Bhutan Mountain Biking Holidays

This is our fourth year running mountain biking trips in Bhutan. The itinerary is a pioneering and exciting mountain bike adventure which will have you riding a huge range of spectacular trails in the shadow of the Himalaya.

One of the most exciting aspects is the complete absence of mountain bikers in the country. In Bhutan you will have the opportunity to ride genuinely untouched trails including some of the most thrilling and dramatic singletrack we have seen anywhere.

From Delhi, a spectacular flight across the Himalayas provides access to this very special country. We begin in Paro with some acclimitisation rides before visiting the country's capital, Thimphu. The riding just keeps getting better and the trails in and around the beautiful Punakha Valley are superb, including some brilliant singletrack through the native chir-pine forests. A visit to the beautiful Phobjikha Valey on the edge of the Black Mountains is also a highlight.

This is an extraordinary land where tourists are the exception rather than the rule. Remote villages, ancient temples, fascinating culture and the exceptionally friendly locals are all part of the Bhutanese way of life. An amazing mountain bike holiday for those seeking adventure in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

If you don't think that this is the right adventure holiday for you, check out our other adventure holidays in Bhutan.

A simply unforgettable and once in a lifetime mountain bike holiday in the fascinating Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.

You may also be interested in :

• Spiti Valley Mountain Biking
• Garhwal Himalaya Mountain Biking
• Sikkim Mountain Biking
• Kangra Valley Mountain Biking
• Manali to Ladakh Mountain Biking
• Nepal Mountain Biking

Day 01 : Arrive Paro

Arrive Paro by Druk Air (it is recommended to fly from Delhi or Kathmandu as this flight provides fascinating view of eastern Himalayan peaks. The peaks visible on this flight are; Mount. Everest (8,848m), Kanchenjunga (8,534m), Shishapangma (8,013m), Gauri Shankar (7,185m), Cho Oyu (8,153m), Nuptse (7,906m), Lhotse (8,501m), Chamlang (7,319 m), Jannu (7,710m), Chomoyummo (6,829m), Pauhunri (7,125m), Shudu Tsenpa (7,032m), Chomolhari (7,314m) and Jichu Drake (6,974m).

On arrival at Paro airport you will be received by local representative with a traditional welcome and then driven to the hotel. Evening presentation with slide show/video show and talk by an expert. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02 : Paro – Thimphu

Morning sightseeing in Paro visiting ruins of Drukgyel Dzong followed by visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) and Rinpung Dzong.

After lunch start biking to Thimphu (54 km, approx. 4 hours) passing through the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers. The route follows the valley of Thimphu river through an arid landscape. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03 : Thimphu – Punakha

Morning sightseeing in Thimphu with visit to Memroial Chhorten, Trashichhodzong and Government Handicraft Emporium. After an early lunch bike to Punakha (70 km, approx. 41/2 hours) ascending Dochula pass (3,050m) and later descend to Metshina. Punakha is about 12 km from this place at 1,250 m so in about 31/2 hours biking the total descent from Dochula to Punakha is about 1,800 m. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 04 : Punakha – Wangduephodrang

Morning visit to 17th century Punakha Dzong followed by visit to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhorten. Then continue biking to Wangduephodrang (21 km, 11/2 hours). Evening visit to Wangduephodrang Dzong and interesting local market. Overnight at the hotel in Wangduephodrang.

Day 05 : Wanguephodrang – Gangtey

In the morning commence biking to Gangtey (68 km, approx. 41/2 hours) gaining altitude of about 1,800m. Afternoon excursion to Phobjikha valley which is a designated conservation area and famous for black-necked cranes. Overnight tented accommodation.

Day 06 : Gangtey – Trongsa

In the morning proceed to central Bhutanese town of Trongsa (125 km, approx. 6 hours) crossing 3,300m high Pelela pass. From Pele la pass proceed to Chendbji Chhorten at 2,400 m (27 km, 11/2 hours), the stupa patterned on Swayambhunath in Kathmandu. Chendbji to Trongsa is about 41 km, approximately two hours of biking on almost flat land. Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.

Day 07 : Trongsa – Bumthang

Morning sightseeing with visit to Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong and then proceed to Bumthang (68 km, approx. 41/2 hours) crossing Yotongla pass (3,400m) and then descend to Gyetsa valley (2,700m). Later cross 2,900m Kiki la pass while reaching to Jakar. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 08 : Bumthang

Day for relaxation and sightseeing in one of the most beautiful valleys and also the religious heartland of the nation, visiting Tamshing Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, Kurjey and Jambay Lhakhang. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 09 : Bumthang – Ura

From Bumthang Ura the camp site is about 60 km and time taken is approximately 4 hours. Cross 3,300m high Shertang la pass and then descend to Ura village situated at 3,000m. Later explore pleasant Ura village. Overnight tented accommodation.

