art, traditional weaving, and other eclectic treasures. This afternoon, we'll get our bikes ready and enjoy a brief sightseeing pedal around the city. We'll wind down our first day in Bhutan with a welcome dinner and orientation.
 Ride: 15 mi / 25 km, Land: flat
Eat: Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Hotel Druk  
 
day 2: Dochula Pass & Wangdue Phodrang – Himalayan Views & Risqué Art
  • Challenging but rewarding climb to Dochula Pass
  • Stunning Himalayan views and thrilling descent to Wangdue
  • Visit to a local farmhouse
After breakfast, prepare for a rewarding 14-mile climb to Dochula Pass. The views from the pass are absolutely magnificent, offering a sweeping panorama of the eastern Himalayas. We'll enjoy lunch at the pass before beginning a thrilling 26-mile descent to Wangdue, through lush temperate forests and a semi-tropical zone abundant with orange trees, bananas, and bamboo. This evening, we'll visit a local farmhouse near our hotel, offering a glimpse into Bhutan's unique culture and the simple hospitality extended to all guests. Our hotel tonight is in Punakha.
 Ride: 39 mi / 63 km, Land: alpine climb, Pass: Dochula (3100 m)
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Meri Puensum  
 
day 3: Black Mountains & Phobjikha Valley – Big Climbs & Crane Spotting
  • Challenging climb into the Black Mountains
  • Exploring the Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey Monastery
  • Black-necked crane spotting
Today's ride starts relatively level, but after crossing the Tikke-Zam River, we begin the long ascent into the Black Mountains. This is our first truly big climb, gaining over 4,800 feet over 25 miles. We'll have lunch en route, depending on timing. After lunch, we'll continue climbing to a small pass marked by a stupa and then enjoy a well-deserved downhill to finish the day. We'll spend the evening in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, exploring Gangtey Monastery and the village. Perhaps we'll even spot some black-necked cranes, which migrate here to escape Tibet's harsh winters.
 Ride: 44 mi / 71 km, Land: alpine climb
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Hotel Dewachen  
 
day 4: Pelela Pass & Trongsa Dzong – Mountain Passes & Ancient Fortresses
  • Climbing to Pelela Pass
  • Views of Mt. Jhomolhari (weather permitting)
  • Visiting Trongsa Dzong and exploring the town
A short climb takes us back to the small pass we crossed yesterday afternoon. From there, it's downhill to the main road, where we'll begin a 9-mile climb to Pelela Pass, the traditional boundary between Western and Central Bhutan. Today's ride offers a pleasant change of pace. On clear days, we can enjoy views of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314m) rising in western Bhutan. It's almost all downhill to Trongsa. Lunch will be served at Chendebji Chorten by the riverside. After lunch, the road contours around small ups and downs until we finally see the impressive Trongsa Dzong. In the evening, we'll visit the dzong and explore Trongsa Town.
 Ride: 50 mi / 82 km, Land: descent and climb, Pass: Pelela (3300 m)
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Yangkhil Resort  
 
day 5: Yotongla Pass & Bumthang Valley – Handicrafts & Fortified Temples
  • Reaching Yotongla Pass
  • Visiting handicraft shops in Chumey Village
  • Exploring Jakar Dzong and town
About 18 miles after leaving Trongsa, we'll reach Yotongla Pass. From there, we'll descend to Chumey village, where we'll stop for tea and visit local handicraft shops, where they make *yathra*, a handwoven woolen fabric, a specialty of the Bumthang Valley. After a short climb to Kikila, we'll enjoy a great descent into the Bumthang Valley. We'll arrive in time for lunch and then set out to visit Jakar Dzong (the Fortress of the White Bird) and Jakar Town.
 Ride: 43 mi / 69 km, Land: alpine climb, Pass: Yotongla (3400 m)
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Kaila Guesthouse  
 
day 6: Jambay Lhakhang & Return to Punakha – Ancient Temples & Scenic Drives
  • Visiting Jambay Lhakhang
  • Scenic drive back to Punakha
Our day is more relaxed today. The morning is free to explore more of Jakar Town or sleep in after several days of alpine pedaling. We'll say goodbye to Jakar with a visit to the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang, built by the Dharma King Songtsen Goenpo. It's said he built 108 temples in one day! Around lunchtime, we'll load up in our support vans and begin the drive back towards Thimphu (Bhutan has only one airport and no loop road, so we retrace our route by van). We'll break up the drive with a stop in Punakha.
 Transfer: no cycling
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Meri Puensum  
 
