PEDAL THROUGH PARADISE - CYCLING ADVENTURES IN BHUTAN

13 DAYS BHUTAN CYCLING TOUR OVERVIEW

Explore the captivating adventure of cycling in Bhutan's mountainous terrain. Ride along winding roads that traverse majestic mountains with exhilarating descents and challenging passes exceeding 3000 meters. The journey takes you through diverse landscapes of mixed forests, pastures, lush meadows, and valleys adorned with medieval villages and culturally rich towns. Our tour encompasses visits to Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, and Bumthang, allowing you to choose from a range of trail options, from easy to adventurous. Throughout your adventure, our professional support staff will be there to assist you. Bhutan Travel Bureau will handle all the logistics, including providing quality mountain bicycles, unless you prefer to bring your own. Get ready for an unforgettable Bhutan cycling experience!

Tour Highlights & Facts

Duration: 12 nights 13 days
Cycling through Bhutan
Tiger's Nest Monastery
Farm House/Home Stay Experiences
Bhutanese Dishes & Attires
Traditional Hot Stone Bath
Best Time to Visit- All year around (High Season: March to May & September to November, Low Season: December to February & June to August)

TENTATIVE ITINERARY

At Found Bhutan Tours and Treks, we do not take our guests on a virtual tour before arriving in Bhutan. We want our guests to fully explore and experience Bhutan first-hand. Therefore, we keep our itinerary short and less descriptive.

One of the most breathtaking mountain flights in the world, the journey to Paro offers a continuously shifting view of some of the world's highest peaks. Once customs procedures are completed, our representative from Found Bhutan will meet you at the Paro airport exit doors.

After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring Paro, exploring the attractions in Paro.

Drive to nearby Attractions:

Distance: Few Kms | Driving Time: Few Minutes

Places & Attractions:

Paro Airport, Paro Dzong, National Museum

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Paro.

Following breakfast, embark on a full day's cycling journey from Paro to Thimphu, savoring the captivating landscapes. The road offers a favorable gradient for cycling, with few steep climbs or descents. Pedal alongside rivers, through rice fields, coniferous forests, and hills adorned with chortens and monasteries. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot and ride through a narrow gorge, leading to the widening valley at Namseling. As you approach Thimphu, you'll encounter the impressive Simtokha Dzong, dating back to 1627. The 'Bridge of Prophecy,' adorned with prayer flags, ushers you into downtown Thimphu, where you'll make your way to the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Your overnight stay in Thimphu promises a comfortable and memorable experience.

Cycle from Paro to Thimphu:

Distance: 50 Kms | Cycling Time: Few Hours

Places & Attractions:

Simtokha Dzong, Cycle through the meandering mountainous roads of Bhutan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu.

In Thimphu, embark on a captivating sightseeing journey. Begin with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a symbolic representation of Buddhist faith through intricate paintings and statues. This temple, initiated by the Third King and completed by the Royal Queen Mother, serves as a protective sanctuary against the negative aspects of modernization and a memorial stupa for the Third King.

Explore other highlights, including the 12th-century Changangkha Temple, Drubthob Monastery housing the Zilukha nunnery, and the School for Arts and Crafts, where students master Bhutanese art forms. Visit the National Library, home to Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, and the Folk Heritage Museum, offering a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse.

If time permits, explore the Takin Preserve - Bhutan's national animal, and the grand Tashichhodzong. Your overnight stay in Thimphu ensures a comfortable and enriching Bhutanese experience.

Drive or Cycle from your Hotel to nearby attractions in Thimphu:

Distance: Few Kms | Driving Time: Few Minutes

Places & Attractions:

National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang (Temple), Zilukha Nunnery, School of Arts and Crafts, Takin Preserve, Tashichho Dzong.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu.

Embark on the road to Punakha, commencing with a 22km ride and an elevation gain of 670m to reach Dochu La Pass at 3,100 meters. The journey is adorned with a lush temperate forest, featuring abundant rhododendron and magnolia, and serving as a habitat for various deer and monkey species. Take a lunch break at Dochu La, where clear days offer a spectacular view of the Himalayan Mountains.

Prepare for a thrilling downhill ride from Dochu La into the Punakha valley, a 50-kilometer stretch that will leave you in awe as you glide through the lush forest. Upon refreshing at your hotel in Punakha, explore the historic Punakha Dzong, constructed in 1637 by Shabdrung, the 'Unifier of Bhutan.' Situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers), this Dzong serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who migrate en masse from Thimphu during the colder months. The three-story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is an architectural masterpiece, adorned with intricately embossed entrance pillars made from cypress and embellished in gold and silver. Your overnight stay in Punakha promises a comfortable and enriching Bhutanese experience.

