Note: We are not positive that our bicycle route across Bhutan has never been ridden; that is starting in the southeast corner and riding north and then west across the country including to the Haa Valley (which was just recently opened to outsiders), and over Chelea Pass back to Paro, but we'll take credit for being the first until someone else lets us know otherwise. The total mileage is 614 or almost 1,000 kilometers. As for the vertical, I'll let you know after the trip but it will be significant. To follow along with the itinerary please refer to the "Map of Bhutan" located below the "Home" button on the sidebar.
Day 1 - You will be met by your Bhutan ride guide team upon arrival at Guwahati Airport. Our drive will take us through the city of Guwahati and along the Brahmaputra River through the Assam tea plantations. And then into the foothills of the Himalayas as we arrive at Samdrupjongkhar, the Bhutanese border town and our hotel for tonight. In the evening assemble the bikes and enjoy a welcome dinner before turning in.
Day 2 - The adventure begins. After leisurely breakfast depart our hotel and leave the foothills behind as we ascend through dense forest with an abundance of teak and bamboo. About 4 kilometers into our ride you will come to a Bhutanese Frontier Check Point and then though the village of Dewathang with its Bhutanese army camp. Lunch will be served in route. Afternoon rolls through more temperate vegetation on the way to our camp for tonight. Enjoy dinner and relaxation at our fully catered camp. 53 km / 33 mi
Day 3 - Today's ride follows the ridgeline, slowly ascending to the highest point of the day at 2450 meters after Wamrong village (2000m) where there is a check post. Unlike Western Bhutan where the road goes over passes between one valley and the next, the road here follows ridges almost the whole way and is marked throughout with stone choetens (Buddhist Monuments). Our campsite tonight near Khaling offers a wonderful sunset view over the ridges of southeastern Bhutan. 72 km / 45 mi
Day 4 - Your destination for tonight, Tashigang, is the most easterly point of our journey. You will ride through the quaint village of Khaling, which is famous for its weaving and handicraft (altitude of Khaling is 2100 m). After Khaling we will ascend to Yonphula Pass at 2450 m ,the first of the two minor passes, before finally descending on to Tashigang via Kangluang College through rice paddies and bamboo plants. Overnight at hotel in Tashigang. 69 km / 43 mi
Day 5 - After breakfast you ride past Tashigang Dzong (Dzongs are fortified temple complexes) and then descend to Chazam where we start a pleasant 30 km ride along the Gamri Chu (river). At its confluence with the Sheri Chu we begin climbing, firs to Yadi village (1500m) and then continuing through cornfields and banana groves to Korila Pass (2450 m). A picnic lunch will be served on route. After the Korila pass we will enjoy a descent to our lodging in Mongar. Evening at leisure. 97 km / 60 mi
Day 6 - Start the morning with downhill from Mongar town to Lingmethang at 600 meters. From here we start our ascent to Thrumshingla Pass (3750 m). The scenery is stunning as you pass through dense forest of conifer and rhododendron. The pass marks the boundary between Central and Eastern Bhutan and is the last of your high altitude climbs. Lunch will be served on route. The climb to the pass must rank as one of the most enjoyable and breathtakingly beautiful in the biking world. Bamboo and an array of rare plant life also line the sides of the road. Overnight in a camp near Ura. 147 km / 91 mi
Day 7 - Again we enjoy a bit of descending to start our day, then up and over Sheytang-La Pass (3450 m). The Ura Valley through which we ride, is the highest of the Bumthang Valleys, with extensive sheep pastures lining the road and a dramatic panorama of the Himalayas including Mt Gangkur Pusum (7219 m) to highlight our arrival at the pass. From the pass, it is an enjoyable descent to our hotel in Jakar. 61 km / 38 mi
Day 8 - Early in today's ride, we reach Chumey Village, renowned for its Yathra, a hand woven woolen textile, found only in this part of Bhutan. After a visit, we will start your ascend to Yotongla Pass (3400m). After the pass descend to Trongsa. Its another beautiful ride. Check in and lunch at hotel. After lunch visit the Ta-Dzong (Watch Tower) in Trongsa, which once guarded the Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellions. The Ta Dzong stands impressive and provides an insight into historical significance of Trongsa in the country’s history. It was renovated and converted into Musuem to showcase Bhutan rich cultural heritage and history. Evening at leisure. Overnight lodge/guest house in Trongsa. 69 km / 43 mi
Day 9 - After breakfast you will enjoy some easy to moderate biking to Chendebji Choeten where you will have lunch. Your climb to Pelela Pass (3300m) begins after Chendebji Choeten. Pelela Pass is the traditional boundary between the Western and Central Bhutan. On clear days you will enjoy the views of the Mt. Jhomolhari (7314m) rising in western Bhutan. After the pass its 9 miles downhill to the junction where you will take a left and then uphill to the Lawala Pass (3400m). Then its all the downhill your hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Gantey Geonpa. 85 km / 53 mi
