Price from
3425 USD
Duration
7 Days | 6 Nights
Level
3
Average Ride
Overview
Discover the mysterious country of Bhutan by bike and take away memories of your week-long holiday that will last a lifetime. Landlocked and until recently hidden from the world, Bhutan now welcomes visitors who want to enjoy spectacular Himalayan vistas, clear air and colorful Buddhist temples in the land that invented Gross National Happiness. Bhutan limits its visitors in order to preserve its ancient culture, making it an authentic and ideal destination to explore!
This 7-day bike tour provides the easier and more manageable side of cycling in the Himalayas. There is one 16km pass to climb and one very long and thrilling descent to enjoy, as well as some flatter rides to even things out. As with every multi-day Grasshopper bike tour, our support vehicle is on hand at all times in case you need a lift uphill. Between rides we'll enjoy the sights, cuisine and cultural attractions this enchanting country has to offer.
If you are looking to combine this bike tour with a trek or other travel plans in Bhutan, let us know and we can help with onward arrangements and bookings.
169 km / 105 mi riding. 90% of the roads are sealed (albeit with plenty of potholes!) but all the riding takes place at altitudes from 1300m to 3050m, so you will need to be prepared for all uphill or downhill riding. Bhutan is a sparsely populated country so traffic is light.
Make it private: Bhutan trips can be run as private tours for two or more people at a 20% surcharge.
Highlights
- Explore the old town of Paro, known for its many sacred sites and idyllic surroundings.
- Conquer the Dochula Pass by bike with stunning mountain views as your reward before you ride down to the ‘Fertility Temple’.
- Cycle across a suspension footbridge above the Pho River before exploring ancient dzongs (fortresses).
- Trek to the sacred Tiger’s Nest Monastery set on a cliff for views out to the mist-covered mountains and thick forests.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Cost includes the government's mandatory $600 Sustainable Development Fee
- 6 nights in comfortable accommodation
- 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners
- Healthy snacks, local treats, fruit, and water while riding
- Expert English-speaking local guide
- Quality well-maintained bike and helmet
- Full vehicle support
- Souvenir cycle jersey as a memento from the journey
Day to Day
On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met and transferred to our hotel of choice. For those who have the energy and are not jet lagged we take a little time in the afternoon to see some of the sights of Paro. This includes a visit your first dzong: an incredibly grand Bhutanese fortress. These are situated at strategic locations throughout the country and are an imposing sight to behold.
Paro sits at a height of 2200m, so we take it easy today with a short ride to adjust to the altitude, warm up the legs, get used to the bikes and see a little more of the beautiful Paro Valley. Visit a ruined dzong, stop by a remote farmer's house and take a stroll in town on this relaxing day out.
Today it's time to leave Paro and begin the ride across Bhutan to its capital city, Thimphu. This first point to point journey is the easiest; our Bhutanese friends describe this day as 'flat' as you will only be riding between 2100m and 2350m throughout the ride, although the road does undulate. There is no such thing as ‘flat’ roads! In the afternoon take a leisurely walk through the colorful Thimphu Market area and explore the forbidding yet elegant dzong.
The first pass of the trip, Dochu La, sits at 3050m and offers a breathtaking 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' meant to bless struggling couples with fertility. The final section winds along the valley to our overnight stop at Punakha which sits at a lowly altitude of 1350m.
We take a day to explore the beautifully situated dzong at Punakha, once the summer capital of Bhutan, pedaling down a back road that is largely unpaved and offers great views of the river and dzong. Before reaching the fortress, we cross an 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 turquoise waters of the Pho River. After a picnic by the tranquil riverside of Punakha, we drive the route back to Paro to recharge ahead of the hike to the Tiger’s Nest.
This morning we hike up to one of Bhutan's most venerated places: the Tiger's Nest Monastery. The monastery is precariously perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor. This site has been recognized as one of the most spiritual places in Bhutan and many eminent saints have meditated in this area. Soak up the energy of the place and amazing views as a reward for the trek.
The tour ends after breakfast and check-out with a transfer to Paro Airport in time for your departing flight.
Dates & Price
EARLY RIDER PRIZE: Be in the first 4 to book a departure and get 5% OFF the tour price*
*Not applicable with guaranteed, private, or self-guided tours, other discounts, trip credit, or special offers
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
Since Bhutan was closed to visitors for so long, and now limits tourism, it is an intriguing destination for a tour. We have used our knowledge and experience in order to show off the very best of this fascinating country to our guests as they cycle through spectacular scenery, visit dzongs and temples, and stay in comfortable accommodations. Bhutan is not a country you can easily visit on your own, so let us take care of the details and you enjoy the cycling exploration!