Cycle from Thimphu to Punakha:

Distance: 85 Kms | Cycling Time: Few Hours

Places & Attractions:

Dochu-La Pass, Punakha Valley, Punakha Dzong

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Punakha.

Explore the vibrant market town of Wangduephodrang and pay a visit to Wangduephodrang Dzong, a strategically positioned fortress built in 1639 at the confluence of two rivers. Traverse the picturesque Pele-La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range, which serves as the division between western and central Bhutan. Along the way, you may spot white langur monkeys in the mossy forests of this region.

Further into your journey, discover the serene Chendibji Chorten, a beautiful 18th-century stupa nestled in isolation amid the forested hills. It commemorates the subjugation of a local demon and is uniquely adorned with painted eyes facing all four directions. As you approach Trongsa, the imposing Trongsa Dzong comes into view, situated across a deep canyon, marking your arrival in the town. Your overnight stay in Trongsa ensures a comfortable and immersive Bhutanese experience.

Drive from Punakha to Trongsa:

Distance: 135 Km | Driving Time: 4-5 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, Pele-La Pass, Chendebji Chorten (Stupa), Trongsa Dzong

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Trongsa.

Commence your day with a visit to the remarkable Trongsa Dzong, an architectural masterpiece that stands as the largest Dzong in Bhutan. Its foundations date back to the 16th Century, and the complex now houses 22 temples, representing a significant cultural and historical heritage.

Following a light refreshment, embark on a scenic drive to Bumthang, one of Bhutan's most picturesque valleys and the spiritual heartland of the kingdom. The journey involves ascending a series of hairpin turns out of Trongsa. As you pass through cultivated fields and forested hillsides, you'll reach the Yutung La Pass at 3400 meters. From here, a captivating ride takes you through a dense, enchanting coniferous forest, leading to the fertile Chummey valley. Enjoy the soft afternoon light as you continue your journey to the town of Jakar, where you'll spend a comfortable overnight at your lodge in Bumthang.

Drive from Trongsa to Bumthang:

Distance: 80 Kms | Driving Time: 2-3 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Trongsa Dzong, Yutung-La Pass, Bumthang Valley

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Bumthang.

Embark on your morning journey with a visit to Kurjey Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's most sacred sites, where Guru Rimpoche, the kingdom's patron saint, meditated. Explore the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang, a temple that traces its origins to the inception of Buddhism in Bhutan and stands as one of the country's oldest.

Following a satisfying lunch, continue your explorations with visits to Jakar Dzong and Tamshing Lhakhang. Jakar Dzong offers a glimpse of Bhutanese history and culture, while Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pemalingpa, boasts captivating and ancient Buddhist wall paintings. Conclude your day with an exploration of Jakar, Bumthang's main township. Your overnight stay at your lodge in Jakar promises a comfortable and immersive Bhutanese experience.

Drive from Gangtey to Trongsa:

Distance: Few Kms | Driving Time: Few Minutes

Places & Attractions:

Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Bumthang.

Embark on a cycling adventure to the Ura Valley, situated approximately 70 kilometers from Jakar. Your journey begins with a challenging ascent, covering an elevation gain of 900 meters over nearly 40 kilometers to reach the Shertang La pass. On the other side of this pass lies the Ura Valley, the highest among the Bumthang Valleys. As you ride through this region, you'll be treated to vast pastures lining the road, and just before reaching the pass, a panoramic view of the Lunana mountain range awaits.

Descend from the pass, following long looping roads that traverse pasturelands and fields, ultimately leading you to Ura village. Take some time for sightseeing in the picturesque Ura Valley before driving back to Bumthang. Your overnight stay at your lodge in Jakar, Bumthang, ensures a comfortable and enriching Bhutanese experience.

Cycle through Bumthang Valley:

Distance: 80 Km | Cycling Time: Few Hours

Places & Attractions:

Cycling through Bumthang Valley, View of Lunana Mountain Range, Ura Valley

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Bumthang.

Embark on the journey back to Punakha, with a convenient stop in Trongsa for lunch. If desired, there are opportunities to ride along various stretches of road during this return trip. Your overnight stay at your hotel in Punakha promises a comfortable and memorable Bhutanese experience.

