Cultural Cycling Tour of Bhutan

Day 1 - Depart London

Depart London on your overnight flight to Kathmandu.

Overnight: In flight.

Day 2 - Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel.

On arrival in Kathmandu you will be transferred to the Dwarika's Hotel, a luxurious and stylish hotel built in a traditional palace style and furnished with Nepalese antiques, carvings and statues. The hotel has a pleasant courtyard garden with a swimming pool, bar and several restaurants. The Toran restaurant serves very good continental, Indian and Nepalese food while the flagship Krishnarpan is a superb restaurant for a special occasion where you can enjoy a multi course menu of real Nepalese food served in delightful surroundings. Dwarika's is a peaceful haven away from the noise and pollution of the city and is an excellent place to unwind.

Overnight: Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu

Day 3 - Fly to Paro in Bhutan. Sightseeing if time permits.

Transfer for the flight to Paro in Bhutan. The flight often gives fantastic views of the Himalaya, including Everest, and particularly exciting is the section through the Bhutanese foothills and the thrilling landing. Try to sit on the left hand side of the plane for the best views. You will be met on arrival by your Bhutanese guide and then transferred to your hotel.Depending on flight schedules, there might be time for a little sightseeing in the Paro Valley.

Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro

Day 4 - Bikes assigned. Cycle along Paro Valley to Drugyel Dzong and back to Paro - 32km, 3 hours.

After breakfast your bike will be assigned and adjusted to fit. If you have brought your own bike then this is the time to assemble it.

Today's ride is designed to get you used to your bike and the roads of Bhutan, luckily the Bhutanese drive on the left hand side of the road so there shouldn't be any issues there! You will start the day by freewheeling down the hill from your hotel, with beautiful views across the lush paddy fields to the impressive Paro Dzong. From the bottom of the valley you will head through the quaint town of Paro, with its traditional Bhutanese architecture and archery fields. It is a gentle incline that will lead you up to the junction where the road splits for Taktsang or Drugyel Dzong. Today you will be visiting Drugyel Dzong but the dramatic view of Taktsang from here will whet your appetite for your later visit.

The road gets a little bit steeper here as you make your way up the valley but it shouldn't prove to be too much of a challenge as long as you take your time and get used to the fact that the air is a bit thinner up there. The dzong itself is a fascinating building with a rich history. Until recently the building was a complete ruin after a fire destroyed it in 1951, but it has now been largely restored. This is the point where a lot of our treks start from, including our epic Lunana Snowman trek. When you finish exploring you will have a picnic lunch and cycle back down the valley to Paro.

Cycling ascent and descent - Ascent: 250m Descent: 250m

Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro

Day 5 - Cycle to Thimphu, 2,320m/7,611ft - 50km, 3-4 hours. Visit Thimphu Dzong.

This morning you will cycle down into Paro and across the traditional wooden covered bridge and to the foot of Paro Dzong (Rinchen Pung Dzong). You will be visiting inside this incredible building on your return to Paro but for now your guide will give you a brief history of one of Bhutan's finest examples of architecture. From here you will follow the river along the valley floor on quiet dirt roads before a short climb takes you up to join the smooth tarmac that will take you down to the junction at Chuzom where the road forks between the roads to the Ha valley, the border with India at Phuntsholing and also your road to the capital of Bhutan,Thimphu.

From here the road undulates as it makes its way up to the big gates that mark the start of Thimphu. All the way along the road there are fantastic views of the lush green valleys stretching away on your left hand side. As you enter Thimphu you will notice that there are new buildings appearing on the outskirts of the town, it's interesting to note that even the new buildings follow the traditional styles of architecture. Lunch will be taken in a restaurant in Thimphu. After lunch you will cycle to your hotel to freshen up and then you will visit the beautiful Thimphu Dzong. This is a perfect time to visit as the soft light of the late afternoon casts long shadows across the Dochey (central courtyard) as the monks can be heard chanting inside the Utse (central tower).

Cycling ascent and descent - Ascent: 550m Descent: 611m

Overnight: Phuntso Pelri Hotel Or Similar, Thimphu Or Similar

Day 6 - Cirucit ride with stop at Guru Lhakhang - approximately 3 hours.

This morning there will be a short transfer of around 30 mins up to the start point of today's ride, this means that you will miss out on some of the climbing for today but will still get to freewheel down to town at the end of the ride. There is also the option to cycle this section if you would like.

