Welcome Riders

Paro - Begin your Bhutan riding adventure with breathtaking views of the Himalayan range even before landing. The flight offers stunning vistas of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, and Bhutan’s own Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drakey. For the best views, sit on the left side of the aisle (ask at the check-in counter).

Upon arrival, our welcoming guides will assist you in settling into your comfortable vehicle and then take you to your hotel. Here, we’ll either assemble your bikes or have them ready for you (if we are providing them). Enjoy a leisurely ride around Thimphu valley to get your first impressions of Bhutan. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, believed to be Bhutan’s oldest Buddhist temple, built in the 8th century. Dine at some of the finest restaurants and conclude the evening with a tour briefing session.

Start riding from Paro to Thimphu

Thimphu - After breakfast, embark on a ride to the capital city along a beautiful 60 km road. This scenic route offers easy pedaling to help you acclimate to Bhutan’s elevation. Along the way, stop to visit Tamchog Lhakang, take a short break, and appreciate Bhutan’s fresh air and rich nature. Cross the ancient heritage iron bridge, reconstructed using original chain links from the famous Tibetan bridge builder TangThong Gyalpo in the 15th century.

If time allows, enjoy a short ride on Thimphu’s favorite XC trail – the Wangditse loop.

In the evening, visit the Memorial Chorten Stupa, a sacred shrine built in memory of Bhutan’s third king. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the best restaurant, savoring authentic Bhutanese cuisine. Tour briefing over dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

Ride time 6-7 hours/ 80 km

Cross-country riding in Thimphu

Ride from Thimphu to Punakha

Wangdue - Ride to Dochula Pass (3140m) from Thimphu, a gradual ascent for 16km from Simtokha. Relish the spectacular views over the Himalayan ranges from the pass and visit the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a collection of 108 chortens (stupas) built to honor the greatness of the Fourth King. For those seeking a challenge, try the beautiful but slightly technical singletrack descent on the Madman Trail. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely ride on the motor road.

Descend to the low-lying rice valley of Lobesa on a 40km road descent. In Lobesa, visit the popular temples of Bhutan and pay respects to one of Bhutan’s most charming and eccentric historical figures, nicknamed ‘The Divine Madman,’ at the Chhimi Lhakhang, also known as the fertility monastery. The temple visit involves a pleasant ride through a picturesque village surrounded by paddy fields.

Continue to Punakha along a lovely stretch of undulating roads running adjacent to the river. Stay in a cozy resort overlooking the valley.

Ride time 6-7 hours, 77km drive/ride

Punakha Sightseeing and Country rides/ Optionally no bike day

Punakha - Continue riding to Punakha Dzong, a magnificent structure at the confluence of two rivers, considered the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan. It served as Bhutan’s capital until 1955 and remains the winter residence of the monk body. After visiting the fortress, ride the Phophu loop trail for 7km and begin climbing to Sewla for another 10 km on a jeep track. Upon reaching Sewla, enjoy the reward of a 10km ridge ride through beautiful pine forests, arguably the best singletrack for cross-country mountain biking in Bhutan.

Enjoy a pleasant evening at your resort.

Ride time 6-7 hours, 45-50 km

Ride from Punakha to Gangtey

Gangtey Valley ride

Drive to Paro.

Paro - After breakfast, drive to Paro. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely day in Paro visiting the main attractions, including the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang monastery, the Rinpung Dzong fortress, and the Dungtse Lhakhang temple.

In the evening, visit a farmhouse to relax in an herbal hot-stone bath and savor authentic Bhutanese cuisine. Proceed to your resort.

Bhutan’s ultimate highlight

Paro Taktsang - The best of Bhutan is saved for last. Experience Bhutan’s ultimate highlight with an excursion to the famous Taktshang monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Ride to the base for about 10km. From there, leave the bikes and embark on a two-hour hike to the spectacular temple perched on a 1000-foot cliff. Alternatively, hike the bike up to the temple and enjoy an exhilarating downhill ride later.

On the return, ride to Drugyal Dzong fortress and then back to the hotel for a farewell dinner.

Departure

Paro - Our guide will accompany you to the airport for your onward journey.

• MTB and Cultural guide
• 3-star hotel accommodations
• All meals included (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and evening tea
• All transfers and sightseeing with entrance fees
• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 per day per person
• All necessary permit fees
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Complimentary drinking mineral water
• Visa fees included ($40 per person)

• airfare to Bhutan
• Mountain bike (need to bring your own or can be rented separately from us)
• All personal expenses like laundry, telephone, tips, shopping expenses
• Spa Charges
• Travel and Medical insurance

Bhutan Rides is owned by riders and designed for riders, with a professional team equipped with extensive local trail knowledge and unmatched passion for mountain biking, and impeccable attention to details. There is no better way to discover Bhutan than on a bike. With biking tours, we travel deeper into the country where no other tourists have been. We like technical enduro style rides but we can customise according to any level preferred by our guests.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.