Take the trip of a lifetime; explore the Land of the Thunder Dragon by bicycle. In 2009, Bicycle Sambhava returns to Bhutan for a 10-day cycling, hiking, and cultural tour through Western Bhutan. In addition to cycling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, enjoy visits to Bhutan’s legendary dzongs, temples, and monasteries.

Trip cost per person is $4,500usd.

Cost includes: Round trip airfare from Bangkok, Thailand to Paro, Bhutan; hotel accommodations and all meals; bottled water, tea and snacks; cultural and cycling guides; tour bus and bicycle shuttle vehicle; bicycle rental; traveling mechanic; entry fees to all museums and historic sights; tips.
15 Oct
Arrive Paro, Bhutan. Sightseeing: Rinpong Dzong, National Museum, Kyichu Lakhang, Drukgyel Dzong. Bike fittings and group meeting scheduled for late afternoon.
16 Oct
Pedal through Paro and climb southwest out of the valley towards Chelila mountain pass, 3810K. Cycle for 3 hours; complete the journey to the top of the pass by shuttle bus. Alpine meadow picnic in the land of the Yak. Complete the 26K descent to Haa by bicycle.
17 Oct
The route east and north from Ha to Thimphu is seldom traveled by bus or car. This long and winding road (79K) provides the cyclist with a quiet opportunity to experience the rural culture of Bhutan. Ride ends at Chuzuum – “the confluence”. Shuttle bus to Thimphu (31K).
18 Oct
Dochula is the mountain pass that separates Thimphu from Wangdi Phodrang; cycle the 27K ascent to the pass. Traditional lunch at the Dochu La Hotel. Descend 47K by bicycle to the Puna Tsang Chuu (the river).
19 Oct
The 80K drive to Phobjikha – Valley of the Black Neck Cranes –takes several hours and includes a trip over the mountain pass Pelela - the East/West divide in Bhutan. Lunch stop at the exotic Chendebji – a powerful spiritual place that hosts three massive stupas and an ancient Mani wall.
20 Oct
Day hike across Phobjikha valley to Gangte Goemba, a 15th century temple built in the Tibetan style. Continue hiking from Kewa Lakhang up the Tenkhor Yuetshe Sum trail - picnic lunch.
21 Oct
Ascend 12K by bicycle to exit this remarkable valley and enjoy a 50K descent to lunch by the river. Following lunch we shuttle to the exquisite Punakha Dzong.
22 Oct
Ascend Punakha Valley by bicycle. Pedal the 25K to Tashithang. This gradual climb on paved road becomes a bit steeper and turns to gravel road at the entrance to the Jigmey Wangchuck Nature Preserve. Traditional picnic lunch by a roaring river fed continuously by snowmelt; nap and stretch; pedal 25K back.
23 Oct
Early departure to Thimphu. There are several options today: rest at the hotel, explore Thimphu’s shops and market, or take a short bus ride along the Wang Chuu and hike the steep trail to Cheri Goemba – a silent monastery where monks spend long periods in silent mediation. Group dinner at the Bhutan Kitchen.
24 Oct
Another early departure is necessary to accommodate the final Bhutanese adventure – the hike to the Tiger’s Nest monastery. Picnic en route to the infamous cave where Padmasambhava was delivered by his flying tiger.
25 Oct
Morning departure to Bangkok.