As you begin cycling the road undulates and before long you will reach a large image of Guru Rinpoche that has been carved into the rock face. Just round the corner from here there is a great view up towards the high mountains of the Himalaya. Continuing for a few more minutes you will arrive at Guru Lhakhang - a small temple built in 1959 by Tibetan refugees - which you will stop to explore. Riding on, the next sight you see is Cheri Gompa, perched on the hillside straight in front of you and with Tango Gompa to the right, also precariously placed. Cheri Gompa, the oldest in Bhutan, is now closed for refurbishment so sadly you won't be able to enter. However, if you cross the old cantilever bridge you will find a grassy area, with a large prayer wheel and chorten which makes an ideal lunch spot.

After you have enjoyed your picnic lunch, it's time to hop back on your bikes as you head off on your return journey to Thimphu. The riding in the afternoon starts off on a beautiful quiet forest dirt road that passes through the remote villages of this area, don't be put off by the short sharp climb at the start, it's a lot easier after this! You will eventually rejoin where you were dropped off this morning and all that remains is to follow the winding road down to Thimphu to complete what has surely been a fantastic day.

Cycling elevation and descent - Ascent: 421m Descent: 595m

Overnight: Phuntso Pelri Hotel Or Similar, Thimphu Or Similar

Day 7 - Cycle to Punakha via the Dochu La, 3,140m/10,302ft - 72km, 6 hours.

Today is the big challenge of the holiday, the Dochu La at 3,140m/10,302ft. There is no getting around the fact that this is a big climb at over 800m higher than where you start from, but the good news is that the gradient is a steady 4% all the way up the 21km climb and at no point does it become too steep to cycle. However, if at any time you find the climb too tough, the back up vehicle can always give you a lift!

The scenery is the most breathtaking part of this climb. On your right hand side you will have excellent views back down to Thimphu, and all around you is the lush green forest which only gets better and better as you enter a national botanical park, roughly half way. When you start to see the prayer flags fluttering in the wind ahead, you know you are nearly there and the sense of accomplishment is huge. There is time to take a well deserved break and enjoy the fantastic vista, on a clear day panoramic views can be had of the eastern Himalaya, including Bhutan's highest mountain, Gangkar Punsum, 7,550m/24,770ft. From here there is only one direction to go, down! You will make your way to a nice restaurant about ten minutes ride away where you will enjoy a buffet lunch and more great views of the mountains in the distance.

After you have refuelled and impressed your fellow diners with stories of your ascent it's time to start your 45km descent. From the top you get an idea of just how far you have to go down. It takes around 2-3 hours to make your way to the bottom, which when you consider you don't need to pedal the whole way it really is incredible. If you hadn't aready realised you were in the high country, you will by the end. As you head down through the varied forest on the windy road, with the trees clinging to the hillside, you will have to choose your spots to stop and enjoy the views carefully as if you stopped every time you saw great views, you would still be cycling the next morning. As you finally approach the bottom of the descent and Punakha you will notice that the temperature has risen quite a lot and the wind has picked up especially as you cycle past Wangdue Phodrang (or Windy Phodrang as the locals call it).

Upon reaching the valley floor it's a short ride up to visit Drukpa Kunley's temple. Built in the centre of the Punakha Valley and called Chimi Lhakhang, this temple was built by the "Divine Madman" to celebrate his victory over the demoness of the Dochu La. It is famed for the many phallic symbols that can be found here and as you should be visiting late in the afternoon there is a good chance that the young monks will be relaxing by playing football in the grounds. They also enjoy cycling on your bikes if you're willing to pedal your bike up the short climb to the temple.

The 'Divine Madman' - Drukpa Kunley (1455-1520) In Bhutanese mythology, Drukpa Kunley is one of the most beloved and revered sages of Tibetan Buddhism. Many are the legends that surround him and he followed a wandering lifestyle and was both an eccentric and highly regarded saint. He was renowned for his shocking behaviour and his ability to perform miracles. He taught a form of Tantric Buddhism and advocated that sexual freedom was at the centre of Truth. The wooden phalluses that hang from the corners of Bhutanese houses and the paintings of penises that you often see on either side of the front door of houses are a relic of his teachings.

Cycling ascent and descent - Ascent: 989m Descent: 2,100m

Overnight: Zhingkham Resort or Damchen Resort or Similar, Punakha

Day 8 - Visit Punakha Dzong. Drive/cycle to Gangtey, 2,900m/9,514ft - 83km, 3 hours. Visit Gangtey Dzong.

