Cycle through Bhutan’s mountain passes, valleys, and heritage sites

Paro

Most travellers arrive in Bhutan via an international flight into Paro. Arrive in Paro town, a peaceful valley town surrounded by green hills and snow capped mountains. Take in the fresh air and views as you settle into your hotel. Later, get fitted for your bike—if you brought your own bike, take time to assemble it or check that it is properly serviced and ready for the terrain. Make sure all your gear is ready for the adventure ahead. This day is about getting comfortable, meeting your guide and preparing for the journey. If time allows, take a short walk around or just relax at your hotel. Paro town is the perfect place to ease into your cycling tour of Bhutan.

Paro

Start the day with a short bike ride and then take a short scenic hike to Bhutan’s most famous landmark—the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The hike is steep but rewarding with great views of the valley below. The monastery clings to the edge of a cliff and exploring it will give you a deep sense of Bhutan’s spiritual roots. Visiting the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery is perhaps the biggest highlight of the trip. Learn about Buddhist teachings and enjoy the mountain scenery. After the visit return to Paro for the evening and prepare for tomorrow’s full day of cycling in the countryside.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Paro

Paro

Ride through farmlands and small villages where life moves slowly. The day’s main challenge is the climb to Chele La Pass, one of Bhutan’s highest roads. The 22 mile ascent is tough but rewarding, with colourful prayer flags at the top and views of the Himalayas. Enjoy lunch at the top and soak up the mountain air. The afternoon features a long flowy descent through forested valleys, where you will enjoy riding the scenic downhill sections. Experience an exhilarating altitude drop as you ride drops along winding roads, then return to Paro for a relaxing evening at your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Thimphu

Cycle from Paro to the capital city Thimphu, following rivers and forest trails. The peaceful ride offers views of rice terraces, village homes and forested hills. Arrive in Bhutan’s capital city and explore the town square where locals go about their daily lives dressed in traditional clothing. Thimphu, as the capital city, is not only the political and cultural center of Bhutan but is also known for its unique approach to well-being, guided by the philosophy of gross national happiness. Visit shops, cafes and small markets or just relax at your hotel. This is a gentle day of riding with time to discover Thimphu’s mix of modern life and old traditions and a chance to rest before the steeper rides ahead.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Punakha

Ride up for 13 miles to the scenic Dochula Pass. Along the way, pass orange and banana orchards and ride through a beautiful rhododendron forest, with flowering rhododendrons and magnolias in season. At the top, take in the rows of prayer flags and the Himalayan views. Then begin your descent through pine forests and into the warm and lush Punakha Valley, eventually reaching the valley floor, where streams and villages dot the landscape. End the day in the countryside surrounded by jungle and rivers. Relax at your lodge or hotel and take in the change of landscape and climate.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Punakha

Punakha

Today is a rest day. You can visit the famous Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful monasteries. Located between two rivers, the dzong is known for its grand design and deep religious importance. Wander the peaceful courtyards and see the fine wood carvings and sacred relics. If you prefer a slower pace, just relax at your hotel and enjoy the valley air. After days of cycling, guests can unwind with a traditional herbal hot stone bath, a therapeutic treatment that soothes joints and muscles. You can also try Red Panda local beer, a Bhutanese craft beverage, to relax and experience local hospitality. Take in the natural beauty around you and recharge for the journey ahead.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Gangtey

Ride deeper into the Black Mountains today. Follow rivers and valleys past small villages like Tikke, passing through beautiful forests along the way. Stop for tea and take in the peaceful atmosphere before the steady climb over the mountain. At the top enjoy the views before descending into the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. This wide bowl shaped valley is known for its rich wildlife and stunning scenery. It’s also home to black necked cranes in season. End the day in this peaceful retreat and rest at your lodge.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trongsa

Cycle out of Gangtey and watch for langur monkeys in the forest trees. On the way, stop at the takin reserve centre, where you can see Bhutan's national animal, the takin. Climb to the top of Pele La Pass, a high mountain road with great views. On a clear day you can see Mount Chomolhari in the distance. Descend through thick forest and winding trails to Trongsa. In the afternoon explore the town and visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, which sits high above the Mangde Chhu River. This historic fortress holds great significance in Bhutan's history and is an important part of Bhutan’s royal heritage.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trongsa

