Take out a week and come explore by bike the mysterious and mystical country that is Bhutan. Landlocked and until recently hidden from the world, Bhutan now welcomes visitors who want to enjoy spectacular Himalayan vistas, clear air and colorful Buddhist temples in the land of Gross National Happiness. Cycling in Bhutan is one of the most challenging yet rewarding experience one can have. Your journey will take you through high mountain passes, down steep ravines and valleys along the beautiful twisting and turn roads that lead u there. The thrill of biking under the shadows of the mighty Himalayan mountains is an adventure that beckons every biker. Along with your journey, you will be visiting many mythical temples, ancient towns and majestic Dzong that will take you to a different realm. In this tour, you are going to explore 4 western districts in Bhutan.and its easy cycling from on district to another. And all the cycling will be on road and all the roads are blacktopped. But there is road extension work in between Thimphu and Punakha. This 9-day tour encompasses the easier end of cycling in the Himalayas. Of course, our support vehicle is on hand at all times in case you need a lift up a hill.
Per Person Cost: INR 48,900.00 + S.T 9% as per updated government regulations (for Indian National )
US$2,495.00 All Inclusive ( for foreign National )
What is included in the tour
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What is NOT included in the tour
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- Guaranteed Visa approval. We have yet to disappoint a single of our travellers in term of Visa issuance.
- Your choice of hotels will be confirmed for your inspection before your arrival. We only book you on hotels which we love and would love again.
- We will be happy to change your guide, driver or vehicle on the first two days of arrival in Thimphu if you are not satisfied with our selection. Drop us a note and our hospitality team be on the spot to assist you.
- We’re here to help. Our world-class member services team is available by phone or email — there's no automated system or call center; you'll communicate with a real person.
NOTE:
How difficult is Bhutan Cycling tour:
There are occasional climbs, with some of them being steep. As the trip is 100% vehicle�supported, there will nearly always be the option to enjoy the scenery from the bus. The leader will inform you in advance about any off road sections where the bus is not around for support. 90% of the cycling/ This trip is Moderate/Challenging in nature. The majority of the riding is on tarmac roads. you will find very less traffic in Bhutan. Most of the rides are undulating with some good downhill is on surfaced roads and on some of these routes there will be traffic. You will be advised of this in the daily briefing. Although it is a moderate trip a good level of fitness is required so that you can feel confident while cycling for 6 days. There will be minimal side affects from the altitude and the laid back pace means you can relax and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Nuts & Bolts:
Bikes: Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not provide mountain bike as part of this tour. However, you are able to hire bikes in Bhutan. Rental in Bhutan varies from $25 USD/day to $55 USD/day. The bikes you can find here are well-known brands of mountain bikes (trek, Cannondale) with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, v-brakes as well as disc break with Shimano components and front suspension. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a mountain bike, preferably with front suspension, and that it is in good order.
Bike Repairs: Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee to have spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube, and a pump while riding is recommended.
Safety: Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
Support: Our all cycling tours are supported by vehicles and they are always available for tired cyclists. It is very easy to get bikes on and off, so you can rest when you are tired and cycle whenever you feel like it.
Guides: You will be led by a local English-speaking tour leader. All our tour leaders are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
Arriving and Departing: This tour begins in Paro and ends in Paro. International flights, to and from the start and finish points are not included in the tour price. If you need help or advice arranging international flights please contact us.
Passports and Visas: Please make sure that your passport is still valid for at least six months at the end of the tour. All foreigners, except Indians, must have a visa. You can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport by filling out an application form and providing a passport photograph. To get a jump on the line, you can download a visa application form from the websites of the Bhutani embassy in your country ahead of time.
Health: There are no compulsory vaccinations although it is strongly recommended that you are vaccinated against: Typhoid; Hepatitis A and B. Tetanus and polio vaccinations should also be up to date at the time of travel. If you have come from an area infected with yellow fever you are required to be vaccinated before entering the country. Please speak to your doctor/physician for the most recent information.
Food: Meals are included in the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, and D = dinner. Meals during the tour will be prepared by the cook team and feature Bhutani and Western-style cuisine. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Drink: Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Cold water and energy-restoring drinks are included in the tour price. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer and alcohol are NOT included in the price.
Solo Travelers: Explore Himalaya.org does not require you to pay an extra charge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge.
Extra Expenses: We recommend that you tuck away a few extra dollars a day for incidentals. Included entrance fees are those for the listed sites and national parks that are part of the itinerary. Any other site fees are not included.