There will be time this morning for a visit to Punakha Dzong. This really is an incredible structure. Standing outside the main entrance you are struck by the sheer scale of the building. The inside is even more impressive.

After your visit to the dzong you will cycle down the valley to Wangdiphodrang (23km), taking the less busy road on the left hand side of the river, and then continue just a short distance up the valley towards the Pele La. To ride all the way would really be a very challenging proposition as the distance is 70km, all steeply uphill, so instead, at the Kyichu Lodge you will climb aboard the back-up vehicle to drive up to the Pele La and from there it is mostly downhill cycling to reach Gangtey. The views on the way up are fantastic but then you will have begun to expect nothing less by now.

Reaching the Pele La at 3423m/11,230ft you will enjoy the views before taking to your bikes again to ride back down, turning off towards Gangtey. At the top of the valley is the impressive Gangtey Gompa which with its commanding views over the valley is a 'must-see' location. As you make your way down towards the valley floor you will be struck by how wide open this valley is - it's quite unlike anywhere else in Bhutan. In the winter months this valley is home to the Black-necked cranes, they should have arrived in time for your visit.

After your visit to Gangtey Gompa you will be met by your vehicle to drive to your hotel.

Overnight: Farmhouse Homestay, Gangtey Valley

Day 9 - Loop ride around Gangtey - 20km, 2-3 hours. Visit Black-necked Crane centre.

After breakfast you make this morning's loop ride which takes you in a clockwise direction around the valley. With beautiful forests up high, potato fields down low, wild flowers growing everywhere and prayer flags all around, it's easy to see why this stunning valley is a favourite amongst Mountain Kingdoms' clients. As the morning light shimmers on the tranquil streams at the bottom of the valley you will set off on your morning's ride. On the first half of the loop you will be following a dirt road on the opposite side of the valley from your hotel, contouring along the side of the valley you will soon reach the picturesque Domchoe Lhakhang, which dates back to the 7th century. From here the valley opens up before you with views along to the small hamlets in the distance. The trail then heads down to the valley floor again, and works its way back towards the hotel, passing through remote villages and timber yards. Lunch will be taken in the hotel.

In the afternoon you will head to the interesting Black-necked Crane Visitor Centre for an insightful visit. This centre has many interesting exhibits as well as a couple of high powered Swarovski scopes to enable you to get a nice close up of these graceful birds. There is also an interesting hand woven carpet factory nearby that is worth a visit if time permits.

Cycling ascent and descent - Ascent: 370m Descent 370m

Overnight: Farmhouse Homestay, Gangtey Valley

Day 10 - Attend the Black-necked Crane Festival in the morning. Ride from Gangtey to Trongsa, 2,050m/6,726, 70km, 5-6 hours. Sightseeing as time permits.

Today you may see the Black necked cranes which should be in residence for your visit. It can be worthwhile arranging to go to see them before breakfast as they awake, and before they fly off to their feeding grounds for the day. Speak to your guide about this.

After breakfast you will attend the Black-necked crane Festival which takes place every year in Phobjikha. Initiated by the Bhutan Royal Society for Protection of Nature, the festival is now organised by the local community and celebrates the annual arrival of the cranes. The festival has a full day's programme of traditional masked dances and plays, including the 'crane dance'. Whilst it is not one of the more traditional tsechus, being of recent origin and more community based, the festival has the advantage of receiving relatively few western visitors and offers a real insight into the Bhutanese 'at play'. The festival takes place in the monastery courtyard and there are local food and handicraft stalls to buy from. A traditional archery competition is usually held nearby. In the afternoon you will drive up to the top of the valley and unload your bikes at Gangtey Gompa. From here you will set off on today's bike ride as you make your way up to the top of the Pele La pass, 3,390m/11,122ft, this road is not too steep and is only a few kilometres long and before you know it you will be at the top taking pictures amongst the scattered prayer flags. The road then heads down the other side for another fantastic descent with more incredible scenery. Before you get too far there may be time for a break at a fantastically located café on the side of the road; with the views stretching away in front of you it's the perfect place to sit and relax. After your caffeine hit, it's time to get back on the bike and re-join the road as it weaves its way down the mountain for approximately 60km. The road is cut into the mountain in places and passes by several beautiful waterfalls, mani walls, gompas and roadside stalls. The wildlife spotters amongst you will also have a field day with abundant birdlife, yaks and monkeys along the way. After around three hours of enjoying the downhill you will be met by a fantastic view of Trongsa Dzong, this viewpoint looks directly across at the Dzong and the town of Trongsa, it's a great spot for pictures as you can see just how close to the edge of the rocky outcrop this Dzong is. There is a short downhill section to the bottom of the valley floor and then a short climb up to the town. Lunch will be taken in your hotel. In the afternoon there may be time to visit the fascinating museum which is inside the old watchtower that is perched high on the hillside overlooking the Dzong, this museum is well worth a visit and screens an interesting film that does a good job of summing up Bhutan's history and culture. The view from the top of the tower is incredible. After this visit you will head down to the vast Dzong for a visit and then maybe a leisurely walk around town and back to the hotel for dinner.