Bumthang

Start early and ride to Yutung La Pass. The road winds through forests and meadows as you enter the Bumthang region in central Bhutan. This beautiful valley is known for its spiritual significance and cultural sites. The route follows a heritage trail rich in culture and history, connecting ancient villages and traditional landmarks. Stop for a picnic lunch and then climb over Kiki La before descending into Jakar, the main town in Bumthang Valley. Take in the majestic Jakar Dzong nestled among hills and pine forests. This area is rich in Buddhist legends and natural beauty. End the day in a cozy lodge and rest and enjoy the surroundings.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bumthang

Experience one of Bhutan’s colourful religious festivals, a Tshechu. Locals gather at temples dressed in traditional clothing to watch mask dances, receive blessings and celebrate together. The atmosphere is joyful and deeply spiritual with music, food and stories passed down through generations. Join the crowd and see Bhutanese culture up close through vibrant music, dance, and time-honoured traditions. This day is an opportunity to connect with local people and learn more about the country’s rich traditions in a warm and welcoming environment. During the festivities, you can also sample authentic Bhutanese cuisine, featuring unique flavours and ingredients that reflect the country’s culinary heritage.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bumthang

Walk to Tharpaling Monastery high above the valley. The trail winds through peaceful forest paths with fresh mountain air and views of snowy peaks. Some sections may require a hike-a-bike approach due to steep or technical terrain, adding to the adventure for those on two wheels. At the top the monastery sits quietly among prayer flags and stone walls. This is a place of deep reflection and beauty. The route is popular among mountain bikers seeking both challenge and spiritual insight. Spend time enjoying the natural surroundings before heading back to your lodge. A quiet and meaningful day for those seeking both nature and spiritual insight.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bumthang

URA VALLEY

Ride into remote Bhutan today and cycle up to Shertang La Pass. The road is peaceful with distant views of the Lunana mountains. As you enter the Ura Valley, the landscape changes to rolling fields with sheep and traditional homes, making it a truly beautiful valley. Arrive in the small village of Ura where life is slow. Camping here allows you to craft your own adventure in this remote and peaceful setting, surrounded by untouched nature and the sounds of rural life.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Mongar

Today is a tough day with the climb to Thrumsing La, the highest road in Bhutan. Celebrate with a special lunch and then descend 50 miles, experiencing a significant altitude drop as the ride drops from the high pass into lush valleys. Ride through bamboo forests and exotic woodlands as the road winds down the mountain. The descent takes about an hour, with cliffs dropping away and a noticeable temperature change as you approach Mongar. This lively hill town welcomes you after one of the most exciting days of the trip.

Meals Included: Breakfast

TRASHIGANG

More cycling today. Climb to Kori La and pass cornfields and banana groves. The roads twist and turn through hill villages like Yadi and offer glimpses of daily life in eastern Bhutan, a region nestled in the eastern Himalayas. Ride alongside the Gamri River as you approach Trashigang. This small town is in a deep valley surrounded by farms and forests, making it an ideal spot for exploring Bhutan off the beaten path. Visiting Bhutan offers unique insights into local life and culture, and Trashigang is a peaceful place to end the day where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Meals Included: Breakfast

SAMDRUP JONGKHAR

Today leave the bike behind and drive to the border town of Samdrup Jongkhar. The journey winds through eastern Bhutan’s hills and forests. Before departing, take the opportunity to explore local markets or shops where you can admire Bhutan's rich art and pick up a few souvenirs or handicrafts to remember your journey. In the evening celebrate the end of the trip with a farewell dinner and party. Share stories and laugh with fellow travellers as you remember the roads you rode and the landscapes you saw. A joyful end to a unique adventure that few others have experienced.

Meals Included: Breakfast

GUWAHATI - DEPARTURE

After breakfast drive across the border into India and continue to Guwahati. From here you’ll catch a short international flight to Delhi where the trip ends. Whether you go home or continue travelling, you’ll carry with you memories of mountains, monasteries and meaningful moments from Bhutan’s incredible landscapes and culture. For many, cycling Bhutan—tackling high-altitude passes and scenic routes—will stand out as a highlight of this cycling holiday.

Meals Included: Breakfast