Bhutan Biking Adventure – Trip Overview
This 8 Days / 7 Nights Bhutan biking journey is a scenic and culturally immersive ride across western and central Bhutan. The route takes riders from the lush Paro Valley through high mountain passes, deep river valleys, ancient dzongs, and remote glacial landscapes before returning to Paro for the iconic Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) hike.
Designed for intermediate to experienced riders, the itinerary balances challenging mountain terrain with rewarding descents, rest stops, and cultural exploration. Riders will cross famous Himalayan passes such as Dochula, Pele La, and Yotong La, experience Bhutan’s spiritual heartlands in Punakha and Bumthang, and ride through the pristine Phobjikha Valley, home of the endangered black-necked cranes.
With daily rides ranging from moderate to demanding, supported by a backup vehicle, this adventure offers a perfect blend of endurance, nature, and Bhutanese heritage—making it one of the most unforgettable biking routes in the Eastern Himalayas.
Key Highlights:
- Ride across Western & Central Bhutan
- Cross 3 major Himalayan mountain passes
- Visit historic dzongs and monasteries
- Explore Bumthang’s sacred valleys
- Experience the remote beauty of Phobjikha
- Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
- End with a smooth Paro airport drop
8D / 7N Bhutan Biking Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Ride: Paro → Thimphu
- Distance: ~55 km
- Ride time: 2–3 hrs
- Arrive at Paro International Airport
- Bike briefing & warm-up ride
- Ride along Paro–Thimphu highway
- Visit Tachog Lhakhang Iron Bridge
- Evening stroll in Thimphu town
- Overnight: Thimphu
Day 2 – Thimphu → Punakha (via Dochula Pass)
- Distance: ~75 km
- Highlight: Dochula Pass (3,100 m)
- Steady climb to Dochula with Himalayan views
- Long downhill into Punakha valley
- Visit Punakha Dzong
- Overnight: Punakha
Day 3 – Punakha → Trongsa
- Distance: ~130 km
- Ride time: Full day (challenging)
- Climb to Pele La Pass (3,300 m)
- Descend through forests into central Bhutan
- Explore Trongsa Dzong
- Overnight: Trongsa
Day 4 – Trongsa → Bumthang
- Distance: ~68 km
- Highlight: Yotong La Pass (3,425 m)
- Short but steep climb
- Ride into sacred Bumthang Valley
- Visit Jakar Dzong & monasteries
- Overnight: Bumthang
Day 5 – Bumthang → Phobjikha Valley
- Distance: ~150 km
- Scenic & demanding
- Ride via Trongsa junction
- Enter the beautiful Phobjikha glacial valley
- Visit Gangtey Monastery
- Overnight: Phobjikha
Day 6 – Phobjikha → Thimphu
- Distance: ~170 km
- Long ride through Wangdue
- Gradual climb back to Dochula
- Descend into Thimphu
- Overnight: Thimphu
Day 7 – Thimphu → Paro | Taktsang Hike
- Distance: ~55 km (ride)
- Morning ride to Paro
- Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
- ~4–5 hrs round trip
- Farewell dinner
- Overnight: Paro
Day 8 – Departure (Drop)
- Transfer to Paro International Airport
- End of biking adventure 🇧🇹🚴♂️
✅ Notes for Bikers
- Best season: March–May & Sept–Nov
- Bike type: Adventure / touring / hardtail MTB
- Max altitude: ~3,425 m (Yotong La)
- Support vehicle recommended for luggage & safety
If you want, I can:
- Adjust daily distances for beginner vs advanced riders
- Convert this into a printable map + elevation chart
- Customize for MTB or motorcycle touring