Cycling ascent and descent - Ascent: 400m Descent: 1,750m

Overnight: Yangkhil Resort Or Similar, Trongsa

Day 11 - Transfer to the Yutong La. Cycle down to Bumthang, 2,580m/8,464ft - 45km, 3-4 hours (additional 4 hours if cycling to the top of the Yotong La)..

This morning there are two options, for those of you who are feeling fit and fancy another challenge there is the climb to the top of the Yotong La, this is a 30km climb that will take around four hours. The road is a gradual climb and provides excellent views on the way up, it is quite similar to the Dochu La climb from earlier in the trip. This is the highest point of the trip at 3,425m/11,237ft. For those of you who prefer to take it a little easier there is the option of a later start and taking the van to the top from where there is another long sweeping descent down to the valley floor where you will have a picnic lunch.

The afternoon's ride follows the valley floor on one of the flattest sections of riding on the whole trip, but this will change as you approach the last high pass of the trip; the Kiki La. This climb is shorter than the other passes on this holiday and shouldn't prove to be too difficult, but as always there is the support van behind for those with tired legs, and you will stop for tea along the way. The final hairpin descent of today heads down the bottom of the valley and joins the rushing water of the Chakhar Chu River as it makes its way to Bumthang. The pleasant ride to the hotel passes by the town centre with its one main street heading away to your right.

Cycling ascent and descent: Ascent: 282m Descent: 1,110m

Overnight: Ugyenling Hotel Or Similar, Jakar

Day 12 - Loop ride aroung the Bumthang Valley with stops at Ken Chu Sum Monastery and Kurjey Lhakhang - 20km, 2-3 hours.

Today's loop ride of the Bumthang valley is a fairly casual affair so there is time to have a nice relaxing breakfast before heading off on your bikes for the last time. The ride starts off with a gentle pedal through town passing traditional arts shops and cafes, before heading to Ken Chu Sum monastery, the main temple of this monastery is being rebuilt after it was ravaged by fire, it is fascinating to see the process of rebuilding and the amount of time and work that goes into each part of the temple.

Across the road from the monastery is the timber yard where all the wood is being prepared - from the slicing into planks to the fine detail carving, all the work is done on site. It's a fascinating place to walk around and the carpenters are friendly and happy to talk about their work. Just up the road is Tamshing Lhakhang: the most important Nyingma Gompa in the kingdom, established in 1501 by Pemalingpa. Inside you can see a suit of chain-mail armour, which Buddhists believe will bring good fortune if worn and then walked around the inner temple three times.

The next stop is Kurjey Lakhang, a series of three large temples. The oldest of the temples here houses a rock indented with the body shape of Guru Rinpoche, whilst the most recent dates back to 1984 when it was built for the Queen Mother - Ashi Kesang Wangchuck. It is at this monastery where the cremation takes place on the death of the kings of Bhutan. The final stop of today's ride is Jambay Lhakhang. This is one of the country's oldest temples, built in the mid-7th century. One interesting feature to look for is the set of three steps in the main temple. The first step, now hidden below floor level, is said to represent the time of the past or 'historical' Buddha. The second, very well worn, step represents the present Buddha, whilst the third step above, is said to represent the age of the future Buddha. The point at which the second step is worn down to ground level is held to be the time when the world as we currently know it will end. Lunch today will be a delicious picnic; its location will vary depending on the progress of today's ride.

The afternoon can be spent exploring the interesting town before returning to the hotel to relax.

