Cycling the Dragon's Back
13 days · from US$4900 per person — all-inclusive: guide, transport, accommodation, meals, visa and SDF.
A thrilling mountain biking tour across high passes and through lush forests. Descend thousands of meters on epic paved and off-road trails.
Highlights: Chele La Descent · Phobjikha Ride · Suspension Bridges · Punakha Trails
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Welcome to Bhutan for an epic mountain biking adventure! After arrival in Paro, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon: Bike fitting and equipment setup. Professional mountain bikes provided with full suspension, disc brakes, and gear appropriate for Bhutanese terrain. Test ride around Paro valley (15-20km) on flat terrain to adjust bike settings and ensure comfort. Check brakes, gears, and suspension. Evening briefing covering routes, safety protocols, and what to expect. Support vehicle will follow throughout the journey. Overnight: Paro
Day 2: Paro Valley Ride
Full day warm-up ride exploring Paro valley. Cycle to Kyichu Lhakhang temple, through farmland and villages, testing your bike on varied terrain. Visit Paro Dzong and surrounding areas. Mix cycling with cultural stops to adjust to altitude while riding. Distance: 25-30km, gentle terrain Overnight: Paro
Day 3: Chele La Pass Descent
The highlight ride! Drive to Chele La Pass (3,988m), Bhutan's highest motorable road. On clear days, stunning views of Mt. Jomolhari and surrounding peaks. Begin the legendary 35km descent to Paro valley floor (2,235m) - dropping 1,750m! This thrilling downhill ride follows paved mountain highway with sweeping switchbacks. The descent offers spectacular scenery - high-altitude meadows transition to rhododendron forests, then agricultural valleys. Stop at viewpoints for photos and to control speed. Technical level: Moderate (paved road but steep grades require good braking control) Afternoon ar
Day 4: Paro to Thimphu Ride
Cycle from Paro to Thimphu (52km) following the main valley road. The route climbs to Chuzom (confluence of three rivers) then continues through Wang valley to Thimphu. Mix of climbing and flat sections. Pass through villages, farmland, and forest. Support vehicle available if needed. Distance: 52km, mixed terrain, some climbing Overnight: Thimphu
Day 5: Thimphu Exploration
Rest day from cycling. Sightsee in Thimphu - Buddha Dordenma, National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, Textile Museum. Optional short ride around the city if you have energy. Overnight: Thimphu
Day 6: Thimphu to Punakha Ride
Epic day! Cycle up to Dochula Pass (3,100m), a challenging 30km climb gaining 780m elevation. The climb is sustained but gradual on paved road. From Dochula, incredible Himalayan panorama. Then the reward - a thrilling 25km descent to subtropical Punakha valley (1,200m), dropping 1,900m! The temperature and vegetation change dramatically during the descent - cool highlands to warm lowlands. Distance: 55km total, major climbing and descending Overnight: Punakha
Day 7: Punakha Valley Rides
Gentle recovery rides exploring Punakha valley. Cycle to Chimi Lhakhang fertility temple through rice paddies and villages on dirt paths and quiet roads. Ride along the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. Visit Punakha Dzong. Distance: 20-30km, flat to gentle terrain Overnight: Punakha
Day 8: Punakha to Phobjikha
Challenging day climbing from Punakha (1,200m) up to Phobjikha valley (3,000m) - a 1,800m elevation gain over 50km. This tests your climbing fitness! The reward is arrival in the beautiful glacial Phobjikha valley, winter home of Black-Necked Cranes. The wide U-shaped valley surrounded by mountains is stunning. Distance: 50km, major climbing Overnight: Phobjikha
Day 9: Phobjikha Valley Loop
Easy recovery day after yesterday's climb. Gentle riding around Phobjikha valley on dirt trails and farm roads. Visit Gangtey Monastery. The wide open valley offers beautiful cycling through farmland and forests. Watch for cranes (November-March). Distance: 20-25km, flat valley floor Overnight: Phobjikha
Day 10: Phobjikha to Wangdue to Punakha
Descend from Phobjikha back to Punakha valley retracing your route. This time it's mostly downhill! Stop in Wangdue for lunch and sightseeing. Distance: 50km, mostly descent Overnight: Punakha
Day 11: Punakha to Paro
Long final riding day returning to Paro. Climb back up to Dochula Pass (second time), then descend to Thimphu, and continue to Paro. Alternatively, split the ride and use support vehicle for some sections if legs are tired. Distance: 80-100km depending on route choices Overnight: Paro
Day 12: Tiger's Nest Hike
Trade your bike for hiking boots! Hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery. A perfect way to stretch your legs differently after days of cycling. Climb to the cliffside monastery and explore the temples. Evening celebration dinner to toast your cycling achievement. Overnight: Paro
Day 13: Departure
Transfer to airport for departure. You've cycled across Bhutan, climbed major passes, descended dramatic valleys, and earned bragging rights as one of the few to cycle the Dragon Kingdom. Tashi Delek!