Bhutan - Bhutan Heritage Bike Tour 2019-2020 Guided 7 days/6 nights Long isolated from the rest of world by the Himalayas, Bhutan has remained a land steeped in mystery. Bicycling in Bhutan rewards you with stunning views and pristine nature on good paved roads with little traffic. We start cycling from Thimpu after visiting Paro and head east to Punakha, stopping to visit dzongs (fortresses), monasteries, and temples, while absorbing the Buddhist culture. This introductory tour to the Land of the Thunder Dragons stars with a tour of Paro and a ride around the capital Thimpu. The most challenging leg is a climb to the top of Dochula Pass, down from which you ll wonder at the scenery changes as you enter Punakha Valley. After a day exploring the lush flora and fauna around Tashithang, Tunakha Dzong will amaze you with its construction. Ending with a special visit to the fabled Tiger s Nest Monastery, you will go home enlightened by the fascinating landscapes, peoples, and cultures of Bhutan. The headiness won t be from exertion at high altitude, it will be from the once in a lifetime experience!
Itinerary Day to Day Day 1: Arrive in Paro Arrive in Paro where you will be picked up from the airport. We check into the hotel, and in the afternoon we ll visit to Paro Museum, which features local art, textiles, artifacts, and sculptures. We ll also visit one of the major Dzongs located in Paro. In the evening, we ll have a welcome dinner prepared in traditional Bhutanese style. Day 2: Thimphu - Dodina loop 35 km + 688 m - 689 m There is a short morning transfer to Thimphu (approximately 2 hours), and then the rest of the morning will be spent visiting museums and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (an arts and crafts school). In the afternoon, we ride to Dodina past small villages, farmlands and dense forests. The end of the road in Dodina features two monasteries set back high amongst the mountains. The return is a gradual downhill to Thimphu. Later in the evening, you can explore the town well known for its handicrafts shops. Day 3: Thimphu Punakha 68 km + 1541 m - 2,519 m Today will be a major hill challenge, we have a warm up of 5 km before we start climbing for the next 18 km to the pass at Dochula, which is known for its spiritual energy and 108 Chortens that are atop the pass. Lunch at the Dochula Café is the perfect place to take in the expansive views of the deep valleys and eastern Himalayas. After lunch as we descend down the pass we move from oak, maple and blue pine forests into the rhododendron, hemlock and fir vegetation, and along with the many monasteries that come into view make this a downhill ride to remember. Day 4: Punakha Tashithang Loop 62 km + 1781 m - 1792 m Today is an enjoyable out and back ride with the outward leg being a gradual climb to Tashithang. We pass through lush forests which are famous for their rhododendron trees, and if they are in bloom make for magnificent views. This area is also well known for its birdlife and wild orchids.
Day 5: Punakha Valley 25 km + 958 m - 969 m The ride today is a more leisurely one as we take time to explore the beautiful and lush valley that surrounds Punakha. We will visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most impressive Dzongs in Bhutan which was built in 1638 and made all the more remarkable as it was constructed without the use of drawings or a single nail! The other major visit today will be to Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 and also known as the temple of the Devine Madman (Lama Drukpa Kunley) and disciple of one of the five great tertons (treasure discoverer) Pema Lingpa. This temple is also noted for its blessing of women who wish to bear children. Day 6: Punakha Paro We leave Punakha early for the drive back to Paro. It will take about 4-6 hours depending on road construction, but we will ensure that there's time to visit the Tiger's Nest (Taktsang Monastery), a highlight of the tour. Perched on a cliff it's a hike to reach and before reaching one must cross a bridge that fords a large water fall, which drops by 60 meters into a sacred pool, not easy for those with a fear of heights. First built in 1692 this monastery is scared to Buddhists of the world. Day 7: Airport for onward travel Tour concludes and we transfer you to the airport for onward travel
Route Technical Characteristics: Route Profile: Average. This bike tour is a true classic with Himalayan mountain passes, sweeping descents, magnificent views, clean air, abundance of culture and history in one of the most secluded countries in the world. The riding varies between some easier shorter days and one challenging hill climb to the top of a pass. This tour is primarily on paved roads with very little traffic. The tour goes over one mountainous pass as well as valley flatlands. There are a few challenging climbs as well as some fast, sweeping descents. Distance: 190 km Travel Season: Departure dates for 2019: March 18; April 15; May 20; September 16; October 7 and November 18 Departure dates for 2020: March 16; April 13; May 18; September 14; October 19 and November 16
Price per Person: Double Occupancy B&B Single Supplement Rental Bike $ 2450.00 USD $260.00 USD Included Accommodation: 3-star hotels and local small accommodations with traditional amenities Included: Overnight accommodation 6 X Breakfast, 6 x lunch and 6 x dinner Snacks and drinks Tour Guide Support Vehicle Water bottle and jersey Visa fee Airport pick up and drop off Not Included: Alcohol Tips Assisting people in realizing their touring dreams worldwide is our passion. www.okcycletours.com THIS IS A PARTNER TOUR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9 Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350 TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848