Cycling ascent and descent - Ascent: 260m Descent: 260m

Overnight: Ugyenling Hotel Or Similar, Jakar

Day 13 - Fly to Paro. Visit Paro Museum and Kyich Lakhang.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the small Bumthang airport, after undergoing the stringent security checks (quick glance at your bags) you will board the small plane and enjoy the stunning views of the Bumthang valley before you climb high for great views of the high mountains off in the distance. This is only a 25 minute flight but it's incredibly scenic. Upon arrival at Paro airport you will visit the Paro Museum which is situated high up over-looking the Dzong, this is an interesting museum with some great exhibits. From here you will head down to the Dzong to take a look inside this impressive building.

After lunch you will also visit the ancient temple of Kyichu Lhakhang which was one of 108 temples built by Songtsen Gampo, an important early Tibetan king, to pin down the Bon demon that was thought to hover over the whole of Tibet. The rest of the afternoon can be spent walking around the town searching through some of the great handicraft shops for the all important souvenirs, or simply relaxing in a café watching life go slowly by.

(If the flight to Paro is cancelled you will drive back to Paro over the next two days. Your sightseeing in Paro will then be rearranged accordingly).

Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro

Day 14 - Drive to Cheli La Pass. Walk to Kila Gompa Nunnery. Time at leisure.

Today you will drive up to the Cheli La, a pass at 3,990m/13,090ft, a journey of about 1½ hours. In clear weather you will have wonderful views of the snow-capped mountains to the west which mark the border with Tibet. You then walk to the Kila Gompa nunnery. The gompa is surrounded by a lush forest dominated by tall firs and sparkling mountain streams tumble down slopes which are covered with a variety of wildflowers and plants. The Gompa is a peaceful retreat for Buddhist nuns who dedicate their lives to spiritual fulfilment. About 30 nuns live here, ranging in age from about 20 to 80 years. The community is one of the oldest of seven nunneries in Bhutan and was initially established in the early 9th century as a meditation site. The nuns live a life of contemplation and seclusion, with daily prayer and spiritual practice. The temple itself is surrounded by numerous meditation huts, and many hidden caves lie inside the rocky cliffs.

Following your walk you will return to Paro. The rest of the day will be at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro

Day 15 - Walk to Taktsang Monastery.

A short drive beyond Paro town takes you to the trail head for the walk up to the famous Tiger's Nest, Taktsang Monastery. The monastery is perched some 600m/2,000ft up on a cliff overlooking the valley and was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. It's a steep uphill walk through woods, of about 1½-2hrs, to reach a tea house (an ascent of 340m/1,115ft.) Apart from offering welcome refreshment this tea house is one of the principle viewpoints of Taktsang, and those who prefer not to climb any further can relax here whilst others continue on. If there is a particular religious gathering or VIP visit in progress, you will not be able to enter the monastery but the further half an hour's ascent is well worth it in any case, as it brings you to another viewpoint directly across from Taktsang. If you are able to make a visit, the final section of the walk takes you from here steeply down 100m/330ft into the gorge that separates you from the monastery and then climbs back up again to reach the monastery gate. You return to the tea house for a delicious and well deserved lunch before you descend back to the valley floor by your outward route and then drive to your hotel.

The afternoon is free for simply relaxing or doing a little last minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing. If you have brought your own bike then now is a good time to get it packed up ready for your international flight.

This evening there will be a celebratory meal in the hotel, a great opportunity to relive the many great memories of this fantastic trip.

Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro

Day 16 - Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel.

It's time to wave farewell to your crew this morning as you board the plane for your flight to Kathmandu. This incredibly scenic flight is one to remember so make sure you have your cameras handy. Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will be met by our friendly Nepalese staff who will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to do your own sightseeing or just to relax at the hotel.

Overnight: Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu

Day 17 - Morning sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. Transfer to airport and depart for London.

Kathmandu is a fascinating city, a mixture of the modern and medieval. Rickshaws, taxis and hooting motorists add to the din and create the special atmosphere Kathmandu is so famous for.

In the morning you will have a half day guided sightseeing tour of some of the city's main sights. One of the most sacred Hindu temples of Nepal, Pashupatinath Temple, is located on both banks of the sacred Bagmati River on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. Pashupatinath is the most important temple dedicated to god Shiva. Later you will explore Boudhanath where you will visit the ancient Buddhist stupa. Here pilgrims from all over the Indian subcontinent circle the stupa clockwise, turning prayer wheels as they pass.

Later there will be a group transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to London.

Overnight: In flight

Day 18 - Arrive London.