MOUNTAIN BIKING TOURS
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Mountain biking
The department of tourism, Ministry of Trade and Industry, worked out on a new product - mountain biking - to attract the more
adventurous and promote adventure tourism in Bhutan. With assistance from the Austrian Tourism Consultants the department
carried out a mountain biking survey which took into account the 18 existing routes in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha dzongkhags.
Mountain biking is not new in Bhutan. Although it already exists, it has not been fully explored
At present, Bhutan is selling mostly cultural tours which is sometimes combined with trekking. We need to establish new products
and mountain biking if combined with cultural trips can enhance the tourist arrivals in the Kingdom. Bhutan has a great potential for
mountain biking. Recently Department of Tourism has surveyed several dirt tracks for biking.
11 days biking tour
*You will be biking in most of the places. Most of the places mentioned are tarmac/paved motor roads. You can even choose dirt tracks. Most of our dirt
tracks are through villages and forest. The cost of hiring a bike is not included in the tour payment.
Day 1: Arrive Paro international airport from Delhi
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalaya Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred
Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your
hotel.
In the afternoon you can visit the Paro Dzong. It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions, as
do all the dzongs (forts) currently. You can then tour the National Museum, formerly the watchtower for the dzong. It now houses a
collection of fine arts, paintings, thankas, statues, and antiques. Afterward you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the
country, and Drugyel Dzong. In the evening you can stroll through Paro town. Overnight in Paro.
Day 2: Paro - Thimphu, with hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery. Guru Rinpoche is said to have
flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is
perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for
a nice half-day excursion. After lunch, drive to Thimphu. In the evening you can explore Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, and absorb the
lifestyle of the people. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast you will visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972),
Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the Takin reserve, which
contains the national animal of Bhutan. From there you will visit the nunnery temple. After a relaxing lunch, you will tour the School of
Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school), the Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum, the National Library (which
houses ancient manuscripts), Tashi Chho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong), and the Simtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in the kingdom).
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu - Punakha (3-hour drive)
After breakfast you will visit the weekend market, where you can stroll through the aisles to see the variety of food of the country,
including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, and fresh cheese. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and
household items. It's fun to wander the aisles, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the market.
In the afternoon you will drive to Punakha. The drive takes you across the Dochula Pass (10,230 ft) which is marked by a large
Bhutanese chorten (Buddhist monument) and prayer flags. You will stop on the pass for tea, and if the weather is clear, you will take
in beautiful views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas. The road to Punakha winds down from the pass, meandering through
magnificent pine and rhododendron forests, giving you a glimpse of some of the most picturesque countryside in Bhutan. Overnight
in Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha to Trongsa (5-hour drive)
You will begin the day by driving to Gantey. You'll pass through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons and arrive at Gantey
village, where you'll visit Gantey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. From Gantey, you can see the
picturesque Black Mountain range as well as Phobjika Valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. From there you'll head to
Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La,
and it's possible to see yaks along the way. In the evening you can explore the small town of Trongsa. Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 6: Trongsa to Bumthang (3-hour drive)
In the morning you'll visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, and you'll also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower
built to defend this dzong. After lunch, you'll proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation, with lush valleys and hilly
forests. Along the way you will stop at a yethra (textile weaving) factory, where the yethras are designed with patterns unique to
Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. You can spend the evening strolling through Bumthang
town. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 7: Bumthang sightseeing
After breakfast, you will tour the beautiful region and visit sights including Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley; the
Udee woodcarving factory in Jakar; Jambey Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, dating from the introduction of
Buddhism in Bhutan; Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places, because Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint on the cave
when he was meditating; and Tamshing Lakhang. You will also take a short hike to Thangbi monastery. You can spend the evening
strolling through Jakar town. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 8: Bumthang to Wangduephodrang (6-hour drive)
You'll begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then drive to Wangduephodrang, where you can stroll through the town and visit the
shops. You can biking for some distance and take a car ride when you feel you need it. Overnight in Wangduephodrang.
Day 9: Wangdue to Thimphu, with afternoon hike to Tango Monastery
In the morning you will drive to Thimphu. After lunch you will drive 12km north of Thimphu to hike to Tango (Horse's Head) monastery.
It will take about 45 minutes to hike to the monastery. Tango Monastery is a Buddhist college, and it's the residence of the Desi
Tenzin Rabgye, a young boy who is the reincarnation of the 16th-century monk who built Tango. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 10: Thimphu to Haa to Paro (6-hour drive)
You will set out for Haa, one of Bhutan's most unspoiled areas. It was just recently opened to visitors and is unmarked by tourism.
Haa is a pristine valley where the farmers grow wheat, barley, millet, and potatoes. On the way to Haa, you will pass through
old-fashioned villages and thick conifer forests.
You will visit Lhakhang Karo and gain some insight into the valley's history. You will also visit the Wangchulo Dzong. A few minutes'
drive from the dzong is the main town of Haa. You can take a walk to Katso Village from the main town and explore the area. After
lunch you will drive to Paro over the Cheli La pass at 3,900m. Overnight in Paro.
Day 11: Paro Depart
Season
All year round
Price
1 person US$240/night halt
2 persons US$230/person per night halt
3 persons and above US$200/person per night halt
Included in Price
* All meals (mineral water included) and lodging,
* All ground transportation within Bhutan which includes pack ponies
and porters during treks,
* Multilingual guide,
* Entrée fee into monuments and temples.
Not Included in Price
* Airfare, visa fee, airport tax,
* Choppers during emergency evacuation,
* Expenses of personal nature like telephones, laundry and hard
drinks (intoxicating beverages).
