Biking Tour of Western & Central Bhutan
DAY 1 : Arrival at Paro International Airport
(Orientation & acclimatization\two to three hours riding)
The flight to Paro across the Himalayan ranges affords spectacular sights of the sacred Jhomolhari and Jichudrakey mountain ranges. And if you arrive via Kathmandu, you get to enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjanga as well. Upon arrival you will be greeted by our company guide who will escort you to your hotel.
After lunch we will take you for a short guided shakedown ride in the afternoon. This easy route designed for orientation and acclimatization will take us past the airport and up the Paro valley. It is along a gently undulating river valley route and the trail conditions are excellent. If interested we can continue to cycle and visit the Ta Dzong, a 17th century monument which is now the National Museum of Bhutan. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968 and is located on a hill above the Paro Dzong, overlooking the Paro Valley. En route we will visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Built in 1646, this massive fortress is located in Paro Valley and is approached by a gently sloping flagstone road and a beautiful covered wooden bridge. The Dzong houses the government offices and religious institutions as do all the Dzongs in the country. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with its superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. Along the way we’ll pass one of the innumerable archery grounds. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and most men grow up learning the sport. If we are lucky, we just might catch a match in action.
Further discussions pertaining to the itinerary can be taken care of during and after the dinner. You need to note that throughout the tour the itinerary remains very flexible; the choice of places to visit remains entirely at your disposal. We remain but to serve you. Our experienced guides will continually make suggestions and keep you informed about any ad hoc special events and photo ops.
Night halt at Hotel Pema Cholling in Paro. At Hotel Pema Cholling the choice to be lodged at the Hotel or the farmhouse with facilities like luxurious hot stone baths remain entirely at your disposal. The relaxing traditional ‘hot stone bath’ are amid absolutely rural settings but with all the modern amenities. However, given the amount of time, energy and resources that go into organizing the ‘hot stone baths’, you will be levied extra charges for it.
DAY 2: Paro Valley and Do Chhu Roundtrip including rides to Kyichu, Drukgyel & Rinpung Dzong
(Easy to moderate\Five to seven hours riding)
Today’s ride takes in all the main highlights of the Paro valley. The morning ride includes an off-the-beaten-track ride which sweeps down to the valley floor, follows the Pa Chhu past the main archery ground where we will be passing by the Ugyen Pelri Palace and into Paro town. Then we continue to cycle off road alongside the Do Chhu past several temples and traditional farmhouses climbing very gradually up to the village of Dobshaptoe. We negotiate narrow lanes via a higher track rejoining the tarmac until we arrive at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country where we will stop to pay our respects. We can either continue up the valley by road or on tracks towards our next stop, the Tigers Nest. Finally we get to enjoy freewheeling all the way back to Paro via the Rinpung Dzong.
Night halt at Hotel Pema Cholling in Paro.
DAY 3: Chele La and Haa Roundtrip
(Easy to moderate/five to seven hour riding & two to three hour driving/optional technical descent)
Early in the morning we proceed towards Haa via Chele La, the highest road pass in the kingdom. As we continue snaking upwards through blue pine and rhododendron, we can catch glimpses of Mount Jhomolhari, Bhutan’s highest peak at 7, 314 meters. The invigorating ride along the prayer flag festooned ridge eventually ends in a freewheeling session all the way down to Wangchulo Dzong. The Dzong is presently occupied by the Indian Army. Then we visit the town area after which it is a short bike ride along the Haa Chhu to a picnic spot. After a picnic lunch we climb to the road-head and freewheel back to Lhakhang Karpo. We ride right down this valley on good roads before climbing up and round to rejoin the main Paro to Thimpu road and the final leg back into Paro.
Night halt at Paro.
DAY 4: Paro to Thimphu
(Easy\one and half to two hours riding)
After a hearty breakfast, we leave Paro and proceed towards Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. We follow the winding road alongside the Pa Chhu and Wang Chhu. The gradient of the road is excellent as there are no steep climbs or descents. Sights along the route include a 15th century Tamchog Lhakhang, ancient Buddhist Stupas and Semtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in the country. Once in Thimphu we check into the hotel for lunch and a refreshing shower. In the afternoon we bike around town, visiting whichever major sightseeing attractions that you are interested in visiting. In Thimphu you will experience a wonderful convergence of the modern and the archaic. It is the seat of the government as well as the main commercial hub. You will need to note that for those more interested in sightseeing than biking, since it is necessary to observe a dress code in most of the areas, it is advisable to continue the rest of the sightseeing program by vehicle. Our guide will be at hand to provide you suggestions.
The following are the places of interest in and around Thimphu:
- Tashichho Dzong – houses the throne room as well as the offices of the King of Bhutan, the Je-Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and other government offices. It is also the summer residence of the monastic body. The present Dzong was erected in 1968 around an older building, of which the central tower is a visible feature.
- National Memorial Chorten – was built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan. Glimpses of the Chorten in the early morning hours are indeed worthy of being deemed priceless. It is almost perpetually teeming with devotees circumambulating it because it is believed that it is a wish fulfilling monument.
