Mountain Cycling Tour

Cycling Haven

With only over fifty years since the first tourist arrived in Bhutan, Bhutan still maintains an aura of mystery. A country with a deep traditional way of life, Bhutan offers visitors unspoiled villages in deep valleys and journeys over high mountain passes. Reclusive and mysterious, it is a Buddhist fairy tale land tucked away in one of the world’s most spectacular natural environments. Magnanimous mountains, waterfalls, flora and fauna, clean air.

A cycling holiday in Bhutan rewards you with stunning views and pristine nature on good roads with little traffic. It is truly adventurous, with unrivalled scenery and a cultural experience so extraordinary, it surprises even the most well-travelled. It is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the country’s nature and culture, from following remote tracks through the mountains to experiencing cultural festivals. The challenging rides make for a one-of-a-kind travel experience. With cycling holidays in Bhutan, you’re sure to reach the parts that walkers and drivers simply can’t.

That being said, cycling rides across Bhutan are one of the world’s most challenging cycling holidays. A single spectacular road runs west to east across the country, traversing a succession of high, steep-sided, heavily wooded ridges and natural streams. Presenting long climbs on easy-angled switchbacks, as well as mind-blowing descents that seem to last for hours, the amazing roads provide the basis for one of the world’s great rides. Varying in difficulty levels, cycling in Bhutan is not for the faint-hearted. A certain level of fitness and determination is expected. This being Bhutan, there are more than a few long climbs involved with several passes being 3,000m and 4,000m high in altitude. Visit dzongs (fortresses), monasteries, and temples while absorbing the Buddhist culture and cycling through quaint little villages and towns. However, we can also arrange easy, pleasant and short rides through the valleys and the good roads for those who do want physical challenges.

Weather-wise, from September to November, the climate is mild and the skies are clear. In March through to May, wildflowers bloom across the valleys. In the other months, rainfall occurs however it will vary depending on where you want to go.

Wondering where you can get the bicycles? Contact Ola Tours & Trek, we will arrange everything and tailor it for you according to your preference.

 

Cycling Tour (5 nights / 6 Days)

Day 01. Arrive at Paro (2400 meters) – Thimphu (Altitude 2320 m, 54 km):

 You will be received by the Representative from Ola Tours and Trek at the airport and drive to Thimphu.

  • Visit Tamchog Monastery on the way.

After lunch,

  • Memorial Chorten
  • Changangkha Monastery
  • Takin Preserve centre
  • The Largest and tallest statue of Buddha in the world
  • Tashichho Dzong.

Optional activities you can choose:

  • Hike to Phajoding/ Tango/Cheri  Monastery.
  • Village walk to Kabisa
  • Cycling around Thimphu valley.

Day 02. Thimphu – Punakha (1310 meters): (72 Km, 2 hrs drive). 

After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3116 m)

  • Dochula – You can see the higher Himalayas, if the weather permits

After lunch you have options for biking routes

  • Biking from Lobesa till Punakha Dzong and back
  • Biking through the banks of Punatsangchhu (other side of Khurithang till Mandegang)
  • Biking from Punakha Dzong till the base of Khamsum Yulley Namgyal
  • Drive till Talo and Bike down till the highway

Optional activities you can choose:

  • Drive to Nalanda Bhuddist Monastery
  • Khamsum Yulley Lhakhang
  • Rafting in Mo Chhu/ Pho Chhu

Day 03. Punakha – Wangdiphodrang – Thimphu: (Altitude 1310 m, 90 km 2 hrs)

After breakfast, visit

  • Chimi Lhakhang
  • Wangdiphodrang Dzong razed by fire in 2012 and now under construction.
  • Walk to Rinchengang Village.

After lunch, drive to Thimphu.  Free for shopping in the evening. Dinner and overnight in Hotel Migmar or similar.

Day 04. Thimphu – Paro:  (Altitude 2320 m, Distance 58 km, Drive Time 1 hour): 

After breakfast you can bike till Paro if you are a serious biker or drive to Paro and go for Biking in Paro.

Cycling routes

  • In and around Paro Town
  • From Paro Town till Drugyel Dzong and Back
  • From town till Taa Dzong and back
  • From Paro Town till Taksang base and back

Optional activities you can choose:

  • Hike to Phajoding/ Tango/Cheri Monastery.
  • Village walk to Kabisa
  • Mountain biking around Thimphu valley.

 Day 05. Paro sightseeing

After breakfast, visit

  • Drukgyel Dzong.
  • Kyichu Lhakhang.
  • Excursion to Taktsang Monastery.

After lunch, visit

  • Ta dzong/Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646,

Optional places you can visit

  • Hike to Dzongdrakha Monastery.
  • Hike to Nunnery (Kila Goenpa).
  • Village walk.
  • Mountain biking around Paro valley.

Day 06. Departure (Altitude 2400 m): 
Early morning, drive to the Airport and Farewell.