Bhutan Mountain Bike Tour
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Trip Information
Embark on an exhilarating mountain biking adventure through the pristine landscapes, ancient monasteries, and serene valleys of Bhutan. This 7-day tour combines adrenaline-pumping rides with cultural immersion, offering a perfect balance of adventure and exploration. Experience the winding roads of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Phobjikha Valley, while enjoying breathtaking Himalayan scenery and Bhutanese hospitality.
Itinerary
On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to Thimphu, a scenic drive of about 65 km taking approximately 1.5 hours through lush valleys and along the Wang Chhu river. After settling into your medium-range hotel, you can take a gentle warm-up bike ride around Thimphu to stretch your legs and acclimatize to the altitude.
The afternoon can be spent exploring cultural highlights such as Tashichho Dzong and the giant Buddha Dordenma statue, which offers panoramic views of the valley. In the evening, stroll through Thimphu’s local markets and enjoy a taste of traditional Bhutanese cuisine, preparing for the mountain biking adventures starting the next day.
On Day 2, you will embark on your first major biking adventure, riding from Thimphu to Punakha via the scenic Dochu La Pass. The total distance by road is about 75 km, taking roughly 3–4 hours, with the biking segment mainly consisting of a gentle descent from the pass at 3,100 meters down to the lush Punakha Valley at 1,300 meters. Along the way, stop at Dochu La Pass to take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas and the 108 chortens that line the pass. Continue your ride into Punakha, where you can explore the stunning Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and historically significant monasteries. The day offers a mix of moderate cycling, cultural exploration, and scenic beauty, with opportunities to interact with locals and enjoy the serene valley surroundings before settling into your medium-range hotel in Punakha for the night.
On Day 3, you will travel from Punakha to the serene Phobjikha Valley, also known as Gangtey Valley, famous for its scenic landscapes and black-necked cranes in season. The total road distance is approximately 120 km, taking 4–5 hours by vehicle, with optional short mountain biking trails of 15–25 km within the valley itself. Upon arrival, you can enjoy an easy ride through the valley’s gentle trails, passing rice fields, small villages, and pine forests, while absorbing the tranquil surroundings.
Visit the Gangtey Monastery, a key cultural and spiritual site in the region, and interact with local villagers to experience authentic Bhutanese rural life. The day balances light biking, cultural immersion, and spectacular scenery, making it a peaceful yet memorable segment of your mountain biking adventure before staying overnight in a medium-range hotel in Phobjikha or Gangtey.
On Day 4, you will ride from Phobjikha Valley to Wangdue Phodrang, covering approximately 60 km of scenic valley trails that offer gentle descents, forest paths, and river crossings. This day combines moderate mountain biking with cultural exploration, allowing you to enjoy the stunning landscapes while experiencing local life in small villages along the route.
Upon reaching Wangdue Phodrang, visit the historic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and explore the local markets, where traditional handicrafts and Bhutanese goods are abundant. The ride is manageable for moderate-level cyclists, offering opportunities for photography, interaction with locals, and immersion in the serene environment of central Bhutan. You will spend the night in a medium-range hotel in Wangdue Phodrang, resting up for the next day’s longer journey.
On Day 5, you will embark on a longer mountain biking and road adventure from Wangdue Phodrang to Paro, covering approximately 130 km over 4–5 hours, with optional biking segments along scenic stretches. The route takes you through winding mountain roads, forested hills, and picturesque valleys, offering challenging ascents and exhilarating descents for experienced riders. Along the way, you can pause to admire the natural beauty, photograph traditional villages, and soak in panoramic Himalayan views.
Upon reaching Paro, take some time to relax and explore the town’s charming streets, preparing for the next day’s iconic ride to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This day combines endurance biking with cultural exposure, making it a highlight of your Bhutan mountain biking journey.
On Day 6, you will enjoy a memorable combination of biking and trekking in Paro. Begin with a ride of 25–30 km along scenic valley roads that lead to the base of the iconic Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. From the base, embark on a moderate trek of 2–3 hours to reach the monastery perched dramatically on a cliffside, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Paro Valley.
After descending, explore Paro town, visit local markets, and enjoy traditional Bhutanese cuisine at leisure. This day blends adventure, culture, and stunning scenery, providing an unforgettable experience before returning to your medium-range hotel in Paro for your final night.
On the final day of your Bhutan Mountain Bike Tour, you will have a relaxed morning in Paro to enjoy any last-minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping. Depending on your flight schedule, you can take a short ride around the town or simply soak in the serene valley views one last time. Your guide will then transfer you to Paro International Airport, just a short 10–15 minute drive, for your departure flight. This day provides a calm conclusion to your adventure-filled journey, allowing time to reflect on the breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and thrilling mountain biking memories collected over the past week.
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Price Inclusion
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Accommodation in medium-range hotels/guesthouses (3–4★) on a Bed & Breakfast (BB) basis
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Daily breakfast
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Mountain bike rental with safety gear (helmet, gloves, repair kit)
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English-speaking guide and cycling support vehicle for biking segments
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All internal transfers and transportation within Bhutan (for non-biking stretches)
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Entry fees to monasteries, dzongs, and cultural sites included in the itinerary
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Trekking guide for Tiger’s Nest Monastery visit
Price Exclusion
-
Accommodation in medium-range hotels/guesthouses (3–4★) on a Bed & Breakfast (BB) basis
-
Daily breakfast
-
Mountain bike rental with safety gear (helmet, gloves, repair kit)
-
English-speaking guide and cycling support vehicle for biking segments
-
All internal transfers and transportation within Bhutan (for non-biking stretches)
-
Entry fees to monasteries, dzongs, and cultural sites included in the itinerary
-
Trekking guide for Tiger’s Nest Monastery visit