day 7: Punakha Dzong & Valley Ride – Temples & Tranquility
  • Cycling around Punakha Town and the Wangdue Valley
  • Visiting Punakha Dzong
  • Exploring the rural countryside
We'll hop back on our bikes for a day trip around Punakha Town and the Wangdue Valley. This relatively flat ride is a welcome change after our mountain cycling and offers opportunities to visit some of the region's famed temples and enjoy the quiet rural countryside. We'll visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the Buddhist saint who unified Bhutan in the 17th century. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and it is still the winter residence of the Je-Khenpo (Chief Abbot). We'll spend another night in Punakha.
 Ride: 28 mi / 45 km, Land: valley, with small hills
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Meri Puensum  
 
day 8: Chimi Lhakhang & Transfer to Thimphu – Fertility Temples & City Returns
  • Hiking to Chimi Lhakhang
  • Exploring Thimphu (optional bike ride)
Another half-day drive returns us to Thimphu. After breakfast, we'll hike to Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenlay, also known as the "Divine Madman." This temple is a popular pilgrimage site for women seeking fertility. It's an easy hike through rice paddies and the village of Yulakha. We'll then continue our drive to Thimphu. In the afternoon, you'll have free time, or for those wanting to pedal some more, we can organize a half-day local ride to explore more of the sights nearby town. We'll relax tonight in Thimphu.
 Ride: 22 mi / 35 km, Land: small hills
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Hotel Druk  
 
day 9: Haa Valley – A Hidden Gem
  • Cycling into the Haa Valley
  • Exploring this remote and beautiful region
Back on the bikes today for a delightful ride downstream along the Thimphu Chu River. When we reach the confluence with the Paro River, we'll switch to a small road on the other side of the Thimphu River and begin our ride into the seldom-visited Haa Valley. This hidden valley, only recently opened to tourism, offers pristine landscapes and quiet villages during a dramatic ride along the Wang Chu River. The road into Haa climbs slowly through quaint villages and thick conifer forests before opening into a valley dotted with fields of millet, barley, potatoes, and wheat. The farmhouses here are adorned with intricately painted cornices and frames.
 Ride: 66 mi / 107 km, Land: small hills, then long gradual climb
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge  
 
day 10: Chelela Pass & Paro – High Passes & Downhill Thrills
  • Climbing to Chelela Pass
  • Awesome downhill ride to Paro
  • Exploring Paro Town
One last climb today as we cross over to the Paro Valley. On clear days, we can enjoy stunning views of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314m) and Taktshang Goempa (Tiger's Nest). It's a 26 km ascent to Chelela Pass through pine forests and alpine scenery, rewarded by a 35 km descent to Paro Town. After lunch at the hotel and checking in, we'll explore the town a bit before dinner.
 Ride: 41 mi / 67 km, Land: alpine climb, Pass: Chelela (3988 m)
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel  
 
day 11: Tiger's Nest Monastery & Farewell Dinner – Spiritual Journeys & Celebrations
  • Hiking to the Tiger's Nest Monastery
  • Exploring this iconic landmark
  • Farewell dinner with traditional Bhutanese flavors
This morning, we'll swap our bikes for hiking boots and embark on a memorable trek to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktshang Goemba). We'll have special permits that allow us to actually visit the temple itself, spending much of the day immersed in the spiritual atmosphere of this incredible site. Clinging precariously to a cliff face high above the valley floor, the Tiger's Nest is one of Bhutan's most breathtaking sights. After returning to Paro, you'll have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping. We'll then gather for a final Bhutanese dinner, sharing stories of our adventure and celebrating the magic of this remarkable kingdom.
 Walk: 2 hours
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel  
 
day 12: Departure – *Legshembe joen!*
  • Departure from Bhutan
After a leisurely breakfast, we'll transfer everyone to the airport for their flights onward. We bid a fond *Legshembe joen* (goodbye) to Bhutan, carrying with us the memories of majestic mountains, ancient monasteries, and the warm hospitality of the Bhutanese people. May our paths cross again!
 Travel: Shuttle to airport
Meals: Breakfast
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Whatcha gonna get

  • Expert local bilingual guides
  • Entrance and activity fees
  • Handpicked lodges, ensuite rooms, double occupancy
  • Daily breakfast, lunch, snacks*
  • Dinners featuring fine local cuisine*
  • Unlimited drinking water**
  • Support van for baggage and lifts
  • Free use of bicycles
  • Airport pick up & drop off
  • Bhutan visa processing and fees

*as noted in itinerary
**during activity

Getting there

The Heart of Bhutan Bike Tour meets and ends at Paro International Airport in Paro, Bhutan. Guides will meet arriving flights, between 9:00 and 12:00

Guests should plan their flights to arrive in Paro before 12:00 (noon) on Day 1 of the tour and their departing flights after 10:00 (10 am) on Day 12.

Paro Airport code: PBH     Local Time: GMT+6

  Travel Tip:  Flights to Paro depart first thing in the morning. Guests might want to come to Bangkok a day or two early for a more relaxed journey.

 

Documents Please

All travelers need a valid passport, but there's no need to worry about the visa process. It's included in your tour, so you can focus on soaking up Bhutan's beauty.

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