Once a year Bhutan is host to one of the world's toughest one day cycling races. Crossing four high passes and covering a distance of 268km the race ends in the capital Thimpu and on this tour we are there to welcome the tired riders at the finish line. After visiting the Tigers Nest Monastery in Paro we take to our bikes and cycle across the country to the beautiful Bumthang Valley, along the way we follow sections of the race route and visit some of Bhutan's imposing Dzongs.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour Kathmandu
Transfer to hotel and check-in. Much of the day to day life of Kathmandu takes place in the bazaar: a fascinating mixture of people selling fruit, vegetables and spices; potters spinning their wheels to produce small household bowls and containers for temple offerings; devotees visiting their favourite gods at temples and small shrines dotted along the sides of alleyways; rickshaw wallahs honking their horns and the ever present sacred cow wandering amongst it all.
Overnight Standard Hotel
2
Kathmandu sightseeing
Our sightseeing this morning takes in the sumptuous majesty of Durbar Square and its collection of ornate palaces, courtyards and temples, spanning some three centuries of dynastic rule by Malla, Shah and Rana kings. We will also visit the Asan Bazaar and the Kumari Ghar, home to the Kumari Devi; a living goddess worshipped by both followers of the Hindu and Buddhist faiths. This afternoon is left free.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
3
Fly to Bhutan
Leaving Kathmandu behind we fly to Paro, beautifully set amidst the wooded valleys of Western Bhutan. It lies along the banks of Paro Chu River, overlooking terraced farmland, and is home to some of the largest and oldest of Bhutan's majestic dzongs. On arrival we will be met by our Bhutanese tour leader and transfer the short distance to our hotel and take a brief orientation of the town and visit the Rimpung Dzong.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4
Tigers Nest Monastery
To warm up our legs we will head out to the fabulous Taktsang Monastery, one of the most revered in the country and precariously located on a cliff face some 900m above the Paro Valley. The name translates as ‘Tiger’s Nest’ and local legend recounts how Guru Rinpoche, who founded the Drukpa Sect and brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a tiger and founded the monastery on the site of a cave where he spent a few months deep in meditation. The demanding hike up to the monastery follows a path that cuts through oak and pine forests before emerging onto a ridge with amazing views of the monastery and surrounding area. In the afternoon we set up our bikes and take a short ride around Paro town.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5
Cycle to Thimpu
We take to our bikes today and leave the Paro Valley. We follow the main route across the country to the capital Thimpu. Whilst the road is the only link between the two cities the traffic is very light. Cycling around Thimpu is very relaxing and to this day it remains the only capital with no traffic lights! We leave our bikes briefly whilst we visit the King Jigme Dorij Wangchuk memorial, a Tibetan-style chorten built to commemorate the country’s third king and today one of the centre points of daily life in the city.
Approximately 3 hours cycling, 60kms.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6
Cross the Dochu La Pass; descend to Punakha
A tough day today as we leave the capital and cycle to Punakha. The first part of our cycle is a long, winding ascent until we reach the Dochu La Pass (3110m). At the top of the pass there are 108 chortens and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. On a clear day this meandering highway offers some breathtaking views across the Bhutan Himalaya towards the towering peak of Gangkhar Punsum (7541m), the highest mountain in the country. After taking our time to enjoy the views from the pass we are rewarded with a long descent, through lush forests, to Punakha.
Approximately 4 hours cycling, 67kms.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7
Free day in Punakha
Today we have a free day to give our legs a rest after yesterdays climb. We can explore the Punahka Dzong, a beautiful building located at the confluence of two rivers. Or take a short walk to the Chimi Lhakang Monastery, known as the Mad Monk monastery this tiny building is said to be the place to visit to receive fertility blessings. If you are missing the bike then there are several optional rides available.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8
Cycle to Probjika
Today we cycle in to the glacial landscapes of the Phobjika Valley, an area that is a prime wintering ground for the rare black necked cranes, who flock here from the Tibetan Plateau between October and March to feed. The area is also home to sambars, red foxes, Himalayan black bears and muntjaks. We have a tough ascent today but teh support vehicle is on hand for anyone needing a break.