Drive from Bumthang to Punakha:

Distance: 215 Kms | Driving Time: 6-7 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Scenic Valleys of Wangduephodrang, Punakha, and Trongsa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Punakha.

Indulge in a relaxed 12-kilometer ride to reach the captivating Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, perched on a picturesque hillock. This stunning chorten is adorned with paintings from the Nyingmapa Traditions. Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch by the riverside before cycling back to Punakha. Later, drive to Thimphu and savor an overnight stay at your hotel in the capital city, ensuring a comfortable and enriching Bhutanese experience.

Drive from Punakha to Thimphu:

Distance: 85 Kms | Cycling Time: 2-3 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha Valley

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu.

Following breakfast, you have the option to either commence your ride back to Paro or choose to drive later, allowing time for a leisurely stroll around Thimphu. If it happens to be the weekend, you can explore the vibrant market, where you'll encounter an array of Bhutanese culinary delights, including fiery chillies, fresh cheese, and various fresh greens. Additionally, the market stalls showcase Bhutanese handicrafts and household items.

Upon reaching Paro, check in at your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay, ensuring an enjoyable and memorable Bhutanese experience.

Drive from Thimphu to Paro:

Distance: 50 Km | Driving Time: 1-1.5 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Handicraft shops, Thimphu city, Paro Town

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Paro.

This is one of the most exciting day for every tourist here in Bhutan. We will drive to Satsam Chorten, the base of the Tiger's Nest Monastery. Your hike to the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) starts here. You can hike through Paro's stunning pine forest, past trees covered in Spanish moss, and occasionally come across a grove of prayer flags fluffing down the trail. This amazing construction clings to the brink of an extreme rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below.

Drive from your Hotel to Satsam Chorten:

Distance: Few Kms | Driving Time: Few Minutes

Places & Attractions:

Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), Farm House, Hot stone Bath.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Paro.

As your trip in the magical country of Bhutan draw to a close, take away priceless memories, fresh insights, and a profound respect for Bhutan's opulent natural surroundings and rich cultural legacy.

Your tour guide will assist you in boarding the plane for your next location.

Drive from your Hotel to Paro International Airport:

Distance: Few Kms | Driving Time: Few Minutes

Meals: Breakfast

Note***

Our Itineraries are always customizable. You can either shorten your trips or prolong them as per your needs anytime.

Tour Package Inclusions

Bhutan SDF
Bhutan Visa Fee
Luxury (SUV) Vehicle for 1-2 Pax
Hi-Roof for 3-7 Pax
Coaster Bus for more than 7 Pax
Professional & Experienced Driver
All transportation within Bhutan
English-speaking expert local Guide
All three Meals
Accommodation in 3-stars and above Hotels

Tour Package Exclusions

International Air fare
Single room supplement charges
Entrance fees for Museums and Monuments
Any Personal Expenses
Tips/gratuities
Cost arising out of events beyond our control
Cost for any services not mentioned in the "TOUR PACKAGE INCLUSION"

Tour Package Cost

The total cost of the tour will vary based on the number of days, PAX, types of activities, accommodation & fooding, and the places you intend to visit. Our final rates will be shared based on your itinerary requirements.

Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy

Payment Terms

To confirm your tour with Found Bhutan Tours and Treks, the full payment for the tour package is required before the approval of your VISA.

Tour Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellation of tour in less than 7 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - No Refund.
Cancellation of tour in between 7 to 14 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - 50% of the total tour cost will be refunded.
Cancellation of tour in between 15 to 30 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - 80% of the total tour cost will be refunded.
Cancellation of the tour in more than 30 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - 100% of the total tour cost will be refunded.

Flight Ticket Cancellation & Refund Policy

The Flight ticket cancellation & refund policy shall be subject to the respective Airline's cancellation policies.

Rescheduling Tour Dates

You may reschedule your travel dates free of charge; however, based on your revised travel dates, the minimum daily rates, accommodation charges, and airline fees may change.

Notes

For any refunds, the applicable transaction charges shall be levied from the beneficiary.
The Bhutan SDF will be fully refunded by the Department of Immigration. However, the VISA fee is non-refundable.

Bhutan Travel Information

Customize Your Bhutan Tour Today

Welcome to Found Bhutan Tours and Treks, your gateway to exploring the enchanting beauty and cultural richness of Bhutan. Let us craft a bespoke journey tailored to your interests, ensuring an unforgettable experience amidst the breathtaking landscapes and timeless traditions of this Himalayan kingdom.

"Reach out today to design your tailor-made journey and begin your adventure of a lifetime."