cycling tour
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Included in this Tour
All meals, tea and snacks, complementary bottled water in car, hotels, transport, guide, government levy, visa fee, entrance fees, permits and sightseeing. On trek includes – sleeping tents, dinning tents, toilet and shower tents, toilet seats, mats, duffel bags, cooking utensils, all meals, guide, trek chef assistants and horses.
Not Included in this Tour
Flight tickets, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, sleeping bag on trek, laundry, internet, phone and other bills of personal nature.
Tour Program
9 Days / 8 Nights
Tour of the Dragon covers 268km across four mountain passes ranging from 2000 to 3400 metres. The riders follow the Bumthang Chhu for a couple of kilometres and then climb through a blue pine forest to Kiki La at 2860m. Riders reach Yotongla located at 3400m, the highest point of the race which is then followed by 29km of going downhill till Trongsa. From Trongsa the road descends gently to Chendebji Chorten (2430m). From here, the road climbs through mixed conifer forests past Rukubji and Longtey villages and you reach Pele La (3300m). Descends to Wangdue (1200m) and then climbs to the final pass, Dochula 3150m from where it’s all downhill to the finish line at the Clock Tower Square in Thimphu.
Day 1: Paro Arrival Drive to Thimphu
On a clear day, you will be treated with stunning views of the Himalayas as you fly into Paro. You will be met by our representative at the airport and transferred to Thimphu. You will have free time to wander in the city.
Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha
Leave Thimphu this morning and drive to Punakha the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. En-route, stop at Dochu-La pass (3150 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, road descends through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. When you arrive at Lobesa, take a short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley (most commonly known as The Divine Madman). In Punakha, you will visit the impressive Punakha Dzong.
Day 3: Punakha to Phobjikha
Today, drive to Phobjikha, which is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. The road climbs steadily, passing through semi-tropical vegetation before arriving in an alpine environment, home to rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo. Just few miles before Pele La (Pass 3300m), you will take the road leading to Phobjikha Valley over Lawala pass (3200m). Gangtey Monastery majestically sits on a small ridge in the centre of the valley. After visiting the Monastery, you can walk through the villages in the valley to get insight into the rural lifestyle. The area is also the winter home (late October to February) of the rare and endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet to escape harsh winter conditions.
Day 4: Phobjikha to Bumthang
The journey begins by climbing to Lawala pass (3200m) and then Pele La (Pass) at 3300m. If you are lucky you will see yaks grazing here. Stop for lunch at Trongsa. From Trongsa, the road again climbs up to Yotong La Pass (3400m) and again winds down through pine forests and farming valleys before a milder climb up to Kiki La Pass (2860m). And the final stretch is downward into the Bumthang Valley.
Day 5: Bumthang
Today you will attend pre-race briefing, walk around the town and visit few cultural landmarks in Bumthang.
Day 6: Tour of the Dragon
Participate in the bike race.
Day 7: Thimphu to Paro
Enjoy some sightseeing in Thimphu, which includes King’s Memorial Chorten (which was built in honor of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck), School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school), National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Buddha Point and Motithang Takin Preserve. Later in the afternoon, you will drive back to Paro.
Day 8: Tiger’s Nest Monastery
You will conclude your stay in Bhutan by with a hike to the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery, the most famous pilgrim site, which clings to the rock at 3180m. According to the legend, it is believed that Guru Rimpoche, the 8th century Spiritual Master, flew to this location on the back of a tigress to meditate. Lunch will be served at Cafeteria Restaurant halfway up on the mountain. Explore the monastery and hike back to Paro.
Day 9: Drive to Paro Airport and Departure
Today we will bid fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country and take an early flight back to Singapore. We hope by now you would have made some friends and also kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan! And we look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless Enchantments! Tashi Delek!
Further Details
All of our itineraries can be tailored to your requirements, allowing us to create the perfect holiday just for you. Contact us with your holiday ideas, no matter how big or small, and we’ll start planning your unique trip.Our tailor-made tours are designed by local Travel Specialists who investigate every aspect of the trip themselves, giving you a unique view of each destination.
