Bhutan on wheels: a mountain biking adventure

paro bhutan - Paro Rinpung Dzong - Kichu Lhakhang, Paro

Day 1: Welcome to Bhutan!

As you take the flight of your life to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, you will enjoy the beautiful view of the Himalayan ranges at rare.

The landing of the aircraft at Paro International Airport is yet another thrilling and breathtaking moment. Paro is the gateway to Bhutan, home to the only international airport. This is where you begin the journey to the land of happiness.

After visa formalities and collection of baggage, you will be greeted by our guide and chauffeur at the terminal. The charming valley of Paro comprises both the ancient as well as the modern face of Bhutan. Paro is the home to some of the oldest and most revered temples in Bhutan.

Thimphu Bhutan - Buddha Point Dordoenma - Sangaygang

Day 2: Explore Timphu - the Capital City of Bhutan

Thimphu is the pulse of Bhutan, the capital city. The city is sophisticated with a blend of urban trends and rural lifestyles. Thimphu is home to the most expansive people from all kingdom regions. A stroll through the city and visiting to National Memorial Chorten is an opportunity to experience the diversity of Bhutan.

The district's numerous glittering monuments, temples, monasteries, dzong, libraries, and other vital attractions make it an essential stop for tourists. In addition, the visit to Kuensel Phodrang allows us to pause and reflect upon the hustle-bustle of busy Bhutanese city life. Thimphu has some cafes, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.

Finding a balance between the esoteric and espresso – the old and the new – is the key to getting the most out of this charming city.

Dochula Pass - Chimmi Lhakhang - Punakha

Day 3: Visit Punakha

Located in the Himalayas of Bhutan, the Punakha rests at the confluence of the Puna Tsang Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. This ancient Bhutanese capital serves as an excellent base from which to explore the scenic temple-dotted Punakha Valley and beyond. The town’s star attraction is undoubtedly the incredibly picturesque riverside Punakha Dzong, standing at the junction of the two famous rivers overlooking the lush valley.

Punakha Dzong (fort) is arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country, especially in spring when the lilac-colored jacaranda trees bring a lush sensuality to the fort's characteristically towering whitewashed walls. All the kings of Bhutan were crowned at the dreamy fortress. Moreover, it is one of the popular wedding destinations after the King and Queen tied the knot in the fort's courtyard.

Punakha - Lomitsawa - Limbukha Trail

Day 4: The Trail of the Divine Madman

As you bike through this trail you will encounter golden rice fields,& old manor houses. For a moment you will be carried to a world that is completely medieval, carefree, and straight out of the fairy tales.

The Divine Madman trail passes through primordial coniferous forests and drops down through temperate broadleaf vegetation towards the quaint village of Lomitsawa.

Just one thing. Leech alert. Nothing that can’t be solved with a liberal dubbing of saltwater and Szechwan pepper on your trekking boots. The trail takes you to the villages of Phallus. 

From there, you enjoy the panoramic views of high Himalayan mountains while sipping a cup of espresso at the cafe. After that, you can start riding the divine madman trail with your cycling guide and technician till punkah valley. It’s totally a downhill track and requires much expertise and experience to handle the tough ride.

Punakha - Trongsa - Bumthang

Day 5: Bumthang - the Switzerland of Bhutan

Nestled between jaw-dropping valleys and surrounded by dazzling Himalayan mountains. An exact replica of a must-visit country Switzerland lay in the last Shangri la, tucked away miles from the western world.

Bumthang is home to some of the country's most ancient and precious pilgrimage sites. Not forget, it is known as the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan.

The drive to the beautiful landscapes of Bumthang over rural villages and passes marks the gateway towards the eastern part of Bhutan. Stopover at Trongsa Museum will offer varieties of antique galleries.

Further towards Bumthang, textile lovers will enjoy the sightseeing at Yatra textile center in Chumey valley, home to one of Bhutan's oldest weaving communities in the valley. It will be a treat for textile lovers.

Bumthang - Changbi - Babzur

Day 6: Hiking in Bumthang

The day hike starts from your hotel. We will hike for around 1.5 hours to a tiny village called Changbi where you will be welcomed with hot tea and snacks arranged by your guide.  Afterward, we will continue the walk to Petseling Monastery, home to around 70 monks. From here you will have a panoramic view over the Bumthang Valley and you can also see the finishing line of Bhutan’s most challenging trek, the Snowman trek, in the distance.

Continuing on to Babzur - a village located by a beautiful meadow lined with a few prayer flags and views of Kunzangdrak Gompa. After a packed lunch here you walk for another 1.5 hours until you reach the feeder road where the hike ends, and your driver will be waiting to take you back to the hotel.

Swiss Guest House - Membertasho - Kurje Lhakhang

Day 7: Free Day in Bumthang

Bumthang - Chazam - Punakha

Day 8: Drive from Bumthang to Punakha

Today, we will be driving mostly amid the thick jungles of pine and oak trees, caressing one of the highest mountain passes and down the valleys of rhododendron flowers.

You will be able to see the life of the village people and the serenity of those places. You will be amazed at how happy those villagers are albeit that survive just on basic necessities. This is what makes Bhutan -one of the happiest countries in the world. Explore and enjoy the drive.

Punakha - Simtokha - Paro

Day 9: Paro - the mystical valley

Paro is a beautiful valley flanked by the Paro Chhu (river) and scenic paddy fields. From monasteries and monuments to craft shops and cafes, Paro, Bhutan is idyllic for visitors. Its charm lies in the diversity it offers to eager travelers.

Paro’s charm lies not only in its still picturesque natural scenery but in its quaintness and old-world charm. It is also a pretty well-developed town with cafes and coffee shops in almost every nook and cranny and you would be delighted by the experience say of sitting in a quiet, cozy café and reading a book on Bhutan.

The town’s wide range of entertainment includes visiting monuments the most famous being the Tiger’s Nest, shopping, buying souvenirs and if you are adventurous, the nightlife is pretty vibrant too on designated days.

Tigers Nest - Rinpung Dzong - Ta Dzong

Day 10: Tigers Nest Hike

The most awaited hike to the famous Taktshang monastery will be the monastery stands on a sheer cliff with an elevation of 3000 meters.

A trip to Bhutan without hiking to Tigers nest is incomplete. Its the icon of Bhutan and you will know why after you experience the hike. Tourists from all over the globe travel to Bhutan just to trek to this iconic Landmark in Bhutan.

An hour hike will bring you to the cafeteria, stop for a cup of tea, and rest. The cafeteria offers you a stunning view of the monastery, prayer flags adorn the cliffs. It is usually a day’s hike but if you are still left with some time and energy after the hike you can stroll around the town to check out some souvenirs for your loved ones.

Paro - Paro International Airport - Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi,india

Day 11: Goodbye Bhutan!

After breakfast, we will bid a fond farewell to you from the magical kingdom and wish you a happy journey back home.