- National Institute of Traditional Medicine – continues to nurture Bhutan’s reputation as ‘Lho Jong Men Jong’ or ‘Southern Land of Medicinal Herbs’ by continuing and promoting the age old healing and medicinal practices. Medicinal herbs are abundant in the kingdom and indigenous medicines are prepared here. The Institute also conducts training courses for practitioners.
- The Buddha Dordenma Statue – is a colossal and the largest Buddha statue in the world seated atop the Kuensel Phodrang Mountain, directly overlooking the city and affords a fabulous view of Thimphu valley.
- The National Post Office – is where the very famous Bhutanese stamps can be got hold of to cater to all your philatelic needs.
- The Clock Tower Square – is a recently renovated square splat in the middle of the city. Fountains and miniature traditional Bhutanese prayer wheels add to making it a pleasant site to relax and chill out in the evenings.
- National Folk Heritage Museum – provides rare insights into the traditional Bhutanese ways of life within the setting of a traditional Bhutanese house. Bhutanese dances and exhibits are also held regularly inside the museum compound.
- Changangkha Lhakhang – built in the 12th century by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, this temple hovers over a ridge above the Thimphu valley. It is the oldest temple in Thimphu and it houses Chenrizig: a 11-headed, thousand-armed manifestation of Avolokitesawara as the central statue.
- The Handicrafts Emporium – puts at your disposal a wide assortment of beautiful hand-woven and crafted products to choose from as souvenirs and gifts.
- BBS Radio Tower – is well worth the ten minute extra drive beyond the Takin Reserve. It offers splendid views of the city from a hilltop festooned with prayer flags. This is where the tower for the Bhutan Broadcasting Service – the National Television channel is located.
- Takin Reserve – this is the only place in Thimphu where the National Animal of Bhutan, Takin (budorcas taxicolor) is found. Bhutanese call it ‘Drong Gyemtse’. Legend has it that this animal was given life by the scandalously famous Drukpa Kinley, also known as the ‘Divine Madman’. It is said that since he was offered second-rate meat than the others during a meal he commanded the remaining bones of whatever animals that they were eating to rise saying ‘looks like you haven’t eaten well during your life time, so go and feed’. The bones miraculously merged into one and trotted off into the jungles. People believe that this is the reason for the Takin’s goat face and cow body. In addition to the Takin there are a few musk deer and barking deer as well.
- Zilukha Nunnery – the biggest nunnery in Bhutan is perched on a promontory overlooking the Tashichhodzong. The view of Tashichhodzong from the Nunnery is exquisite.
- National Library – provides a permanent home for the sacred religious books and manuscripts. The repository rooms of the archives houses an extensive collection of many rare and important documents including old records, letters, microfilms and around seven thousand important photographs. Thus the archive is the foundation of Bhutan’s National Memory Bank. Here one can also come across the largest published book in the world.
- The National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Traditional Arts and Crafts) – is a school of arts that trains students in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Tertoen Pema Lingpa, the renowned Treasure Discoverer is credited to have introduced these art forms to the people of Bhutan. These traditional crafts are a representation of the centuries of knowledge and ability that has been handed down through generations of master craftsmen and artisans and has played a vital role in shaping the Bhutan’s unique culture and heritage. The wood working, black smithy and sculpting that are taught and practiced do make for an interesting visit.
- Semtokha Dzong – built in 1627 it is the oldest Dzong in the country. Today it houses the School for Buddhist Studies.
- Dochula Druk Wangyel Chorten – was built to commemorate the bravery of the Bhutanese forces who successfully managed to dispel the Indian insurgents who had illegally infiltrated the country in 2003. The 108 chortens were built in 2004, in memory of those that lost their lives during the military operations. Because of the unique dance movements, costumes and setting, the recently initiated Druk Wangyel Festival is an exclusive treat and a must see for locals and visitors alike.
***We can also check out the National Stadium at Changlimithang for archery matches.
Night halt at Thimphu.
DAY 5: Paro to Punakha
(Easy to moderate\ four to six hours riding & three to four hours driving)
We can chose to hitch a lift with our support vehicle for the next stage or take on the challenge of riding up to the prayer flag festooned Dochula pass. The 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens on the crest of the Pass and if the weather permits, magnificent views of the Himalayan range including the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, Gangkhar Puensum at 7,541 meters, more than make up for the arduous uphill climb. What follows is a spectacularly twisting descent, plummeting into the low, warm and lush Punakha valley. En route we take a short ride across rice paddies at Metsina village where we will visit Chhimi Lhakhang, the temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kinley – the Divine Madman. As a Buddhist master, Lama Drukpa Kuenley is placed among the highest levels of sainthood. But he is remembered more vividly for the outrageous nature of his teachings, which were administered in the most unexpected ways, often with a strong sexual overtones and inclinations. And because the Lhakhang is dedicated to him it is considered a temple of fertility. The temple sits atop a picturesque hill surrounded by beautiful rice fields. Then we continue our onward journey; we have the option of either following the road along the local villages or riding the dirt track alongside the river till we make it to our hotel.
