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Bhutan Heritage by Bicycle
Duration
7 days
Site savings
$101
From
$3,249 USD
Bicycling in Bhutan is rewarded with stunning views and pristine nature on good paved roads with little traffic. You'll start cycling from Thimpu after visiting Paro, and head east to Punakha, stopping to visit dzongs (fortresses), monasteries and temples and absorbing the Buddhist culture.
- CategoryCultural & Historical
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration7 days
- Culture LevelOut There
- Skill Level4 - Advanced
- Activity Level4 - Challenging
- Elevation4 - Challenging
- TerrainMountainous
- Distance118.1 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance29.8 miles
operated by
SpiceRoads Cycling
SpiceRoads CyclingQuick Stats
- Duration7 days
- Main DestinationBhutan
- Distance118.1 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance29.8 miles
- Elevation4 - Challenging
- TerrainMountainous
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Arrive in Paro
Arrive in Paro where you will be picked at the airport by the tour provider. Having checked in to the hotel, you will visit the Paro Museum and one of the major Dzongs (fortresses) in the afternoon. In the evening, the group will have a welcome dinner prepared in traditional Bhutanese style.
- Gangtey Palace
- Lunch and Dinner
- Day 2Thimphu – Dodina loop
After a morning transfer to Thimphu (approx 2 hours), the rest of the morning will be spent visiting museums and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (a school of arts and crafts). In the afternoon, ride to Dodina and visit two monasteries set back high amongst the mountains. The return is a gradual downhill to Thimphu. Later in the evening, you can explore the town well known for its handicrafts shops.
- 21.1 miles
- -3.3 ft
2,257.2 ft
2,260.5 ft - Jhumolhari Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 3Thimphu – Punakha
Today will be a major hill challenge to the pass at Dochula, which is known for its spiritual energy and 108 Chortens that are atop the pass. Lunch will at the Dochula Café which is the perfect place to take in the expansive views of the deep valleys and eastern Himalayas. After that, you will descend down the pass through pristine forests and monasteries.
- 45.4 miles
- -3,172.6 ft
5,009.8 ft
8,182.4 ft - Meri Puensum Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 4Punakha – Tashithang loop
Today's ride is an enjoyable out and back ride passing through lush forests which are famous for their rhododendron trees, and an area well known for its birdlife and wild orchids.
- 38.5 miles
- -36.1 ft
5,843.2 ft
5,879.3 ft - Meri Puensum Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 5Punakha Valley
You'll be having a leisurely ride today as you explore the lush valley of Punakha. A visit to the Punakha Dzong is also in the plans. It is one of the most impressive Dzongs (fortresses) in Bhutan and was built in 1638 without any drawings or a single nail. The other major visit will be to Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 and also known as the temple of the “Devine Madman” (Lama Drukpa Kunley) and disciple of one of the five great tertons (treasure discoverer) Pema Lingpa. This temple is also noted for its blessing of women who wish to bear children.
- 15.5 miles
- -36.1 ft
3,143 ft
3,179.1 ft - Meri Puensum Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 6Punakha – Paro
The group will leave Punakha early for the drive back to Paro. It will take about 4-6 hours depending on road construction, but the tour provider will ensure that there's time to visit the Tiger's Nest (Taktsang Monastery), a highlight of the tour. Perched on a cliff, it's a hike to reach and before getting there, one must cross a bridge that fords a large water fall, which drops by 60 metres (200 ft) into a sacred pool, not easy for those with a fear of heights. First built in 1692 this monastery is scared to Buddhists of the world.
- Gangtey Palace
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 7Goodbyes after breakfast