Bhutan9 days
Bhutan Mountain Biking — 9 Days
Road and trail cycling across Thimphu, Punakha, and Phobjikha Valley with cultural stops and river rafting
This nine-day itinerary threads moderate-intensity cycling through Bhutan's three principal valleys, mixing road descents and dirt-trail riding with visits to working monasteries, fortress ruins, and the country's largest Buddha statue. Days split between active riding—mostly on quiet roads descending from high passes—and cultural immersion: farmhouse stays, traditional arts schools, temples. The route moves from Thimphu south through Dochula Pass to Punakha, then west into Phobjikha Valley before returning to Paro for a hike to Tiger's Nest. Riders should expect moderate fitness; the longest single ride is 51 kilometers, mostly downhill.
Best time to go: Mar / Apr / May / Sept / Oct / Nov
Highlights
- Cycling from Dochula Pass to Punakha Valley on a 51-kilometer downhill descent
- Khamsum Yulley Chorten pilgrimage site and white-water rafting on the Mo Chu River
- Phobjikha Valley nature trails and Black-Necked Crane Center during winter migration season
- Tango and Cheri Monasteries via uphill and downhill road cycling from Thimphu
- Punakha Fortress (Druk Chirwang Tshikhang) and the kingdom's longest suspension bridge
- Gangtey Monastery overlooking the Phobjikha wetlands
- Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang) full-day hike from Paro
Day by day
1Arrival at Paro, Transfer to ThimphuParo Airport · Paro to Thimphu
Arrive at Paro Airport and transfer to Thimphu. Sightseeing depends on flight arrival time.
2Tango and Cheri Monasteries CyclingTango and Cheri monasteries · Thimphu valley · en route · Traditional Arts and Craft School and Craft Bazaar · Tashichhodzong
Morning cycle through Thimphu valley to Tango and Cheri monasteries on paved roads with rolling climbs and descents. Picnic lunch en route. Afternoon visit the Traditional Arts and Craft School and Craft Bazaar. Evening visit Tashichhodzong. Moderate, 2–3 hours ride time.
3Dochula Pass Descent to Punakha ValleyDochula Pass · Kuenselphodrang · Chimmi Lhakhang · Dochula to Punakha
Morning visits to Kuenselphodrang (Largest Buddha Statue), Dochula Pass, and Chimmi Lhakhang (the Temple of Fertility). Afternoon ride descends 51 kilometers from Dochula to Punakha on road, mostly downhill, taking 3–4 hours. The route covers approximately 74 kilometers of driving and cycling combined between Thimphu and Punakha.
4Khamsum Yulley Chorten, Rafting, and Punakha FortressKhamsum Yulley Chorten · Mo Chu River · farmhouse · Punakha Fortress (Druk Chirwang Tshikhang) · kingdom's longest suspension bridge
Morning hike (30 minutes) to Khamsum Yulley Chorten, followed by white-water rafting on the Mo Chu River and a picnic lunch. Afternoon farmhouse visit, tour of Punakha Fortress (Druk Chirwang Tshikhang), and a walk across the kingdom's longest suspension bridge. Evening free for rest or local exploration.
5Phobjikha Valley: Temple and DescentPhobjikha Valley · Chimmi Lhakhang · Gangtey and Phobjikha Valley · Gangtey Monastery · Black-Necked Crane Center
Morning visit to Chimmi Lhakhang, then drive 78 kilometers to Phobjikha Valley (2.5 hours). Afternoon cycle descends 15 kilometers into Gangtey and Phobjikha Valley (approximately 1 hour, easy terrain). Visit Gangtey Monastery and the Black-Necked Crane Center, which monitors the valley's winter population of these endangered birds.
6Phobjikha Valley Nature Trails and RestPhobjikha Valley
Morning cycling through multiple nature trails and dirt roads within Phobjikha Valley, covering 25 kilometers over 3–4 hours at an easy pace. Afternoon free to rest, with optional spa or hot-stone bath treatments available in the valley.
7Return to Paro and Town CyclingPhobjikha to Paro · Paro town
Drive 212 kilometers from Phobjikha to Paro (approximately 5 hours). Afternoon short ride through Paro town on easy terrain (15 kilometers, 30 minutes to 1 hour) to the hotel.
8Paro Full Day: Tiger's Nest Monastery HikeParo Taktsang monastery
Full-day hike to the cliff-perched Paro Taktsang monastery.
9DepartureHotel
Hotel checkout and departure.
Where you go
- 1Tashichhodzong
- 2Dochula Pass
- 3Kuenselphodrang
- 4Chimmi Lhakhang
- 5Phobjikha Valley
- 6Chimmi Lhakhang
- 7Gangtey Monastery
- 8Phobjikha Valley
- 9Paro town
- 10Paro Taktsang monastery
Included
- Accommodation at 3*/3* Superior Hotels
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
- English Speaking Tour Guide
- Private vehicle transfers
- Bike rental charges for duration of
Not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Optional activities
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
- SDF payable to the government
- Visa fee $40 per person
- Disclaimer:
- For Indian Nationals, SDF fees are INR.1200/person/night. Please contact us for applicable price.