Detailed Itinerary

DAY 01.  Arrival at Paro

If flying in from Bangkok, one will experience breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other Himalayan peaks including Bhutan’s sacred Mount Jomolhari and Jitchu Drake.  On arrival at the airport, representatives of our Company will receive and escort you to the Hotel. After lunch at a local restaurant we will explore the small town of Paro, and then visit the Dzong and the National museum.

Overnight at hotel.

 

DAY 02. Paro-Thimphu (65km.)

 

The ride to Thimphu will take approximately 1 hour depending on the level of professionalism and speed. The ride is all along the lined willow trees and the beautiful valley of Paro and Thimphu. All along you ride parallel to the river banks. On arrival at Thimphu you can be at leisure or just explore Thimphu city.

DAY 03. Thimphu – Punakha (71km.)

After some quick sightseeing, you will head for Dochula pass, which will take about 30 minutes. Once you reach the Pass at 3000m, your hard work is rewarded by views of the Eastern Himalayan range. After the pass, the ride is all downhill till you reach the warm and lush valley of Punakha region. You can visit Chimi lhakhang (monastery) associated with the Divine Mad Monk.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Explore the fertile and flat valley of Punakha, ride north towards the Monastery perched on a strategic location on a hill top overlooking the rich rice terraced fields. We will visit Punakha Dzong, which is located on the confluence of two rivers. This Dzong used to be the former capital of Bhutan and is now the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the Central Monk body.

Overnight at hotel

DAY 04. Punakha – Gangtey (83km.) 

 

Ride to Phobjikha valley, the abode of the black necked cranes, and en-route visit ruins of Wangduephodrang Dzong (Fortress), that was razed to the ground by a fire in 2012. The backup vehicle will always be there following you to ensure that your wheels have no problems.

DAY 05. Gangtey – Paro (205km.)

Visit Gangtey monastery and then start biking back to Paro via Wangduephodrang and Thimphu. It will be an unforgettable journey for you. At the end of your biking tour, you can have a hot- stone bath to give your muscles some respite.

DAY 06 Paro – Taktsang monastery hike

After breakfast drive half an hour and start the hike to Taktshang. It takes about 5 hour round trip. Follow an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels to the site of the famous Tiger’s nest, the Taktsang Monastery, tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, rebuilt, it is perched some 1000m/3,000ft up on a cliff overlooking the valley. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D.

On the way visit the Drugyel Dzong, located 16 Km from the Paro town. Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Jomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.). Stroll through town and visit the Paro Rimpong Dzong, built in 1646, Kyichu Monastery the oldest in Paro valley, built in 659 A.D.
Overnight at the hotel

DAY 07: Paro – Bangkok

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro international Airport for your journey out of the country.