Night halt at Punakha.
DAY 6: Punakha – Samdingkha Loop
(Moderate to hard\ Six to seven hours riding)
Today we follow the first ever designated mountain biking trail in Bhutan. It is a six to seven hours riding distance with a loop to Samdingkha and an optional rafting session as well. After breakfast we ride down to the valley where the massive architectural edifice of the 17th century Punakha Dzong soon looms into view. Punakha Dzong, initially named as Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang or the ‘Palace of Great Bliss’, was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu, this architectural marvel is the second oldest and the second largest in Bhutan. It is of great historical importance not only because it houses the precious relic – the Rangjung Kharsapani (over which many battles were fought between the Bhutanese and the Tibetans) and the sacred remains of the Zhabdrung and Tertoen Pema Lingpa, but because the Royal Wedding for the Fifth Monarch of Bhutan His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck took place there. A quick look around is followed by an exciting single-track trail along the Mo Chhu to the village of Samdingkha. We can stop for a picnic lunch up either at Samdingkha or at the hot springs beyond. This is the put in for the white water rafting (which we can arrange at an additional charge) but whether we ride or float back to Punakha Dzong the bike trail then crosses the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan and shoots all the way down to the town of Wangdue Phodrang hugging the riverbank. Time permitting we visit Wangdue Dzong then head for home by vehicle as dinner awaits by the campfire in a riverside orange grove.
O p t i o n a l T e c h n i c a l D e s c e n t For seasoned downhillers, a vehicle uplift to the village of Talo (if time allows) for a challenging single track downhill with awesome views over Punakha Dzong Difficulty : HARD
DAY 7: Punakha to Phobjikha/Gangtey Goempa
(3-4 hours riding plus 3-4 hours driving)
Deep in the Black Mountains a morning freewheel blows us back down to Wangdue before some vehicle assistance takes us to the Lawa La Pass and opens up a whole new world as we plunge into the dwarf bamboo-clad upper Phobjiikha valley complete with herds of yaks grazing on their favourite food. The 16th century, Gangte Goemba perches in a commanding position over this valley and includes a school, meditation facilities and quarters for monks, and is home to the mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa, one of the region’s historically important Buddhist treasure discoverers. With our offerings made at the monastery, we swing along the road down, out into the wide, wild valley and across to our hotel for the next two nights. The wetlands sprinkled with tiny Goembas and Lhakhangs just beg to be explored; the birdwatchers should not miss a visit to the wildlife viewing hides.
Night halt at Phobjikha.
DAY 8: Phobjikha valley Loop Ride
(3-4 hours riding
Distance: 20-25km with options for longer rides should tired legs allow
Trail Conditions: 100% off-road
Difficulty: MODERATE to HARD Guided with picnic)
Today we set off to explore the exquisite, pristine and lush, glacial Phobjikha Valley. With its alpine setting on the western slope of the Black Mountains, the valley is famous as the seasonal home of the rare black necked cranes, who spend the winter months here (the cranes can be observed from the last week in October through to mid-February). Our trail today takes us deeper into the wild land and high up a side valley overlooking sparkling streams, finally reaching the remote temple of Tongchoe and the village of Yamuchen, housing a school and the local Dzongkhag office. Sucking on the thin but purest air we pedal past forests of prayer flags and traditional farmhouses as our route snakes back along the valley side.
Night halt at Phobjikha.
DAY 9: Descent to Punakha, Dochula Challenge, Descent to Thimphu and return to Paro
(6-8 hours riding plus 2-3 hours driving
Distance: descent to Punakha 48km, ride last 10km to pass, descent to Thimpu valley 23km – ride back to Paro 47km total distance 81km riding
Trail Conditions: 100% main and locals roads
Difficulty: MODERATE Guided with support vehicle and picnic)
Having returned to Lawa La, we speed all the way back down into Punakha by bike. There is the opportunity to ride the last challenging 40km back over the Dochula then one more delicious downhill takes us into the Thimpu valley. From the road junction it is 47km back to Paro – your penultimate two wheeled ride in the Land of the Thunderdragon. At Paro, check into Hotel Pema Cholling. At Hotel Pema Cholling, you can choose to stay at the Hotel or experience the traditional way of life untainted by the ills of modernity by availing the traditional home-stay facility whereby you will be lodged in a traditional farmhouse and be served delicious traditional cuisines. You can also pamper yourself with a relaxing traditional ‘hot stone bath’ amid absolutely rural settings but with all the modern amenities. However, given the amount of time, energy and resources that go into organizing the ‘hot stone baths’, you will be levied extra charges for it. Besides all these, you can also enjoy traditional cultural programs which can be arranged upon request. The ‘hot stone baths’ and cultural programs are not included in the total cost of the trip.
Night halt at Hotel Pema Cholling.
DAY 10: Departure from Paro