Cycling In Bhutan

Arrive Kathmandu.

Fly to Paro; easy warm up cycle to Drukyul Dzong (depending on flight times).

Paro to Haa Valley via the Chelela Pass (3810m).

A wonderful rolling ride down the beautiful Haa Valley to Thimphu

Morning cycle to Cheri, afternoon sightseeing in Thimphu.

Thimphu to Punakha via the Dochu La (3015m) passing 108 stupas with their prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

Punakha to Phobjikha in the Gangtay Valley (2388m) across the Lawa La Pass (3285m).

Phobjikha to Pele La (3353m), then a long downhill to Trongsa (2200m).

Trongsa to Bumthang. Cycle over the Yotong La (3425m) into the Chumey Valley and over the Keke La (2700m) into the spectacular Bumthang Valley (2488m).

Day in Bumthang. Optional festival visit and/or cycle ride depending on the trip departure date.

Flight to Paro.

Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery.

Fly to Kathmandu.

The trip ends in Kathmandu after breakfast.

Bicycles and Bhutan are a perfect fit. The tiny remote mystical Kingdom of Bhutan is probably the most culturally rich of all the Himalayan Kingdoms and is one of the most inaccessible. Tucked away at the eastern end of the mighty Himalaya, the Land of the Thunder Dragon is a wonderful place for a bike trip with some good paved roads, forests, glacial rivers, wonderful mountain scenery and cultural diversity. The whole country feels serene and is united by its love of the King and GNH (Gross National Happiness) is more important than GNP. This new trip takes us from Paro in the west to Bumthang in central Bhutan. We visit the remote Haa Valley and the capital, Thimphu. Crossing several passes over 3000m, we get wonderful views over the Himalaya. A side trip to the beautiful Gangtey Valley and Punakha Dzong are added highlights as is a visit to one of the masked dance festivals (on certain departures). There are plenty of long mountain climbs and exhilarating descents so a good level of cycling fitness is required.