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Druk Path Bicycle Tour Bhutan - 16 Days
Tour code: DPBTB-BT-001 |
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 The best time for making the most of cycling in Bhutan are the spring months of March, April and May. Autumn months of September, October and November are equally excellent times as well. The following itinerary is a basic tour. Custom itinerary can be provided. Cyclist will be led and followed by two vehicles carrying baggage and mineral water at all times.
The Bhutanese landscape is ideally suited for mountain bike riding. It presents a challenge, from its myriad of sleepy hillside and valley hamlets and picturesque terraced farm, to its criss crossing paddy fields. The terrain is truly varied and different, and offers the visitors something unusual in this sport.
The majority of this trip is on good paved roads with only a slight percentage on dirt roads and trails. The more adventurous can take side excursion for more off-road if preferred. You will travel through small towns and villages, as well as rural areas where it will be just you, the tour group, the fantastic scenery and the road for hours at a time. The tour allows you many chances to engage in your own self reflection and to absorb your new environment. There are also numerous opportunities for optional hikes and a bit of climbing.
There are some challenging climbs, with one in particular being more than 3 hours. Your journey and efforts will be well rewarded with a view and experience that you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world. Riders should have an adequate level of fitness/stamina, and be secure with their cycling experience. The tour is fully supported by a van that follows riders during the tour. This van allows riders the option to ride as little or as much as they desire. |
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OUTLINE ITINERARY
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Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
Arrival & transfer to the hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu Tour
Kathmandu city tour.
Day 03: Kathmandu - Paro International Airport
If flying in from Kathmandu, one will experience from the left hand side of the plane breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks including Bhutan's sacred Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. On arrival at the Airport, representatives of Bhutan Majestic Travel will receive and escort to Hotel. Lunch at the Hotel. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide and rest leave for acclimatization.
Day 04: Paro - Paro
The entire Paro valley is relatively flat and is a great start to your first day of bicycling. Bicycle to Drukgyal Dzong (a ruined fortress 16 Kms away from Paro town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. One a clear day one can see Mount Jumolhari, Abode of the Goddess Jumo, rising 7,314 meters. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon: Visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan. This was the watch tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968, and is located on a hill above the Paro Dzong overlooking the Paro valley. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located in Paro valley and is approached by a gently sloping flagstone road and a beautiful covered wooden bridge. Today the Dzong is the administrative seat of the district of Paro, and it also contains a state monastic community of approximately 200 monks. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with its superb wood work, is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. This Dzong was built in 1646 AD.
Day 05: Paro - Thimphu
After breakfast, either drive or ride bicycles to Thimphu, the capital city. The drive meanders along the Paro and Thimphu River and takes approximately 2 hours (65 kilometers) by car and by Bike it depends on ones' riding speed. The gradient of the road is excellent for bicycling as there are no steep climbs or descents. Check into Hotel Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten (huge stupa) built in the memory of the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who reigned from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.
Day 06: Thimphu - Thimphu
Morning: Bicycle to the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in the country (built in 1629 AD). Opportunity to visit with 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. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are displayed and can be purchased. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon, visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the Ministries, the offices of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot. Visit the Painting School where traditional art is still practiced through the instructions in the art of painting Thankas (sacred Buddhist scrolls).
Bicycle to Pangri Zampa Monastery which is just beyond Dechencholing (5 Kms from Thimphu). This monastery was the residence of the founder of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 AD.
Day 07: Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdue
After an early breakfast, set out for Punakha and Wangdi. On the way, stop at Dochula Pass 3150mts. (10,00 ft) for a hot cup of tea/coffee and to enjoy a spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges (on a clear day). From Dochula, bicycle down into Wangdi which is located 51 Kms down. It is an exhilarating ride. After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong which houses the district administration offices. It is also the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot, the Je Khenpo. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. The Dzong lies between two rivers, the Pho Chu (Male River) and the Mo Chu (Female River). This Dzong was built in 1637 AD. Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong which is 13 Kms from Punakha. This Dzong and the town is perched on a hill, between two rivers and has a spectacular view. The Dzong was built in 1638 AD; a year after the Punakha Dzong was built. A tour vehicle will follow the bicycle group at all times in case of emergency or general weariness.
Day 08: Punakha/Wangdue - Trongsa
Drive to Trongsa, and on the way guests can bicycle certain stretches of the road. The terrain has steep ascents and descents and has some spectacular scenery.
Day 09: Trongsa - Bumthang
After breakfast visit the ancient Watch Tower in Trongsa. This structure sits atop a hillock overlooking the Trongsa Dzong and town. Ancient armors are displayed in the Watch Tower. Visit the 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. Built split levels on a narrow spur, this Dzong is an architectural marvel. The view from the Dzong is spectacular and one can see for many miles. In the old days, it was the vigilance point for both the eastern and western trade routes, thus a strategically important Dzong. After a light refreshment at the hotel, drive to Bumthang. After crossing a high pass, guests can bicycle all the way to Bumthang. The road is broad and all downhill after the pass.
Day 10: Bumthang - Bumthang
After breakfast, bicycle around the most beautiful valley in Bhutan. It is possible to bicycle a radius of 60 Kms around the valley.
Day 11: Bumthang - Ura -Bumthang
After breakfast bicycle to Ura valley some 69 Kms from Bumthang. Ura is another beautiful valley over 9,500 ft high. Sightsee in Ura valley and drive back to Bumthang.
Day 12: Bumthang to Wangdue
(197 Kms). On the way as and when possible, guests can bicycle certain stretches of the road.
Day 13: Wangdue - Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu. After crossing Dochula Pass guests can bicycle all the way to Thimphu (26 Kms downhill). Sight seeing in Thimphu and if the day falls on the weekend visit the famous week end market in Thimphu where the local populace gathers for weekly shopping for produce.
Day 14: Thimphu - Paro
Guests can either drive to Paro or bicycle. Check into hotel and have lunch. After lunch hike to the view point of the famous Taktsang Monastery. The hike takes about 4 hours round trip.
Day 15: Paro - Kathmandu
Drive to airport for departure, where your Guide and Driver would bid you farewell.
Day 16: Departure
Drive to airport for fly to onward |
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