Day 1: Paro

Arrive from Bangkok on flight BKK to PBH. We check into the hotel, and in the afternoon we will visit to Paro Museum, which features local art, textiles, artifacts, and sculptures, we will also visit one of the major Dzongs located in Paro. In the evening, we will have a welcome dinner prepared in traditional Bhutanese style.

Day 2: Thimphu – Dodina loop

There is a short morning transfer to Thimphu (approx 2 hours), and then 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, we ride to Dodina past small villages, farmlands and dense forests, the end of the road in Dodina features 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.

Ride 34 KM. Ascend 688 m/Descend 689m.

Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha

Today will be the first major hill challenge, we have a warm up of 5 km before we start climbing for the next 18 km to the pass at Dochula, which is known for its spiritual energy and 108 Chortens that are atop the pass. Lunch at the Dochula Café is the perfect place to take in the expensive views of the deep valleys and eastern Himalayas. After lunch as we descend down the pass we move from Oak, Maple and blue pine forests into the rhododendron, hemlock and fir vegetation, and along with the many monasteries that come into view make this a downhill ride to remember.

Ascend 1527 m/Descend 2494 m.

Day 4: Punakha – Tashithang loop

40 to 60 km, today’s ride can go up to 100 k, depends on the mood of the ride. You can return early and chill out at the hotel also.

Day 5: Punakha – Wangdue.

The ride today is a more leisurely one as we take time to explore the beautiful and lush valley that surrounds Punakha. We will visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most impressive Dzongs in Bhutan which was built in 1638 and made all the more remarkable as it was constructed without the use of drawings or a single nail! The other major visit today will be to Chhimi Lhakhang, build in 1499 and also known as the temple of the “Divine 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. In the afternoon we ride the short way to Wangdue.

Flat road : app 10 kms.

Day 6: Wangdue – Phobjikha

We have to be up early today as the ride is probably the toughest on the tour, though we are going through a beautiful valley. The pass itself takes us over the Black Mountains, the division between wast and west Bhutan. And offers some quite spectacular views. From our starting point the ride is a gradual climb of 1 km to Tikka Zampa and from there the next 27km to Nobding is at an average of 7 – 10% gradient. After Nobding it is another 12 km to top of the pass at Lawala, identifiable by the prayers flags that adorn every mountain pass in Bhutan. After the pass it is a gentle downhill though bamboo and pine forest to our welcome resting place for the night in Phobjikha.

Ride: 65KM. Ascend 3041 m/Descend 1382 m.

Day 7: Rest Day at Phobjikha

A rest day from the bike today. The glacial valley we are in makes a great place to explore by foot as the area below the recently restored Gante Goemba Monastry is dotted with villages and Lhakhangs (Buddhist tamples) Phobjikha valley is also the home for the rare and endangered black neck crane which migrates from Tibetan plateau in winter season. The migration period starts from the late October till early March. Also visit the Crane information center where you can see the documentary video about the bird at a nominee fee of Nu.200.

Day 8: Phobjikha to Trongsa

Today start with a 16 km climb over Lawala pass up to Pele La, before we have the reward of a27 km downhill to Chendebji, with the black Mountains providing a stunning back drop. Make sure you take a peek over your shoulder on the way down so as not to miss some of the superb views on offer. From here it is a gentle climb all the way to Trongsa.

Ride 84 km. Ascend 1810 m/Descend m.

Day 9: Trongsa – Bumthang (Jakar)

We start today with visit to Trongsa Dzong, Situated high above the Mangde Chhu that has sheer drops on one of its sides. It is an intresting ride today as we head over one pass. Yontong La (28km), you can still see the old trade route that runs parallel with the pass before heading downhill for 24 km through the fir, then pine and bamboo forests before reaching Zungney. The final leg of the ride we have a gradual climb to Kiki La before descending down to Jakar.

Ride 68 km Ascend 1880 m/Descend 1378 m.

Day 10: Sightseeing in Bumthang

The morning is free to wander around the small but intresting town that is the treading hub of the Bumthang valley. In the afternoon we have a leisurely ride and a chance to visit some of the many Dzong’s and Geomba’s that are scattered around the valley.

Ride 25-30 km. Ascend 344 m/Descend 345 m.

Day 11: Transfer to Wangdue Phodrang.

Scenic relaxing drive from Bumthang to Wangdue Phodrang (Approx. 8 hours) or You have the option to ride on some stretch.

Day 12: Ride to Dochula.

Today is an opportunity for those with the energy to ride the Dochula pass in reverse, otherwise it is chance to see valley from a different perspective and plenty of chances to stop and take in the view. The climb up the pass is than well rewarded with a ride back down to the bottom where we will than transfer back to Paro (Aoorox. 2hours)

Ride 55 km. Ascend 2384 m/Descend 1061 m.

Day 13: Tiger”s Nest hike – Chele La Bike.

This morning we head up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery on foot. It will take about 3 hours to hike up. but the effort is well worth it. Once we finish we will go for an afternoon ride for those that want one more hill. It is 40 km ride with a gradient of 7-10% up a zig-zag road to Chelela Pass (3810 meters). Once the mission is accomplished we return to Paro and have a farewell dinner.

80 km. Ascend 1975 m/Descend 1974 m.

Day 14: Airport for onward travel.

Tour concludes and we transfer you to the airport for onward travel.