Cycle Bhutan – Scenic Routes

Enjoy a flight to Bhutan over the Himalayas. On a sunny day, you'll be treated to stunning views of some of the world's highest peaks, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, as well as Bhutan's own Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drakey.

Our guide and driver will welcome you at Paro airport and drive you to Thimphu. During the journey, we'll stop to explore Tamchog Lhakang and enjoy a brief respite in Bhutan's pristine natural environment. You'll have the opportunity to stroll across the historic iron bridge, which has been faithfully reconstructed using the original chain links crafted by the renowned Tibetan bridge builder TangThong Gyalpo in the 15th century.

Upon arrival in Thimphu, we'll do a bike fitting, and later in the evening, visit the Memorial Chorten Stupa, a revered monument erected in honor of Bhutan's third king. Toward the evening, you can enjoy a walk around Thimphu city on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Altitude: 2300m, Drive: 1h40min, Distance: 70km

After breakfast, we will ride to Buddha Point to visit the largest Buddha statue in Bhutan, which offers an impressive view over Thimphu city.

On the way back, we'll stop at Changangkha Temple, followed by a visit to the painting school, where students learn 13 different arts and crafts unique to Bhutan. We'll also explore the weekend market, where locals from all over the country come to sell their agricultural products. Afterward, we'll visit the Changlimithang Ground to witness an archery match, the national sport of Bhutan.

Toward the evening, we'll visit Trashichho Dzong, the summer residence of the central monastic body. In the evening, enjoy a stroll around the craft market to see some local handmade products. Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude: 2300m, Ride: 2hrs, Distance: 40km

The road to Punakha begins with a 22km uphill with the ascend of 670 meters up to Dochu La Pass at an elevation of 3,150 meters. The pass is adorned with 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens, built to honor the stability and progress brought to Bhutan by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King. These stupas are emblematic of Bhutanese spiritual and artistic traditions. 

As you descend from the pass, you'll notice a dramatic change in vegetation. In the lower elevations of Punakha and Wangdue, the landscape transforms into a semi-tropical paradise with cacti, banana plants, poinsettias, and other exotic flora. After refreshing at your hotel in Punakha, visit Chhimi Lhakhang, a revered 15th-century Buddhist monastery known for its serene environment and vibrant murals, where visitors come to seek blessings for fertility and childbirth. Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude: 1200m, Ride: 4hrs, Distance: 70km, Elevation gain: 850m

Today, we'll enjoy a leisurely loop through the Punakha Valley. After breakfast, we'll cycle towards Khuruthang town and then cross to the other side of the river to visit Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge. We'll ride across the bridge and head to Punakha Dzong, constructed in 1637 by Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan.’ This grand fortress is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu (Mother and Father Rivers) and serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who migrate from Thimphu during the colder months.

From there, we'll continue our ride further up the river and enjoy a picnic lunch by its banks. Afterwards, we’ll head north to take in the scenic views of the rice fields and villages. We’ll return to the hotel for the night. Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude: 1200m, Ride: 3hrs, Distance: 50km, Elevation gain: 50m

Before we continue our ride to Phobjikha, we will make a stop at Wangdue Phodrang to visit the Wangdue Dzong, which was built in 1638. After exploring the dzong, we will proceed along the road that winds through deep valleys and remote villages towards the Black Mountain ranges. The elevation gain will be approximately 2,220 meters, reaching a pass at 3,420 meters. You will have the option to either cycle the entire route or drive or ride partway and then drive the rest of the way to Phobjikha. Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude: 1200m, Ride: 4hrs, Distance: 70km, Elevation gain: 2220m

Phobjikha Valley is a paradise for bikers. Enjoy your ride through the stunning single-track trails that wind through pine forests adorned with prayer flags and offer breathtaking views of the bowl-shaped marshland and meadows. Along the way, visit the renowned Gangtey Gompa monastery and the Black-necked Crane Information Centre and also the villages like Kilkhorthang. Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude: 2900m, Ride: 3hrs, Distance: 40km

After breakfast, we will head towards Pelela Pass at 3,420 meters. From there, it will be a downhill ride for about 68 kilometers to Trongsa, passing through the villages of Langthel and Rukupji, followed by Chendepji with its Nepali-style stupa. We will then reach Trongsa, home to Bhutan's largest dzong, built in 1644. This dzong is perched high above the Mangde Chu River, with sheer drops on one side. Historically, the only road connecting eastern and western Bhutan passed through the dzong’s courtyard, and its massive doors could be closed to divide the country in two. We will visit the dzong in the late afternoon, followed by a visit to Ta Dzong, which was once a watchtower and has been converted into a museum. The museum houses approximately 244 items used over the years by the Wangchuck dynasty. Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude: 1800m, Ride: 6hrs, Distance: 81km, Elevation gain: 520m

The morning ride will be quite challenging as we head towards Yotong La Pass at 3,425 meters (28 km). From the pass, it will be a pleasant descent through Chumey Valley and on to Zungney village, known for its Yathra textiles. We can make a brief stop to observe local women weaving. Afterward, we’ll face another uphill ride to Kiki La Pass before descending towards Jakar town. In the evening, we will visit Kharchung Monastery to attend the monks' evening prayer. Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude: 2500m, Ride: 4hrs, Distance: 65km, Elevation gain: 1625m

Today, we will begin our ride towards Jakar Dzong, which houses the district office and the residence of the monks. From there, we'll continue to the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang temple and Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint. Next, we'll ride up to Thangbi village and visit the village temple. For lunch, we'll stop at a local farmhouse. Afterward, we'll cross the river to visit the 15th-century Tamshing Lhakhang. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to explore Jakar town on your own. Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude: 2500m, Ride: 3hrs, Distance: 40km, Elevation gain: 300m

After breakfast, we will take the flight to Paro and upon arrival we will visit the National Museum. This museum features beautiful displays that showcase the rich cultural and natural history of Bhutan, offering an excellent introduction to the country and its unique heritage.

Next, we will visit the Paro Rimpong Dzong. These structures, known as dzongs, are among the most distinct and important buildings in Bhutan, serving as the offices for district administration and residences for monks.

After exploring the dzong, we will hike down to the wooden bridge and enjoy some free time in the town. Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude: 2300m

Trekking to the revered Taktsang Monastery is a must-do activity for all visitors to Bhutan. This ancient monastery, founded by Guru Rinpoche, clings dramatically to a cliffside, offering breathtaking views of the Paro Valley. The ascent takes about four hours and passes through a stunning landscape of waterfalls, meditation caves, prayer wheels, and colorful flags—perfect for photography.

After exploring the temple complex, enjoy lunch at a teahouse while taking in the magnificent scenery. The hike back down to the valley takes around 45 minutes, providing further opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Later in the day, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and experience a hot stone bath, a unique and traditional way of relaxing in Bhutan. Locals believe that the hot stone bath has therapeutic benefits and can cure various ailments. You can also taste the local alcohol, "Ara," during a typical Bhutanese dinner. Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude: 3150m, Trek: 4hrs, Distance: 7km, Elevation gain: 600m

Transfer to airport for departure