Mountain Bike in Bhutan
Bhutan's mountainous terrain offers a fascinating adventure for Mountain biking enthusiasts. The route along Bhutan's west-east highway (approx.600 km) is an exciting route with challenges of surmounting a new pass over 3000 meters everyday. The highways winding up and down with drops of thousand of feet keep one too high on adrenaline to feel the slightest pinch of monotony.
As one progresses along the route, there is a discernible change in the flora
and temperature when one gradually descends, from the alpine heights, into the
temperate regions of the East. All along the route the interruption by
picturesque and almost medieval, villages and towns rich in cultural spots make
a welcome diversion.
Proposed itinerary are as:
Day 01 Arrive Paro.O/n
Day 02 Paro S/seeing on bicycle.O/n
Day 03 Cycle to Thimpu .O/n Thimpu.
Day 04 Cycle to Wangdiphodrang via Punakha crossing Dochula pass altitude 3050m.
O/n
Day 05 Cycle to Gangtsey Gompa and back . O/n Wangdiphodrang.
Day 06 Cycle to Thimpu. O/n
Day 07 Cycle to Paro. O/n
Day 08 Transfer to airport for departure.
Punakha to Ura Mountain Bike Tour
Itinerary:
Day 1 : Arrive in Bhutan We will meet you at the Paro International airport and
transfer to your hotel. Evening, tour briefing
Day 2 : Paro sightseeing tour: We visit, Drugyal Dzong A a ruined fortress
situated 16 km away from Paro town. This Dzong is of great historical
significance. During the war between Bhutan and Tibet, Bhutanese defeated the
invading Tibetans and drove them back. Bhutanese farm house On the way back we
will visit Bhutanese farm house. Ta Dzong (the National Museum) This was the
watch tower before and was converted to the National Museum in 1968. It is
situated on a hill above the Paro Dzong. Beautiful view of paro valley can ve
seen from here. Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong This massive fortress is located in Paro
valley. Today the Dzong is the administrative seat of the district of Paro. The
main attraction of this Dzong is the central tower (Utse), with its superb wood
work, is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. This Dzong was built in 1645 AD.
Day 3 : Paro / Thimpu (65 km)
After breakfast, bike tour to Thimphu, the capital city. The drive meanders
along the Paro and Thimphu river and takes approximately 2 hours (65
kilometers). The gradient of the road is excellent for bicycling as there are no
steep climbs or descents. Afternoon we visit, Memorial Chorten This giant stupa
was built in the memory of the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck,
who reigned from 1952-1972. National Library
The ancient manuscripts are preserved here. Dinner at the hotel and a reception
by your hosts.
Day 4 : Thimpu sightseeing tour We visit, Simtokha Dzong This Dzong, is in the
country side and was built in 1629 AD. You will visit some of the monks and
observe life within the monastery. In the old days, the oldest son of every
family was offered to a monastery where the child grew up as a monk. Even now,
it is not uncommon for some families to continue the practice. Handicrafts
Emporium Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are displayed here. Tashichho
Dzong The main secretariat building of Bhutanese government. This massive
structure houses part of the Ministries, the offices of the King and the Throne
Room. Art School We visit the Painting School where traditional art is still
practised through the instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred
Buddhist scrolls). Pangri Zampa Monastery This Monastery is situated just beyond
Dechencholing (5 kms from Thimphu). The monastery was the residence of the
founder of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616
AD.
Day 5 : Bike tour to Punakha and Wangdi
After an early breakfast, set off out for Punakha and Wangdi. On the way, we
stop at Dochula Pass (10,00 ft) for a short tea break. You can see the
spectacular mountain views from here. From Dochula, we continue down into Wangdi
which is located 51 kms down.
Day 6 : Sightseeing tour in Punakha We visit, Punakha Dzong This Dzong houses
the district administration offices. It is also the winter residence of the
State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. This Dzong was built in 1637 AD.
Punakha valley was the former capital of Bhutan. Wangdiphodrang Dzong This Dzong
is situated 13 km from Punakha. The Dzong is perched on a hill, between two
rivers and offers some spectacular views. The Dzong was built in 1638 AD, a year
after the Punakha Dzong was built.
Day 7 : Punakha to Trongsa
We commence our tour to Trongsa, on the way. The terrain has steep ascents and
descents and has some spectacular scenery. Overnight at hotel in Trongsa.
Day 8 : Trongsa Sightseeing tour then Bike to Bumthang: We visit, Watch tower
After breakfast visit the ancient Watch Tower in Trongsa. The tower was situated
on top of a hillock. A beautiful view of Trongsa can be seen from here. Ancient
armors are displayed in the Watch Tower. Trongsa Dzong The ancestral home of the
present Royal family of Bhutan. It was built in 1648 AD and is one of the most
beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan. It is presently the administrative seat of the
Trongsa district and the home of the monastic school. This Dzong is an
architectural marvel. The view from the Dzong is spectacular.
We then commence our journey to Bumthang. The road is broad and all downhill
after the pass.
Day 9 : Bumthang to Ura valley (69 km)
After breakfast bicycle to Ura valley. Ura is another beautiful valley over
9,500 ft high. O/N in Ura valley
Day 10 : Back to Bumthang
Day 11 : Bunthang to Wangdi (197 km)
Bumthang to Wangdi (197 kms). On the way, if you are tired, you can ride on the
vahicle. There will be a supporting vehicle with us. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 : Wangdi toThimpu
Bike tour to Thimphu. Sight seeing tour in Thimphu.
Day 13 : Thimpu to Paro
Bike tour to paro and visit Taktsang Monastery. The hike takes about 4 hours
round trip. Evening: Stroll around Paro town and interact with the locals.
Day 14 : Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to home.
Druk Connection Duration - 17 nights/18 days
Day 01 : Arrival in Paro (Bhutan). You will be met
& transferred to hotel. O/N hotel
Day 02 : Guided sightseeing tour of Paro. Overnight at hotel
Day 03 : Commence cycle tour to East, cross Dochu pass and camp at
Khuruthang. O/N camp
Day 04 : After Punakha Dzong, continue towards Gangte gompa via
Wangdiphodrang
Day 05 : Back to Norbuling and then cross Pelela towards Tongsa Dzong.
O/N at Tongsa
Day 06 : Cycle up to Yotola and then down to Dumkhar and Chumi & onward
to Bumthang
Day 07 : Sightseeing tour of Bumthang valley
Day 08 : Cycle to Ura and then to Sengor
Day 09 : Cycle up to the pass and then down to Kuru Zam
Day 10 : A short climb to Mongar Dzong and rest
Day 11 : Cross Lorela to Tashignag, administrative headquarters of
Eastern Bhutan
Day 12 : A day trip to Kanglung college Bhutan's only English medium
University
Day 13 : Return trip by driving to Mongar
Day 14 : Return trip by driving to Tongsa
Day 15 : Return trip by driving to Thimpu
Day 16 : Guided sightseeing tour of Thimpu
Day 17 : Guided sightseeing tour of Thimpu
Day 18 : Drive to Paro then fly out to onward destination.
For more information please contact
antreks@wlink.com.np