Day 10 - The day starts with the short 1000 feet of ascent back to Lawala Pass. From the pass it’s downhill to the main road from where you will turn left and continue your descend to Nobding village. Lunch will be served on route. After lunch continue to Punakha through the rice paddies and broadleaf forests. From Tikke-Zam you will follow the Dangchu to Wangdue and then from Wangdue continue on to Punakha along the Punatshang Chu (river). Overnight at hotel in Punakha. 87 km / 54 mi
Day 11 - After a leisurely all day downhill, the price must be paid as we tackle the 24 mile climb to Dochula Pass (3100m). The views from the pass are magnificent, offering a panorama of the eastern Himalayas. Hot lunch at the Cafeteria at the pass. Today’s climb is through the semi-tropical and leafy temperate forests with abundant orange trees, bananas and bamboos. After Dochula Pass, you will be rewarded with 14 mile descent to Simtokha through forest of rhododendron, oak, pine and apple orchards. From Simtokha you have another 7 km to Thimphu. This evening explore Thimphu before settling into a comfortable bed for a good night's sleep. 73 km / 45 mi
Day 12 - Start the day with a delightful ride downstream along the Thimphu Chu (river). When we reach the confluence with the Paro River, we will switch to a small road on the other side of the Thimphu River and start the ride into Haa Valley. This hidden valley was only recently opened to tourism and offers pristine landscapes and quiet village during a dramatic ride along the Wang Chu River. The road into Haa climbs slowly through quaint villages and thick conifer forests before opening into a valley dotted with fields of millet, barley, potatoes and wheat, where the farmhouses are adorned with intricately painted cornices and frames. Overnight is a small hotel in Haa. 115 km / 71 mi
Day 13 - One last climb today, as we cross over to the Paro Valley. If the weather gods reward us with a clear day, we will enjoy the stunning view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7314m) and Taktshang Goenpa (Tiger's Nest). Its a 26 km ascent to Chelela Pass (3988 m) through pine forests and alpine scenery, rewarded by a 35 km descent to Paro town. Upon checking into our hotel in Paro, we'll set out to explore town a bit before dinner. 61 km / 38 mi
Day 14 - Day Excursion to Taktshang Monastery literally known as Tiger's Nest. This is one of Bhutan's most sacred places, and an important pilgrimage destination. You will walk along a trail that slowly rises above the valley, taking you through fields and past four large prayer wheels turned by a stream. Continuing across an open meadow, you hike up a section of trail to a ridge where prayer flags rustle in the wind next to a massive prayer wheel. Just beyond is the Taktshang Cafeteria at 9,200 feet, where you stop to enjoy a hot drink and the striking views of the Monastery across the valley. Depending on your energy level, you may relax in the pleasant atmosphere of the cafeteria until lunch or continue on for a mile of steep climbing to another dramatic viewpoint. You return to the cafeteria for a delicious buffet of typical Bhutanese food. You may want to try Emadatsi (A chili cheese dish), vegetables with cheese sauce and other dishes. Overnight again at our hotel in Paro.
Day 15 - An early morning breakfast is in store before driving to the airport for our departure from Bhutan.
Preliminary Costs
Tour Cost: $4180
Tour Cost: $4180
Tour cost is based on government regulated fees and taxes in effect on Dec 19 2010. They are subject to change without notice, but currently no increases are anticipated until 2012.
Regional Airfare (BKK - GAU): US$270 - $659
Regional Airfare (PBH - BKK): US$405 (prices fixed by Bhutan Government)
Airfares are based on rates in effect Dec 2010 and will most likely change before Nov 2011. Rates are calculated via Bangkok (BKK) to Guwahati (GUA) and returning from Paro (PBH) to Bangkok. An alternate gateway would be Dehli (DEL).
Tour Cost Includes:
Hotel Accommodation 11 nights (double occupancy)
Camping Accommodation 3 nights (all equipment provided)
All meals from dinner on Day 1 until breakfast on Day 15
English speaking Bhutanese guide staff
Support van(s)
Sightseeing and cultural activities as mentioned in the itinerary
Visa (fees & processing), permits and government taxes
For more information on BAMS Bike Across Bhutan, please contact:
Kyle Frederick, Band Against MS: +1-615-297-8875
Dwight Wiles, Bike Across Bhutan Team Captain: +1-615-242-2727
Mark Neagli, Bike Across Bhutan Team Member: +1-713-526-8967
Tom Sheenan, bike rentals in Bhutan: pedalers@gmail.com
Or send us an e-mail by clicking here.
Bhutan Trip Terms & Conditions
For more information on BAMS Bike Across Bhutan, please contact:
Kyle Frederick, Band Against MS: +1-615-297-8875
Dwight Wiles, Bike Across Bhutan Team Captain: +1-615-242-2727
Mark Neagli, Bike Across Bhutan Team Member: +1-713-526-8967
Tom Sheenan, bike rentals in Bhutan: pedalers@gmail.com
Or send us an e-mail by clicking here.
Bhutan Trip Terms & Conditions
