Example Itinerary

Beautiful Bhutan by Bike

Duration
16 days / 15 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Bicycling
Destinations
Bhutan

Take an unforgettable biking adventure and experience Bhutan like never before. Pedal to the Taktsang Monastery, an exquisite Buddhist temple located on a steep cliff high above in the misty mountains. Climb to the top of the Chele La pass and admire the snow-carpeted peaks of the famous Himalayan mountains. Cycle through endless fields of lush green rice fields, untouched forests and rich valleys. Be spellbound by the plethora of blossoming magnolias and vibrant rhododendron flowers on the way to Dochula. Experience Bhutanese culture at a Buddhist festival and watch religious mask dances. Trek to the Tharpaling Monastery, a grand temple hidden in the high hills of Jakar.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • New Heights: Challenge yourself on Chele La Pass, a narrow and steep asphalt road with sharp turns and sheer drops, and the highest motorable point in Bhutan.
  • River Routes: Trace the bucolic rivers in Thimphu which take you from town out into the countryside and scenes of endless rice fields and forests.
  • Snow and Tropics: See it all from high altitude peaks to low valleys, snow-covered mountains in the background to tropical forests of bamboo and rare plant life.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Paro

Fly into Paro, a town filled with many sacred sites and historical buildings. Take in the stunning scenery of the Paro Valley, where mountains, lush green hills and forest cover the region. Check into your hotel and join in the preparation of the bikes for the amazing journey ahead.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Spa: The Aman spa contains private saunas, steam rooms, a yoga studio and private treatment rooms with showers and outdoor stone baths.

Accommodation: The hotel has just 24 select suites featuring traditional Bhutanese wood-burning stoves and generous terrazzo-clad baths.

Location: The resort overlooks a 17th century Drukyel Dzong and snow-capped Mt. Jumolhari.

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Amankora Paro Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Forest-covered mountains, tiny villages and terraced crop fields, valley rivers and rich history. One of the most scenic locations in Bhutan, Six Senses Paro is perched at an altitude of 2,250 meters, putting the spotlight on its epic views.

Sustainability: Six Senses Paro is committed to low impact on the environment and wildlife, and a positive impact on the local community - befitting Bhutan, the world's only carbon-negative country.

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Six Senses Paro Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Paro

Cycle for an hour and continue by foot to the Taktsang Monastery, a divine Buddhist temple complex located on a jagged cliff. Climb up a steep footpath and prepare to be captivated by the untouched beauty of mountainous cliffs and wild forests. Take a tour of the monastery and learn about the ancient teachings of Buddha.

Paro
Paro

Day 3

Paro

Bike through the beautiful countryside and pass rustic villages. Climb to the top of Chele La pass and admire the snow-blanketed peaks of the Himalayan mountains. Continue on for 22 miles and reach the prayer-flagged summit of the pass. Absorb the breathtaking view from the top and stop for lunch. Trek down the pass and weave through a valley made up of ten sharp turns.

Day 4

Thimphu

Enjoy a relaxing bike ride to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Cycle along the peaceful rivers of the Ha Chhu and Thim Chu. Embrace the dazzling scenes of endless rice fields and pristine forests as you pass by. Walk through the town square in Thimphu and experience the lives of locals. Notice the traditional dress worn and the relaxed and friendly attitudes of the Bhutanese people.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Tranquility: The resort has a relaxed pace of life, residing in a pine forest in the upper Thimphu Valley away from the lively Bhutanese capital.

Location: The resort is an ideal retreat from the capital city of Thimphu, yet within easy reach to the city’s main attractions.

Library: In the evenings guests may get cozy with a hot drink or glass of wine in the on-site library which boasts a collection of literature on Bhutanese culture and art.

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Amankora Thimphu Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Secluded between apple orchards and young pine forest, Six Senses Thimphu is a "Palace in the Sky," perched 2,650 meters up in the hillside. From here, you can peer down at Thimphu Valley and across to the giant Buddha, but you're still close to all of the capital's main attractions.

Sustainability: Fitting with the other Six Senses' Bhutan properties and Bhutan's reputation as the world's only carbon-negative country, Six Senses Thimphu aims to have a low impact on the environment and wildlife, and a positive impact on the local community.

