A bicycle tour in Bhutan offers a challenging yet rewarding adventure through mountainous terrain, serene valleysand rich cultural sites. The team will be guided by a Bhutanese cyclist (tour guide) and its time to immerse yourself into nature, deep valleys, hills and mountainswith stunning views. The Blissful Odyssey Travel offers comprehensive tour packages that include support vehicles, meals refreshments and accommodation. The tour itineraries are highly customizable as per your wishes and comfort to suit your plans. You can bring your own Bicycle or it is available on rentals too.
Best Time to Visit: The optimal seasons for cycling are during spring (March-June) and autumn (September-December), when the weather is mild, skies are generally clear, and the landscapes are vibrant.
The flight to Paro offers spectacular views of Himalayan Mountain ranges including our sacred Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake only on clear weather. On arrival at Paro International Airport our representative will be there to welcome you and after that start your drive to our only capital city of Bhutan,Thimphu which takes about 1 hour. On the way, if the time permits, stop at one of our oldest iron bridges built in the 15th century by Drupthob Thangthong Gyalpo and again stop at Chuzom (the confluence of Paro and Thimphu River). After reaching Thimphu, visit the National memorial stupa (built in the memory of the third king of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Centenary farmers market,and stroll freely in Thimphu city and experience the lifestyle of the people. Overnight in the hotel.
After breakfast visit the giant Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu valley with 169 feet/51.5 meters and its tallest of its kind and you can choose to cycle down to the valley with stunning views of the valley. You can also bicycle through nature over Changsel bicycle trail which starts from giant buddha point to Changangkha which offers views of the city from the trail.Visit Takin reservation center, Bicycle towards Wangditse Goenpa which takes about 40 minutes by walk and offers stunning views of Thimphu valley.Visit Institute of thirteen arts and crafts, Craft bazaar and Tashi Chodzong meaning “fortress of glorious religion” built in 1641 by the unifier zhabdrung. Overnight in the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Punakha district, our ancient capital city before Thimphu and stop at one of the most beautiful passes in the country called Dochula Pass(3100m) adorned with 108 Druk Wangyel chortens and colourful prayer flags surrounded by spectacular views of Himalayan ranges on clear weather. You can choose to bicycle towards Punakha from Dochula pass. On the way you can stop at Lobesa to hike up to Chimi Lhakhang through rice paddy fields and through Metsina village with colourful painted Phallus on the walls to bless the household with fertility and to ward off evil spirits. The temple is dedicated to the accomplished master in the 15th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or the “Divine Madman,” who is believed to bless women who seek fertility. After lunch continue bicycling towards Punakha Dzong. Visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country with intricate metal and wood carvings situated between male and female rivers like an anchored ship built in 1637 by Zhabdrung and then visit one of the longest suspension bridges.
Start your journey to Phobjikha via Lawala pass which stands at 3340m and enjoy bicycling towards Phobjikha valley. The valley of Phobjikha is beautiful which is the winter home of the vulnerable black necked cranes. Most importantly Gangtey monastery sits on the hill top which is the main seat of great treasure revealer Pema Lingpa and it is the famous Nyingma school of Buddhism established in 1613 by Rigzin Pema Thinley, the great grandson of terton Pema Lingpa. After visiting the monastery, enjoy a nature bicycling through villages and the beautiful glacier valley and explore more of your own. Visit crane information center. Overnight in the hotel.
In the morning drive back to Wangdue Phodrang and the same way that we came through, passing Dochula pass and the outskirts of Thimphu city and onward to Paro district. After lunch visit national museum of Bhutan which was built to serve as watch tower in 1649 and later in 1968 the ancient watch tower was renovated and converted into national museum under the command of His Majesty, the third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, if time permits, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong meaning “The fortress on the heap of jewels” built in 1646 by our unifier Zhabdrung. Along the wooden gallaries lining the courtyard of Rinpung Dzong are the fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore and in the evening stroll Paro town and local handicraft shops. Overnight in the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to the base of Taktshang(Tiger’s Nest) Monastery which will take about 20 minutes from your hotel and start hiking the famous Taktshang Monastery perched on the hanging cliff at about 3100 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktshang monastery now stands. The monastery is situated at about 900 meters above Paro valley. We will walk back the same way and the lunch will be served in Taktshang cafeteria or walk down to the valley floor and enjoy lunch in the town. In the evening visit the farmhouse and try a traditional hot stone bath to heal the joint pains after your hike and try traditional Bhutanese meals. This is a fantastic conclusion to your stay in Bhutan! Overnight in the hotel.
In the morning, drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell. Payment Conditions