Money: The currency is Bhutanese ngultrum (Nu) and there are Bank ATMs in Paro and Thimpu that take international cards. However, to be safe, we suggest you change money in Paro and carry cash as a backup in case the power goes down, the ATM is out of order.
Local Time: GMT/UTC + 6 hr
What to Carry:
| Mountain bikes with front suspension | 1 Pc |
| Lightweight waterproof jacket | 1 Pc |
| Cycling helmet | 1 Pc |
| Warm base layers | 1 Pair |
| Cycling gloves | 1 Pair |
| Water bottle | 1 Pc |
| Cleated shoes and pedals (optional) | 1 Pair |
| Changing shoes / sandel | 1 Pair |
| Socks | 4 Pair |
| Warm trousers | 1 Pair |
| Warm pants | 2 Pair |
| T-shirts | 4 pcs |
| Cycling jersey | 1 Pair |
| Cycling Pants | 1 Pair |
| Small day pack (for camera and snacks) | 1 Pc |
| Head Torch | 1 Pc |
| Long underwear | 2 Pair |
| Warm Fleece jacket | 1 Pc |
| Sunglass | 1 Pc |
| Sun cream | 1 Pc |
| Spare tubes | 1 Pair |
| Power Banks (10,000 MAH+) | 1 Pc |
| Extra spokes | 5 pcs |
| Medical Kit, Vaseline, Toiletries, Toothpaste, | |
| Brush, Tongue cleaner, Cold Cream, Towel | |
| Deodorant, Paper Soap, camera with extra batteries |
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Day 1 : Arrival at Paro, Explore Paro. (15 Km).
Upon arrival in Paro International Airport and completing formalities. Explore Himalaya tour representative will greet you and accompanied you to our hotel in Paro. After short briefing about the biking guidelines and basic you can do a cycling tour of local area in Paro. This includes a visit to Dzong: an incredibly grand Buddhist monastery and fortress. Explore the beautiful countryside, finally ride to your hotel in Evening. Overnight Dinner and stay at Hotel.
Day 2 : Paro to Thimphu Ride, Explore Thimphu. (55 km + 10 Km)
Today after breakfast we will leave Paro on our bikes and begins our ride across Bhutan. We will follow the zigzag road beside the Pa Chhu (Chhu Means River) to its confluence with the Thimphu River. Explore Himalaya Guide will describe this day as 'flat' as you will only be riding between 2100m and 2350m throughout, although the road does undulate and there are actually no flat roads! After checking into the Hotel in Thimphu and refreshing yourself, Explore this capital city of Bhutan on your bike. Explore Tashichho Dzong, a Buddhist monastery on the western bank of the Wang Chu. Stroll in the Local market in evening, overnight dinner and stay at Hotel.
Day 3 : Thimphu to Punakha Ride. (65 km)
After breakfast and short briefing we will have an early start today for a full day Ride to the ancient winter capital of Punakha. After 25 km of biking we will reach Dochu La (La means pass) at an altitude of 10,170 ft. it offers a panoramic view of the Eastern Himalaya on a clear day. It is uphill all the way until the pass with amazing scenery as the valley is the richest agricultural region of Bhutan. After stopping for lunch, we continue travelling down to the Punakha Valley which is approx. 40km below at an altitude of 1,372m/4,500ft. The Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung is situated at the confluence of the �Po� and �Mo� Chhu (Father and Mother rivers) guarding the Southern end of the Punakha valley. This huge fortress/Monastery was the capital of Bhutan until 1966. Overnight dinner and stay in Punakha
Day 4 : Explore Punakha by Bike, Transfer to Paro.
Today after breakfast in the morning, we will bike to visit the Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Temple. The ride will take you to pass through several royal palaces and rich terrace of farmhouses and rice field dotted around the hillside, we will do the cycling tour along the bank of Mo Chu River. Leave the bike at the parking lot and hike for 1.5 hours to visit Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Temple. Crossing the suspension bridge and through terrace of rice fields. You will be rewarded by a superb view of the temple it is unlike any of the temple that you will encounter in Bhutan which was built for the peace of the world, after that ride to the magnificent Punakha Dzong. After Lunch Transfer to Paro in your support vehicle. Enjoy dinner with overnight stay in Paro.
Day 5 : Tour Concludes in Paro.
The tour ends after breakfast and check-out with a transfer to Paro Airport in time for your departing flight.
