Bhutan Bike & Hike Adventure Tour
Highlights:
Embark on biking expedition in Bhutan, covering Paro, Thimphu, Punakha. Pedal through diverse landscapes, charming villages, and cultural sites. This adventure combines cycling with an immersive experience of Bhutan’s natural beauty and heritage.
- 10 Days 9 Nights
- Guided Backpacking
- Pickup: Paro Airport
ITINERARY
On arrival in Paro you will be picked up from the airport and taken to our hotel. For those excited to hit the ground running (and not jet lagged) we take time in the afternoon to see some of the sights of Paro. You will get to visit your first dzong. These incredibly grand Bhutanese fortresses were constructed at strategic locations throughout the country, and we will encounter more of these photogeninc monoliths along the journey.
Overnight stay in Paro.
34km cycling
Paro sits at a height of 2200m so we take it easy today and do a short ride to get you used to the altitude, warm up the legs, acquaint ourselves with the bikes and see a little more of Paro Valley. We’ll visit a ruined dzong and a farmer’s house along the way and enjoy some time out in town to get a sense of the valley.
Overnight stay in Paro.
55km cycling
It is time to leave Paro and begin the ride across Bhutan. This first point to point ride is the easiest on the tour. Our Bhutanese friends describe this day as ‘flat’ as you will only be riding between 2100m and 2350m throughout the journey, although the road does undulate and there are actually no flat roads at all! In the afternoon take a leisurely walk through the Thimphu Market area and explore the forbidding yet elegant dzong.
Overnight stay in Thimphu.
63km cycling
The first pass of the trip, Dochu La, sits at 3050m and offers a panoramic view of the Eastern Himalaya on a clear day. After a long ride up to the pass a downhill is due which will take you 40km all the way down to the intriguing ‘fertility temple’. The final section undulates along the valley to our overnight stop at Punakha which sits at a lowly altitude of 1350m.
Overnight in Punakha.
15km cycling
We take a day to explore the beautifully situated dzong at Punakha, once the summer capital. Riding a back road that is largely unsealed, we get great views of the river and Punakha Dzong. But before the dzong you must cross a terrifying or exhilarating suspension footbridge (the feeling depends on your perspective). This is the longest and highest suspension footbridge in the country stretching over 200m above the Pho River. After a picnic en route back to the hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free for some relaxation.
Overnight stay in Punakha.
Today we travel to Gangtey, a valley that is famed for its conservation efforts. The drive from Punakha takes us to the Lawala Pass at 3300m after which we descend into the beautiful Phobjika Gangtey Valley. Gangtey is an ecological hotspot for Bhutan(3000m).
For those with the energy there are a few activities available today, or optionally you may choose to take a bit of R&R instead. The Gantey has a lovely nature trail walk that takes around half a day and this can be combined with a picnic lunch and afternoon exploring the village. There are some lovely rustic farmhouses out here where you can enjoy traditional food and beverages as well as a good insight into the life and living in the countryside.
Those still craving some two-wheeled action may instead prefer to explore the valley and its countryside villages by bicycle. Gangtey is one name for the area of the Phobjika Valley, a glacial valley where the rare black-necked cranes from Tibet spend the winter. Dwarf bamboo, eaten by yaks, is the prominent vegetation here. Those craving a laid-back day can relax at the comfortable and quiet hotel.
Soon after breakfast we retrace our route through the Dochula pass to the valley of Paro .
Along the way, there will also be the option to enjoy a hike to the lungchutse monastery which is perched high on the dochula mountains. The hike takes about three hours (return) at a leisurly pace and is worth the effort as you are rewarded with striking views out over the Himilayas which present a truly breathtaking vista on clear days. Bring the camera!
Later in the afternoon, we will also take a tour at a recently opened craft brewery, it is the first such establishment to open in Bhutan and is an incredible operation. The evening can be spent at leisure or you may choose to enjoy a walkabout in Paro Town.
Overnight stay in Paro.
In the afternoon there is an option to trek up to one of Bhutan’s most venerated places, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which is precariously perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor. This site has been recognised as one of the most spiritual sites in Bhutan and many eminent saints have meditated in this area.
Overnight stay in Paro.
All that starts well must end well. In the morning your guide will accompany you to the Paro International Airport to see you off onto your flight and wish you Tashi Delek (Goodbye and Good luck).
Price Includes
- The Bhutan Government Royalty
- All Accommodations
- Meals and Mineral Water
- A licensed English-Speaking Guide
- A Driver and Vehicle
Price Excludes
- Drukair Fare
- One time visa fee $40 per person for the entire duration of stay
- Paro Airport Tax of $18
- Alcohol
- Gifts/Souvenirs
- Travel Insurance and Personal Bills
FAQ related to visa
Your visa will be taken care by Bhutan Gateway Travel. You are requested to email us a clear valid passport with validity of six months or more prior to your visit to Bhutan.
Once approved, Bhutan Gateway Travel will email you the electronic visa (e-visa) approved by the Department of Immigration. You will print and hand carry a copy of the approved e-visa.
In case of emergency, based on the merit of the case, we will pursue with the relevant authority and get it extended. However, under normal circumstances, it is not possible to get the visa extended.
Three to five government working days.
FAQ related to SDF
The new SDF of US$100 per person per day will become effective from 1 September 2023.
The new SDF shall remain effective for four years until 31 August 2027.
Any guest who already paid the SDF for their upcoming visit to Bhutan is eligible for a refund of the excess SDF amounts paid.
When applying for a visa to enter Bhutan, you will need to pay the SDF. Visas can be applied for at the Department of Tourism’s website.
No, the incentives introduced in June 2023 have been revoked and are no longer applicable. However, the 24-hour SDF waiver for border towns in Bhutan remains valid.