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Six Senses Thimphu Preferred Hotel

Day 5

Punakha

Bike 13 miles to Dochula, and be dazzled by a plethora of blossoming magnolias and vibrant rhododendron flowers. Enjoy fruit fresh off the branch as you pass by ripe banana and orange trees. Reach the top of Dochula pass and see the area decorated with colorful prayer flags and Buddhist monuments. Savor the breathtaking view of the Himalayas and hike back down through the rich jungle of the Punakha Valley.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Exclusivity: The hotel has just eight suites making the hotel intimate, welcoming and private.

History: The hotel is housed in a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse built as a home by the Royal Bhutanese Queen to oversee the local farmland.

Spa: The resort's indulgent spa looks over rice fields and comprises a meditation room, private treatment rooms and a steam room and changing area.

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Amankora Punakha Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Set at a lower altitude and with warmer temperatures, Phunakha is a favorite winter destination for local Bhutanese. Blending seamlessly into emerald steps of crop fields, this lodge is a "flying farmhouse" providing a rustic, yet luxurious, stay.

Sustainability: All of Six Senses' Bhutan properties are focused on low impact on the environment and wildlife, and a positive impact on the local community; echoing the values of Bhutan, which is the world's only carbon-negative country.

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Six Senses Punakha Preferred Hotel
Punakha
Punakha

Day 6

Punakha

Relax in Punakha and take a day of rest. For those who want to explore more of the town, consider taking a side trip to Punakha Dzong, the ancient capital of Bhutan and home to over 1,000 monks in the winter. Tour the dzong, an elaborate Buddhist fortress built in the 16th century.

Day 7

Gangtey

Enjoy a full day of cycling and head to the Black Mountains. Pass by scenic rivers, dense valleys and the tiny village of Tikke. Stop for a restful tea break and climb to the top of the Black Mountains. Take in the impressive view from the peak and descend into the Phobjikha Valley where we will stay for the night.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The hotel is situated in one of Bhutan’s most significant nature reserves, famous for endangered Black Neck Cranes.

Activities: Nature lovers will enjoy the treks and walks on the hotel’s doorstep through forests, mountains, the rural settlement of Gangtey and traditional farmlands.

Views: From the cozy suites decorated with wooden paneling and Bhutanese paintings, guests may look out onto the stunning glacial valley.

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Amankora Gangtey Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

A Birdwatcher’s Natural Paradise: The lodge’s strategic position showcases the Phobjikha Valley in all its beauty. This quaint, charming area in central Bhutan is the winter residence of the spiritual black-necked cranes that arrive from Tibet each October. Be front-and-center for their arrival, and wander the countryside on foot or with a guide to learn more about this unique natural sanctuary.

Bhutanese Hospitality and Happiness: The community- and sustainability-oriented Six Senses had a good reason to open, not just one, but five luxury accommodations in Bhutan; a nation guided by the principles of Gross National Happiness. Y

Wellness at its Best: Swedana treatments, a pyramid meditation room and breathtaking 180-degree views of the Phobjikha Valley combine with the pioneering wellness approach woven into the fabric of every Six Senses property.

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Six Senses Gangtey Preferred Hotel

Day 8

Trongsa

Hop on your bike and try to spot langur monkeys in their natural forest habitat. Continue to the high landscapes of Pele La and see the magnificent Chomolhari Mountain in the distance. Head down the pass and cycle to Trongsa. Tour the village in the afternoon and visit the beautiful dzong located on the waters of the Mangde Chhu River.

Hotel Options
About

The three-star boutique Yangkhil Resort is the best in Trongsa and has just 21 rooms, all equipped with full bathroom, central heating and large windows and/or private balconies overlooking Trongsa Dzong, rice fields and small farmhouses. The resort is comprised of a cluster of buildings painted with traditional Bhutanese motifs and built on a hillside.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Trongsa
Trongsa

Day 9

Bumthang

Pedal out of Trongsa and make your way to Yutung La pass. Enter the vast Bumthang Valley and stop for a tasty picnic lunch. Climb up to Kiki La pass and descend into Jakar, a picturesque village. Witness the grand Jakar Dzong resting high above in the misty mountains. This beautiful area is protected and aside from seeing historic sacred sites, you might even spot the black-necked crane. Bed down for the evening at your luxurious lodge.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Bumthang is one of the most remote, least visited parts of Bhutan –known as the spiritual hub of Bhutan and steeped in folklore and stories- providing a unique and authentic visitor experience.

