Overview
Challenge your legs with high-altitude climbs and rewarding downhill coasts.
Riding on premium mountain bikes with a private support vehicle right behind you, the Bhutan Cycling Expedition takes you across mountain passes and through pristine pine forests and local villages.
Trip Highlights
- A custom-fitted premium mountain bike and a private support vehicle.
- The 22-km climb from Thimphu to Dochula Pass (3,100m).
- A thrilling 40-km descent into Punakha.
- Dirt trails along the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu, across suspension bridges.
- The climb to Chelila Pass (3,988m), Bhutan’s highest drivable point.
- Tiger’s Nest on foot, a hot stone bath and a flat farmland ride in Paro.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Paro. Custom fit your premium mountain bike and enjoy an easy acclimatization ride along the flat Paro valley floor. Transfer to Thimphu via support vehicle.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Thimphu
Pedal along the river highway and city paths of Thimphu, tackling a few gentle climbs as you explore the capital city landmarks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Thimphu
Embark on a challenging 22-kilometer uphill ride from Thimphu to Dochula Pass (3,100m). Celebrate at the top with hot tea before enjoying a thrilling 40-kilometer downhill descent into Punakha.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Punakha
Cycle along unpaved dirt trails that follow the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers, pedaling across suspension bridges and through quiet farming villages.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Punakha
Tackle the return climb back up to Dochula Pass from the warmer side, with the option to hop into the support vehicle whenever you need a break. Coast down into Thimphu and drive to Paro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Challenge yourself to the highest drivable point in Bhutan: Chelila Pass. Enjoy an incredible, uninterrupted downhill ride back down to the Paro valley floor.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Swap your bike pedals for hiking boots and complete the classic trek up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Enjoy a hot stone bath in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Enjoy a relaxed, flat cycling tour through the northern farmlands of Paro. Share a festive farewell dinner at your heritage resort.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Pack up your gear and take your private transfer to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
What’s Included
- Private Transport & Guide: All ground transportation in a private vehicle with an English-speaking licensed guide.
- Accommodation: Twin/double-sharing rooms in 3-star tourist-standard hotels.
- Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as per itinerary.
- Sustainable Development Fee: The daily SDF is included.
- Hydration: Bottled water during transfers and sightseeing.
- Government Dues: Government royalty and applicable taxes.
What’s Not Included
- Airfare: International/regional airfare to and from Paro.
- Visa Fee: Bhutan visa processing fee (arranged in advance by Gu-Mar as part of permit clearance).
- Personal Expenses: Laundry, telephone, beverages and tips.
- Insurance: Travel insurance.
- Pony Hire: Pony hire for the Tiger’s Nest hike (optional, paid on-site).
- Other Services: Any services not mentioned under Inclusions.
Good to Know
- Licensed Operator: All non-Indian, non-Bangladeshi and non-Maldivian nationals must travel through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator such as Gu-Mar; we process visa clearance and the SDF on your behalf before arrival.
- Hotel Upgrades: Hotel categories can be upgraded to 4-star or boutique/heritage properties under our Deluxe or Luxurious collections.
- Flexible Sequencing: Itinerary sequencing may shift slightly depending on flight timings, road conditions or festival dates — your guide will confirm the final day-by-day plan on arrival.