Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

Upon arrival in Paro, transfer to the hotel. If you haven’t brought your own bicycle, visit a local bike rental shop to select a suitable one. Note that options in Paro are limited, but better choices will be available in Thimphu on Day 3.

Day 2: Paro (Cycling & Hiking), Transfer to Thimphu

Cycle 25 km (ascent/descent: 500 m each) followed by a 4–5 hour hike. Begin with a ride north of Paro, stopping at the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang temple. Leave the bikes at the base and hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on a cliff. After descending, visit Paro Dzong, known from the film Little Buddha. In the evening, transfer to Thimphu and rest.

Day 3: Thimphu (Cycling & Sightseeing)

Cycle 25 km (ascent/descent: 650 m each). Ride through Thimphu town and up to Kuensel Phodrang, home to the massive 54-meter Buddha statue with panoramic views. Visit Memorial Chorten, the main traffic junction with its dancing policeman, and Changlimithang stadium. Continue to Changangkha Lhakhang, Motithang Takin Preserve, and scenic viewpoints of Tashichho Dzong. Optional visits include Zilukha Nunnery and Dechenphodrang Temple. In the evening, unwind or explore local nightlife.

Day 4: Thimphu to Wangdue/Punakha (Cycling)

Cycle 50–70 km (ascent: up to 700 m, descent: 1800 m). Begin the long climb to Dochu-La Pass (3015 m). Optionally, take a vehicle to the pass and cycle down. Enjoy panoramic Himalayan views and visit Dochu Lhakhang temple. Continue downhill through lush forest into the valleys of Wangdue and Punakha. Optional detour to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery.

Day 5: Punakha & Wangdue (Cycling), Transfer to Phobjikha

Loop ride 40 km (ascent/descent: 450 m). Begin with a ride to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Divine Madman. Continue along the river to the majestic Punakha Dzong, then ride to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge. Cross the bridge and cycle along the opposite riverbank to Bajo town, viewing Wangdue Phodrang Dzong en route. Transfer by vehicle to Phobjikha Valley via Lawa-La Pass (3350 m).

Day 6: Phobjikha Valley (Farm Road Cycling)

Loop ride 35 km (ascent/descent: 500 m). Start with a visit to the Black-Necked Crane Center. Ride to Gangtey Monastery, descend to Hel Village, and visit Kewa Lhakhang. Enjoy a traditional farmhouse lunch with local dishes, suja (butter tea), and ara (local spirit). After lunch, cycle to Ngelung Drechagling Lhakhang nunnery and return to the hotel.

Day 7: Phobjikha to Trongsa (Cycling)

Cycle 65–80 km (ascent: up to 1050 m, descent: up to 1800 m). Option to use a vehicle for the initial 15 km. Climb to Pele-La Pass (3400 m), explore local handicraft stalls, and descend through scenic landscapes. Stop at Chendebji Stupa and continue to Trongsa, with a brief stop at the castle viewpoint before reaching the town.

Day 8: Trongsa to Jakar (Drive & Cycling)

Cycle 40 km (ascent: 220 m, descent: 1100 m). Visit Trongsa Dzong and an optional museum. Drive to Yotong-La Pass and then descend into Bumthang Valley. Stop at Chummey for local wool products. Ride over Kiki-La Pass (2850 m) and descend to Jakar. Explore the town or rest.

Day 9: Jakar (Cycling & Cultural Sightseeing)

Loop ride 40 km (ascent/descent: 800 m). Start on the “Bushman Trail” from Karchung Gompa to Tang Valley, passing viewpoints and pine forests. Visit Pemacholing Nunnery, Membartsho (Burning Lake), and continue to Jampay Lhakhang, Kurjey Gompa, and Kenchosum Lhakhang. Conclude at Red Panda Brewery and sample local beer and cheese.

Day 10: Jakar to Ura (Cycling)

Cycle 50 km (ascent: 1050 m, descent: 550 m). Climb steadily to Shertung-La Pass (3590 m) with views of Gangkhar Puensum (Bhutan’s highest peak). Descend to the clustered village of Ura and visit its intricately decorated lhakhang. Enjoy local dinner; accommodations are modest but comfortable.

Day 11: Ura to Yongkola (Cycling & Drive)

Cycle 50 km (ascent: 300 m, descent: 2500 m). Drive the steep ascent to Thrumshing-La Pass (3750 m), stopping at a rhododendron garden. Watch for red pandas in the forests. From the pass, enjoy a long and scenic descent to Yongkola. Rest at the hotel amid beautiful surroundings.

Day 12: Yongkola to Mongar (Cycling)

Cycle 50 km (ascent: 1050 m, descent: 950 m). Descend into the Kuri Chhu valley, stopping at the ruins of Zhongar Dzong. Begin the long ascent to Mongar town. Settle into the hotel and visit Mongar Dzong or explore Kadam Gompa on a nearby hill.

Day 13: Mongar to Trashigang (Cycling & Drive)

Cycle 60–65 km (ascent: 400–900 m, descent: 2100 m). Start with a drive to Kori-La Pass (2400 m), then enjoy a scenic downhill ride to Drangme Chhu valley. Optionally switch to vehicle for the final climb to Trashigang. Explore the town and visit the dzong in the evening.

Day 14: Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar, Onward to Guwahati (Drive)

Bid farewell to the bicycles and drive south to the Indian border. Pass Yongphula Airport and Sherubtse College, stopping for a blessing at Damthang. After immigration clearance at Samdrup Jongkhar, transfer to Guwahati, marking the end of the journey.