CONTACT US
The department of tourism, Ministry of Trade and Industry, worked out on a new product - mountain biking - to attract the more
adventurous and promote adventure tourism in Bhutan. With assistance from the Austrian Tourism Consultants the department
carried out a mountain biking survey which took into account the 18 existing routes in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha dzongkhags.
Mountain biking is not new in Bhutan. Although it already exists, it has not been fully explored
At present, Bhutan is selling mostly cultural tours which is sometimes combined with trekking. We need to establish new products
and mountain biking if combined with cultural trips can enhance the tourist arrivals in the Kingdom. Bhutan has a great potential for
mountain biking. Recently Department of Tourism has surveyed several dirt tracks for biking.
11 days biking tour
*You will be biking in most of the places. Most of the places mentioned are tarmac/paved motor roads. You can even choose dirt tracks. Most of our dirt
tracks are through villages and forest. The cost of hiring a bike is not included in the tour payment.
Day 1: Arrive Paro international airport from Delhi
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalaya Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred
Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your
hotel.
In the afternoon you can visit the Paro Dzong. It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions, as
do all the dzongs (forts) currently. You can then tour the National Museum, formerly the watchtower for the dzong. It now houses a
collection of fine arts, paintings, thankas, statues, and antiques. Afterward you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the
country, and Drugyel Dzong. In the evening you can stroll through Paro town. Overnight in Paro.
Day 2: Paro - Thimphu, with hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery. Guru Rinpoche is said to have
flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is
perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for
a nice half-day excursion. After lunch, drive to Thimphu. In the evening you can explore Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, and absorb the
lifestyle of the people. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast you will visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972),
Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the Takin reserve, which
contains the national animal of Bhutan. From there you will visit the nunnery temple. After a relaxing lunch, you will tour the School of
Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school), the Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum, the National Library (which
houses ancient manuscripts), Tashi Chho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong), and the Simtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in the kingdom).
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu - Punakha (3-hour drive)
After breakfast you will visit the weekend market, where you can stroll through the aisles to see the variety of food of the country,
including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, and fresh cheese. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and
household items. It's fun to wander the aisles, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the market.
In the afternoon you will drive to Punakha. The drive takes you across the Dochula Pass (10,230 ft) which is marked by a large
Bhutanese chorten (Buddhist monument) and prayer flags. You will stop on the pass for tea, and if the weather is clear, you will take
in beautiful views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas. The road to Punakha winds down from the pass, meandering through
magnificent pine and rhododendron forests, giving you a glimpse of some of the most picturesque countryside in Bhutan. Overnight
in Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha to Trongsa (5-hour drive)
You will begin the day by driving to Gantey. You'll pass through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons and arrive at Gantey
village, where you'll visit Gantey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. From Gantey, you can see the
picturesque Black Mountain range as well as Phobjika Valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. From there you'll head to
Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La,
and it's possible to see yaks along the way. In the evening you can explore the small town of Trongsa. Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 6: Trongsa to Bumthang (3-hour drive)
In the morning you'll visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, and you'll also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower
built to defend this dzong. After lunch, you'll proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation, with lush valleys and hilly
forests. Along the way you will stop at a yethra (textile weaving) factory, where the yethras are designed with patterns unique to
Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. You can spend the evening strolling through Bumthang
town. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 7: Bumthang sightseeing
After breakfast, you will tour the beautiful region and visit sights including Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley; the
Udee woodcarving factory in Jakar; Jambey Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, dating from the introduction of
Buddhism in Bhutan; Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places, because Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint on the cave
when he was meditating; and Tamshing Lakhang. You will also take a short hike to Thangbi monastery. You can spend the evening
strolling through Jakar town. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 8: Bumthang to Wangduephodrang (6-hour drive)
You'll begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then drive to Wangduephodrang, where you can stroll through the town and visit the
shops. You can biking for some distance and take a car ride when you feel you need it. Overnight in Wangduephodrang.
Day 9: Wangdue to Thimphu, with afternoon hike to Tango Monastery
In the morning you will drive to Thimphu. After lunch you will drive 12km north of Thimphu to hike to Tango (Horse's Head) monastery.
It will take about 45 minutes to hike to the monastery. Tango Monastery is a Buddhist college, and it's the residence of the Desi
Tenzin Rabgye, a young boy who is the reincarnation of the 16th-century monk who built Tango. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 10: Thimphu to Haa to Paro (6-hour drive)
You will set out for Haa, one of Bhutan's most unspoiled areas. It was just recently opened to visitors and is unmarked by tourism.
Haa is a pristine valley where the farmers grow wheat, barley, millet, and potatoes. On the way to Haa, you will pass through
old-fashioned villages and thick conifer forests.
You will visit Lhakhang Karo and gain some insight into the valley's history. You will also visit the Wangchulo Dzong. A few minutes'
drive from the dzong is the main town of Haa. You can take a walk to Katso Village from the main town and explore the area. After
lunch you will drive to Paro over the Cheli La pass at 3,900m. Overnight in Paro.
Day 11: Paro Depart
Season
All year round
Price
1 person US$240/night halt
2 persons US$230/person per night halt
3 persons and above US$200/person per night halt
Included in Price
* All meals (mineral water included) and lodging,
* All ground transportation within Bhutan which includes pack ponies
and porters during treks,
* Multilingual guide,
* Entrée fee into monuments and temples.
Not Included in Price
* Airfare, visa fee, airport tax,
* Choppers during emergency evacuation,
* Expenses of personal nature like telephones, laundry and hard
drinks (intoxicating beverages).
CONTACT US
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