Hidden Bike Trails of the Himalayas

Welcome to Bhutan – the Land of the Thunder Dragon and the last great Himalayan kingdom! Your adventure begins with a breathtaking flight into Paro International Airport, one of the most scenic approaches in the world. As you descend between snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and terraced valleys, your first glimpse of Bhutan will fill you with wonder. Upon arrival, your friendly guide and support team will greet you with a traditional white khadar scarf. After a smooth transfer to your hotel, relax and freshen up while your crew unpacks and assembles your bikes. If time allows, take an optional warm-up ride through the peaceful Paro Valley, passing village houses, prayer flags, and rice fields shimmering in the afternoon light—a perfect way to acclimatize to the altitude. In the evening, attend a briefing covering biking routes, safety guidelines, altitude preparation, and mechanical support. Overnight: Hotel in Paro

After an early breakfast, set out for one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks, Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. The 2–3-hour uphill hike winds through forests of blue pine and oak, draped with fluttering prayer flags. At the top, the monastery clings dramatically to a sheer cliff — one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. Descend along the same path, then enjoy an optional 10 km leisure ride along gentle rural trails, passing small hamlets and scattered chortens. Spend the afternoon exploring Paro town, visiting local cafés, browsing traditional crafts, or simply soaking in the crisp mountain air. Later, visit the Paro Namgay Artisanal Brewery to sample some of Bhutan’s finest beer. Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Drive or ride up to Chele La Pass (3,988 m), Bhutan’s highest motorable road, adorned with thousands of fluttering prayer flags. From this vantage point, enjoy a thrilling 25 km descent into Haa Valley, winding through alpine forests and colorful wildflower meadows. After lunch in Haa town, continue your drive to Damthang, Bhutan’s westernmost road point. From here, embark on a leisurely off-road village ride through Yangthang and Bji, authentic Bhutanese hamlets with traditional stone houses and yak herders. Along the way, pedal past pine forests, potato fields, and scenic meadows, soaking in the rhythms and beauty of rural Bhutan. Overnight: Rigsum Resort

Drive to Kila Gompa Nunnery, a hidden sanctuary perched on cliffs above Paro Valley. Meet the resident nuns and, on a clear day, enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Jhomolhari. Riders can opt for a short off-road adventure: a 4 km uphill ride to the nunnery, followed by an exhilarating 12 km descent through rhododendron forests, fluttering prayer flags, and occasional yak sightings. Afterward, continue by road to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital. Relax at your hotel or take a stroll through the lively city streets in the evening. Overnight: The Pema on Realm hotel

Today’s ride explores Thimphu’s hidden singletracks and city-view trails. Morning – Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point): Start at the majestic 51-meter Buddha Dordenma Statue overlooking the valley. Enjoy a 7 km flowy descent through blue pine forests, perfect for taking in sweeping views of Thimphu. Midday – Debsi Trails: Ride the 2–3 km Debsi Trail, which connects Buddha Point to Debsi. The trail winds through shaded forest paths with views of the Thimphu River basin and is popular among local mountain bikers. Afternoon – BBS Tower Loop: Start at Sangaygang Viewpoint (BBS Tower) and tackle a 4 km intermediate loop. This section combines forest singletracks, rocky segments, and switchbacks — a local favorite. After the rides, relax with an evening drink at the Druk Hotel bar, known for its expertly prepared cocktails. Overnight: The Pema on Realm hotel

The Chasing Madman Trail Altitude: 3,100 m (Dochu La) – 1,200 m (Punakha) | Activity: Drive / Ride Begin your day with a scenic drive to Tashigang Monastery, the starting point for one of Bhutan’s most rewarding mountain biking routes. This trail links Lungchutse Monastery with Dochu La pass before descending dramatically into the lush Punakha Valley. The ride begins with a steady uphill climb through an ancient 7,000-year-old forest, where towering fir, hemlock, and rhododendron trees form a mystical canopy. Crisp mountain air, birdsong, and the whisper of the wind set the scene as you pedal toward Lungchutse Monastery (3,500 m). Here, pause to take in the 360° Himalayan panorama—on a clear day, the snow-clad peaks of Jhomolhari and Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest mountain, appear majestically against the sky. From the monastery, embark on a thrilling descent through pristine woodland trails to the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens at Dochu La pass, a symbolic gateway between Thimphu and Punakha. The trail continues on an epic 18 km ride from Tashigang Monastery to Thinleygang, transitioning from cool alpine forests to warm subtropical valleys, offering incredible contrasts in terrain, vegetation, and climate. After lunch, shuttle to Nobgang Village for an additional 5 km of pure downhill bliss, flowing through open meadows and traditional farm hamlets — one of Bhutan’s finest singletrack sections. End the day with a relaxing evening cocktail overlooking the breathtaking Punakha Valley. Overnight: Dhumra Farm Resort