Day 10 : Ura – Limithang

Proceed to Limithang (80 km, approx. 6 hours) crossing 3,750m high Thrumshingla pass – the highest point during this trip. From Thrunshingla it is all the way downhill (about 700m) untill the camp at Limithang. Overnight tented accommodation.

Day 11 : Limithang – Mongar

It is one of the shortest days on this itinerary (27 km, 11/2 hours) with a total descent of about 1,400m. Evening visit to Mongar Dzong and local market. Overnight at the lodge in Mongar.

Day 12 : Mongar – Gom Kora

In the morning proceed to Gom Kora (80 km, approx. 5 hours). The Kori la pass en route is at 2,450m. The road later descends rapidly till sheri Chhu river.
Overnight tented accommodation.

Day 13 : Gom Kora – Trashi Yangtse

Proceed to Trashi Yangtse (65 km, approx. 51/2 hours). 2 km ahead of Gom Kora, the road reaches Doksum, a village where two valleys meet. This place is also known for its weaving. Later arrive at Trashi Yangtse Dzong, at 1,850 m. Head further northwards in the gorge for about 4 km – the route leads to gigantic Chorten Kora, the stupa built in Nepalese style of architecture. Overnight tented accommodation.

Day 14 : Trashi Yangtse – Trashigang

In the morning bike to Trashigang (65 km, approx. 5 hours). The trail is a gradual up and down for 55 km and then about 10 km upwards the Trashigang. In the evening explore the town area, which is the biggest urban centre in Bhutan after Thimphu. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 15 : Trashigang – Mongar (91 km, 3 hours)

After breakfast drive back to Mongar. Afternoon exploratory tour to Mongar town, local market. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 16 : Mongar – Bumthang (198 km, 7 hours)

In the morning drive to Bumthang arriving there by lunch time. After lunch, visit the Yatha weaving centre and local market. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 17 : Bumthang – Thimphu (268 km, 8 hours)

After breakfast drive to Thimphu visiting village houses and mingling with local people. Lunch break at Wangduephodrang which is known for its majestic Dzong, bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. After lunch, drive to Thimphu for overnight stay.

Day 18 : Thimphu – Paro Airport (55 km, 11/2 hours)

Morning drive to Paro airport for flight to onward destination.

Trip & Services Ends Here

Cost Includes :

coming soon

Visa

You Need to have Indian Visa for entry to India on your holiday. To apply for Indian Visa you have to contact your nearest Indian consulate or you can call on 09057570045 or visit http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/ for more information.

Indian Embassy in London

Address : Indian Embassy
India House, Aldwych,
London WC2B 4NA.
Tel: 020 7836 8484
Site URL : http://www.hcilondon.net/

Money

There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring.

Banks

Banks are open in the major cities & the nearest towns of the sanctuaries for transaction from 10.00 to 14.00 hrs on all days except Sunday.

Best time to visit

High season: October to April - Monsoon.

Travel wear

Cotton outfits, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc. Some woolen clothes require, during winter.

Credit cards

Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centers honor major credit cards.

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Drugs

Heavy punishments including imprisonment are imposed for possession of narcotic drugs.

Food

All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian & local.

Water

It is always better to drink bottled drinking water or drinking water from restaurants. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Mineral water is available in sealed bottles.

Private Departures

Did you know that we can also arrange private departures on the vast majority of our small group tours? So if you can’t find a date to suit you or if you want to have your very own adventure just with your friends or family then we can help you.

Private departures will follow the same itineraries as our usual group tours, but on a date to suit you, with no minimum numbers.

Customised Private Groups

For a group of 6 or more people we can organise a customised private group tour where we design the itinerary and activities especially for you, according to your requirements.

To enquire about booking a private departure of this tour or about organising your own private group tour, please fill in the form below and our Private Tours Team will be in touch shortly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any special eatable item I should try in Bhutan Trip ?

Bhutanese Non-Vegetarian Dishes.

Bhutan vegetarian dishes.

How do I get a visa for Bhutan?

What can I do with free time in Bhutan ?

What is the standard of hotels in Bhutan ?

What is the climate like in Bhutan ?

Should I get my Bhutanese visa in advance or at the airport ?

Do I need to take walking Poles ?