Décor: The 16 guest suites balance Bhutanese flair and contemporary luxury, each suite is centered around a traditional bukhari wood-burning stove.

View: The resort looks out towards the crumbling Wandichholing Palace the birthplace of Bhutan’s monarchy in Jakar in the Choekhor valley.

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Amankora Bumthang Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Tranquility: For harmony with nature, the lodge is hard to beat. It serves as an ideal base from which to explore nature and to experience a peaceful part of the planet that relatively few people have explored.

Generous Accommodations: Beautifully appointed and spacious suites wholly complement and meld with lush forest surroundings. For even more roominess, the two-bedroom villa provides all the space you need to breathe, stretch out and unwind.

Sustainability: Six Senses Bumthang is committed to low impact on the environment and wildlife, and a positive impact on the local community - befitting Bhutan, the world's only carbon-negative country.

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Six Senses Bumthang Preferred Hotel

Day 10

Bumthang

Jakar is considered the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan and hosts many festivals to celebrate the religion. Take part in a Buddhist festival and participate in a Tshechu. Tshechus are big events where communities come together to watch religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialize. During this time, locals dress in their finest attire and enjoy the company of family and friends.

Day 11

Bumthang

Trek to the Tharpaling Monastery, a grand monument hidden in the high hills of Jakar. Breathe in fresh forest air and take in the sights of snow covered mountains nearby. Reach the top of the ridge and admire the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Bumthang
Bumthang

Day 12

Ura Valley

Continue farther into the mountainous regions of Bhutan and head to the Shertang La Pass. Bike to the Ura Valley and see white sheep roam the countryside. Keep a look out for the Lunana mountain range looming in the north. Arrive in the village of Ura and camp overnight on a flat area in the valley.

Hotel Options
About

Enjoy close commune with nature by setting up camp in the great outdoors as part of a Bhutanese Himalayan trek. Surrounded by forests, travelers fall asleep under the stars and wake up to glorious mountain views each morning – campsites really allow travelers to connect with their environment and enjoy the serenity of the Himalayas.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 13

Mongar

Take on one last high altitude climb and journey to Thrumsing La, the highest road pass in Bhutan. After conquering the pass, stop for a celebratory lunch and take a 53-mile downhill ride to a tropical forest full of bamboo and rare plant life. Prepare for adventure as you bike down the side of a sharp cliff and continue on to the village of Mongar.

Hotel Options
About

Located in the eastern region of Bhutan, the basic Wangchuck Hotel is situated just above Mongar town on a gentle sloping hill. With a total of 33 rooms, the rooms feature a view of the mountains and valleys nearby.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 14

Trashigang

Get excited for another day of cycling and beautiful sights. Pedal through Kori La and see an ocean of cornfields and banana groves. Twist and turn through the hairpin roads in Yadi and continue to ride along the lively Gamri River. Arrive in Trashigang, a quaint village that rests by a valley.

Hotel Options
About

Nestled amongst the beautiful mountains of Eastern Bhutan lies the Druk Deothjung Resort, an inviting destination for adventurous travelers to this remote region of the world. The resort itself sits atop a hill replete with astounding views of the surrounding landscape.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Located amongst the natural splendor of Eastern Bhutan within a serene countryside cove lies the Lingkhar Lodge, Trashigang. With nine deluxe rooms and three special suites housed in six opulent cottages, the lodgings are elegantly designed, combining traditional Bhutanese aesthetics with such modern amenities as climate control features, flat screen televisions, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 15

Samdrup Jongkhar

Sit back and relax as we drive to Samdrup Jongkhar. Celebrate your amazing efforts and impressive accomplishments at a party in the evening. Not many individuals embark on a unique bike journey like this and we hope it is a memory that will stick with you forever.

Hotel Options
About

In the bustling border town of Bhutan lies Samdrup Jongkhar, a first stop for merchants and tourists entering Eastern Bhutan by land, a mixing pot of Bhutanese and Indian culture, and home to such gems as the country’s oldest cinema and Zangdopelri Monastery. Among the town’s tumult lies the Menjong Hotel, a haven for tourists seeking to gain their footing in this remote corner of the Earth.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 16

Departure

On our final day, enjoy a scenic drive to Guwahati, a city in northeast India. Head to the airport where we say farewell. Take a short flight to Delhi and transfer to your flight home or to your next exciting destination.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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