Approximately 6 hours cycling, 72kms.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9
Cycle from Probjika to Trongsa
We start today with a climb of approximately 400 metres as we make our way to the top of the Pele La Pass (3420m) but again we are rewarded with an exhilirating downhill section as we descend over 1000 metres to Trongsa. There is the option to visit the magnificent Dzong, perched above a deepm gorge with views across the black mountains.
Approximately 5 hours cycling, 80kms.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10 to 11
Cross the Yutong La Pass (3400m); descend to Jakar
Today we make our final push to reach the Bumthang Valley. The region sees less tourists that the western side of Bhutan due to the journey required to get her but it is well worth the effort. We cross our final high pass, the Yutong La (3400m) before another long descent in to the small town of Jakar. We have a full free day in Jakar to explore. There is the option to take walks or cycle rides to several nearby monasteries or visit the WAngdichholing Palace, the first palace in Bhutan that didn't double up as a fortress. Jakar town is small, consisting of one main street, but there are plenty of handicraft stalls and restaurants to take in.
Approximately 6 hours cycling, 67kms. Optional rides available.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
12 to 13
Drive back to Thimpu
Leaving Jakar we retrace our route but this time we drive and give our legs a break. We stop in Wandgi, which used to be the second capital of the country. The commanding Dzong has been recently been damaged in a fire and restoration work is underway, we hope to be able to visit if the works are completed in time.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
14
Tour of the Dragon Race
This morning we drive back to Thimpu and join in the festivities as we wait for the participants of the Tour of the Dragon Race to cross the finish line. Billed as one of the world's toughest one day cycling race the route covers 268kms, crosses four high passes, travelling from Bumthang to Thimpu. The course ranges in altitude from 1200m to 3340m and the 2012 winner completed the course in 11 hours. We take up a spot in the crowds in Thimpu and welcome the tired riders home.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
15
Fly to Kathmandu. Free time.
Today we fly back to Nepal where we have free time to explore the city. Durbar Square and Asan Bazaar offer a great insight in to the history of the city and a chance to get involved in some bartering in the markets. Alternatively there are many garden cafes that make a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
16
Explore Kathmandu.
Today we have an unescorted free day to further explore the delights of Kathmandu and the surrounding area. You may wish to take an optional flight to see Mount Everest (weather permitting), affording some quite outstanding views of the Himalayan peaks. Operated each morning by local airlines, the flight lasts approximately 45 minutes and flies initially from west to east towards Everest, before turning back to Kathmandu. So those on the left of the plane get good views on the outward leg and those on the right get them on the return. Depending upon your interests you might like to spend it visiting the almost perfectly preserved Newari town of Bhaktapur in the eastern corner of the Kathmandu Valley. Also known as Bhadgaun or the City of the Devotees, Bhaktapur evokes the feel of a medieval village, a snapshot of a time when the city lay along the prosperous trade routes between Tibet, China and India. The ancient centre of the town is a dazzling collection of temples, palaces and monasteries that have earned it a place on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. A wander through this cultural gem affords an opportunity to take in its beguiling charms and enjoy the site of artisans going about their craft much as they have for generations. You can watch potters throwing clay on traditional wooden wheels, watch jewellers and artists as they go about their daily business and wander through the handicraft shops and stalls seeking out some exquisite bargains. Another alternative for this afternoon is a trip up to the nearby the hilltop temple of Swayambunath, the captivating ‘Monkey Temple’, whose all-seeing Buddha eyes gaze out across the Kathmandu Valley. The temple is aptly named and the cheeky monkeys that inhabit its ancient walls are not averse to trying to relieve passers by of food, bags and cameras, so be warned.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
17
Kathmandu - Tour Ends
The tour ends in Kathmandu this morning after breakfast.
Included meals: Breakfast
