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Discover the cultural and natural wonders of the last remaining Mahayana Buddhist kingdom of the Himalayas. » more |
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Biking Tour in Bhutan
Day 1 Arrive in Paro
During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by Bhutan Gateway Travel representative and transferred to your hotel. |
| In the afternoon ride to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16km from Paro town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Mount Jumolhari ("Mountain of Goddess") can be seen on a clear day. In the evening you can explore Paro town. Overnight in Paro. Dechen Hill Cottages |
Day 2 Paro to Thimphu (2 hour drive 60 km)
After breakfast you can visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions, as do all the dzongs (forts) currently. You will visit the National Museum, formerly the watchtower for the dzong. It now houses a collection of fine arts, paintings, thankas, statues, and antiques. You can then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. |
| In the afternoon you will ride to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The ride to Thimphu is along a winding road following the Paro and Thimphu rivers. Overnight in Thimphu. Jumolhari Hotel |
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, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory, the majestic Tashichodzong, and Simtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in the kingdom). Overnight in Thimphu. Jumolhari Hotel |
Day 4 Thimphu to Wangdue (3-hour drive 77km)
After breakfast you will ride to Wangduephodrang, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas.
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| After lunch you will ride to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. On the way back from Punakha, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple. Overnight in Wangduephodrang. Dragon’s Nest |
Day 5 Wangdue to Trongsa (5 hour drive 129km)
After breakfast you'll begin your ride 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 at certain times of year it's possible to see yaks. You can browse through the Trongsa shops and town in the evening. Overnight in Trongsa. Yangkill |
Day 6 Trongsa to Bumthang (3 hour drive 68km)
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. The evening will be spent exploring the area. Overnight in Bumthang. Wangdi Cholling Lodge |
Day 7 Bumthang day excursion to Ura Valley or sightseeing (2-hour drive)
Day excursion to Ura Valley. The road to Ura Valley, off the main road, is well-suited for biking, and this enjoyable excursion will provide a nice view of the Jakar Dzong. You'll make a stop in Ura village for lunch and will have a chance to visit the main temple and explore the village. Ura Village has a medieval look to it because of the cobblestone streets, and the typical clothing of the women includes a sheepskin shawl. Overnight in Bumthang. Wangdi Cholling Lodge |
Day 8 Bumthang to Wangdue (8-hour drive 197 km)
You'll begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then ride to Wangduephodrang, where you can stroll through the town and visit the shops. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings and bamboo work. Overnight in Wangduephodrang. Dragon’s Nest
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Day 9 Wangdue to Thimphu (3-hour drive 77km)
In the morning you will ride back to Thimphu. After lunch, you will tour the Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum and the weaving center in Changzamtok. You can explore Thimphu town in the evening. Overnight in Thimphu. Jumolhari Hotel |
Day 10 Thimphu to Paro (3-hour drive 60km)
After breakfast you will ride to Paro. In the afternoon you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery. 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. |
| In the evening you can visit a traditional farmhouse and, if you wish, enjoy a typical Bhutanese dinner. Overnight in Paro. Dechen Hill Cottages |
| Day 11 Depart Paro
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Price for this itinerary
1 person: US$2400
2 people: US$2300/person
3 or more people: US$2000
Included in Price
The Bhutan gov. royalty, all accommodations, meals and mineral water, a licensed English-speaking guide, and a driver and vehicle
Not Included in Price
Druk air fare, a visa fee of US$20, Paro airport tax of $18, visa fee of $20/person, alcohol, gifts/souvenirs, or travel insurance and personal bills
Price for July & August
1 person: US$2050
2 people: US$1950/person
3 or more people: US$1650
Photo Gallery
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