Pine Trails & Palace of Bliss Activity: Forest ride & cultural immersion This morning, drive to the Sewla Trailhead and enjoy a thrilling 10 km flowy singletrack through pine forests and scenic meadows — one of Bhutan’s most beautiful routes. After a riverside picnic lunch, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Bliss,” where Bhutan’s kings were once crowned. Continue on to the tranquil Siwla village, known for its organic red rice and medicinal plants. End your adventurous day with a riverside cocktail, listening to the river flow under a canopy of stars. Overnight: Dhumra Farm Resort

Drive about two hours to Phobjikha Valley, a vast glacial basin known for its meadows and as the winter home of black-necked cranes. From the pass before the valley, hike your bike for about 30 minutes to reach the highland pastures, then ride 8 km downhill to the impressive Gangtey Gompa Monastery. After lunch, enjoy a 14 km cross-country loop around Phobjikha, passing peaceful villages, potato farms, and open marshlands. In the evening, relax with locally crafted cocktails made with herbs from the valley. Overnight: Hotel Phobjikha

After breakfast, drive to Pele La pass (3,390 m) and begin your descent along the Trans-Bhutan Trail, a historic route once used by monks and traders. Ride through alpine meadows and yak herder camps to Rukubji village (10 km). Continue to Chendebji Chorten, an 18th-century stupa modelled after Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath, and enjoy lunch at a waterfall-side café. Then travel on to Trongsa, Bhutan’s central fortress town. Explore the grand Trongsa Dzong and its museum dedicated to Bhutan’s monarchy, before relaxing at your hotel with panoramic valley views and evening cocktails. Overnight: Trongsa Tendrel Resort

Spiritual Trails & Mountain Tales Activity: Trail ride from Tharpaling & Kiki La From Chumey, drive to Tharpaling Monastery, then ride 13 km of singletrack through forests, keeping an eye out for colorful pheasants. From Kiki La pass, enjoy an 8 km downhill trail into Bumthang Valley, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. Stop for lunch at a local farmhouse to sample traditional Bumtap cuisine, then visit Wangdicholing Palace Museum. In the evening, relax at your lodge with Red Panda beer and locally made cheese. Overnight: Swiss Guest House or similar

Trails of Heritage Activity: Ride & Cultural Visits Ride through the scenic Tang Valley, stopping at the sacred Burning Lake (Mebar Tsho) before continuing to Ogyen Choling Palace Museum, a historical residence preserving Bhutanese heritage. After lunch, enjoy a 20 km cross-country ride through fields and traditional villages, visiting Pema Choling Nunnery along the way. Finish the day on the Bushman Trail, an 11 km path weaving through buckwheat fields and pine forests, ending near Kharchu Dratshang Monastery. In the evening, relax at the lodge with cocktails and a storytelling session. Overnight: Bumthang hotel

Option A: Take a 30-minute domestic flight over the Himalayas (weather permitting). Option B: Drive 8–9 hours through scenic valleys, with a stop for lunch along the way. In Paro, enjoy a relaxed afternoon or visit Pangbisa Law College and explore the town’s artisan markets. In the evening, celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner and cultural program featuring traditional music and dance. Overnight: Paro hotel

After breakfast, your biking crew will escort you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. With hearts full of adventure and memories of Bhutan’s hidden trails, bid farewell to the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Enjoy some free time to relax this morning before departing for the airport. In Bhutan, we never say goodbye, as we believe we will meet again. From all of us at Touch Bhutan Travel, we sincerely hope you enjoyed your journey with us. Take care until next time.