Mountain Biking in Bhutan

After breakfast, the guest will continue a full-day trip to Thimphu till they are able to ride. The average grade of the road is ideal for cycling, with few sharp climbs or descents. Enjoy cycling along rivers and through rice fields, coniferous forests, and hills sprinkled with chortens and monasteries.

After a picnic lunch at a scenic location, continue riding along a small ravine to the broadening valley of Namseling. Finally, Thimphu’s picturesque neighborhoods appear, as does the majestic Semtokha Dzong, which was erected in 1627. The ‘Bridge of Prophecy’, decked with many prayer flags, welcomes you to downtown Thimphu, where you will walk down the main street to your accommodation. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Enjoy sightseeing in Thimphu, beginning with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, which depicts the Buddhist beliefs via paintings and statues. The Third King established this temple to protect against the bad effects of industrialization. The Royal Queen Mother finished it as a memorial stupa for the third King, who died in the year 1972.

Other highlights include the 12th-century Changangkha Temple, Drubthob monastery, which houses the Zilukha nunnery, the School for Arts and Crafts, where students learn to master the 13 types of Bhutanese art, the National Library, which houses a collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, and the Folk Heritage Museum, which features a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse. If you have time, you can also visit the nursing pen for Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. And Tashichhodzong. Stay overnight at your Thimphu hotel.

The trip to Punakha begins with a 22-kilometer bike and a 670-meter elevation increase to Dochu La Pass (3,100 meters). The slopes are covered with a lush temperate forest with plentiful rhododendron and magnolia, which is home to a variety of deer and monkey species. Stop for lunch at Dochu La, where on a clear day you can see the Himalayan Mountains.

The downhill ride from Dochu La to Punakha valley will leave you stunned as you glide through lush woodland for 50 km.

After a pleasant stay at Punakha, explore Punakha Dzong, which was erected in 1637 by Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is located at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter home of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who migrate from Thimphu during the colder months. The Punakha Dzong’s three-story main temple is a stunning example of traditional architecture, with four beautifully embossed entrance pillars made of cypress and embellished with gold and silver. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.

Enjoy a leisurely 12-kilometer ride to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which is situated on a picturesque hillside. It houses paintings from the Nyingmapa traditions. Before cycling back to Punakha, stop for a picnic lunch by a gorgeous river. After that, drive to Thimphu. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you can either start riding back to Paro or drive there later to have time to walk around Thimphu. If it’s the weekend, you may go through the market to witness Bhutan’s diverse cuisine, which includes baskets upon baskets of spicy chilies, fresh cheese, and a range of fresh greens. In addition, numerous kiosks sell Bhutanese handicrafts and home goods. Upon arrival in Paro, check into your hotel. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery. The 1.5 to 2 hour uphill climb brings you nearly a km above the Paro valley level (for those who cannot hike, we will arrange for a horse to transport them to the café). The vista from Taktsang Monastery, which is perched on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley level, is breathtaking. The monastery is also an important Buddhist pilgrimage place. The legendary Guru Rimpoche is claimed to have flown here on the back of a tigress in the 8th century to bring Buddhist Dharma teachings to Bhutan. There is a teahouse nearby where you can get some refreshments before heading back to Paro for lunch.

In the afternoon, drive or bike the comparatively flat road to the ruins of the 17th-century Drukgyel Dzong, which was built to celebrate a victory over invading Tibetan forces in 1644. In good weather, the high top of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) provides a beautiful backdrop. On the way back to Paro, stop by Kyichu Lhakhang, one of 108 temples built by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century.

Alternatively, day 12 could be spent seeing the Haa Valley, one of Bhutan’s most gorgeous areas. Haa Valley, accessible via the picturesque Chelila Pass, is distinguished by its surrounding harsh and steep environment. On the way back to Paro, you can ride the thrilling downhill descent from Chelila Pass. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.