Traverse the beauty of Bhutan on this cycling adventure
Challenge yourself as you climb nearly empty roads
Meet the locals and perhaps learn the secret to happiness
Marvel at dzongs that hang from cliffs and some built without nails
Unearth Bhutan's mystery on two wheels

Mystical Bhutan

Duration
15 days
Site savings
$195
From
$6,305 USD

Check out snow-capped mountains, push yourself to pedal up incredible passes, admire swooping valleys, absorb the mesmerizing Buddhist culture, meet hospitable locals and marvel at their traditional clothes. If all of that doesn’t whet your appetite for a cycling adventure in the kingdom of Bhutan, then nothing will. This is a journey like no other, taken across challenging but oh so rewarding landscapes that will remain forever etched in your memory.

  • Category
    Adventurous
  • Type
    Fully Guided
  • Duration
    15 days
  • Culture Level
    Adventurous
  • Skill Level
    4 - Advanced
  • Activity Level
    3 - Active
  • Elevation
    4 - Challenging
  • Terrain
    Mountainous
  • Distance
    492.7 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    37.9 miles
operated by
SpiceRoads Cycling
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  • How do I get a visa to Bhutan?

    All nationalities require a passport for entry into Bhutan. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. Contrary to just about the entire rest of the world, Bhutan does not issue Visas before you arrive through their Embassies or Consulates. The only way to get a Visa is to get it on arrival to the country. However, you can’t simply show up at their doorstep and be allowed in. You must apply with a tour operator and submit an application form for approval BEFORE you arrive. The Tour Operator will submit your application for approval to the DOT, and their approval process takes a minimum of 1 week.

  • Do I need a visa to India?

    Yes, an Indian visa is needed since you will be crossing the border for the transfer to Guwahati Airport.

    All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid Indian visa. An e-visa facility is available for nationals of most countries.

    Passport should have at least six months validity from the date of arrival in India. The passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer.

    International Travelers should have a return ticket or onward journey ticket,with sufficient money to spend during his/her stay in India.

    Additional information and e-visa application can be found on their official website, https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html



  • How long is the tour? How many days of riding?

    This tour is 15 days long, with 12 riding days.

  • How many riders will be in the group?

    Groups can be from 1 to 16. For groups of 9 or more, a second guide joins the tour.

  • Is there a minimum age for this tour?

    Yes, riders must be 18 years old by the time the tour starts.

  • Can I rent a bike for the tour?

    Yes, quality mountain bikes can be hired for the duration of the tour. The bikes are well-known makes with lightweight alloy frames, 24 to 27 speed gears, v-brakes, have Shimano components and front suspension.

    E-bikes are also available for hire which can help manage long distances and climbing terrain through the use of a pedal-activated electric motor.

  • What's the tour like?

    This bike tour is a true classic with Himalayan mountain passes, sweeping descents, magnificent views, clean air, and abundant culture and history in one of the most secluded countries in the world. The total distance is around 789 km (490 mi) in eleven full and two half days of riding. The riding varies between some easier shorter days and some challenging days due to the altitude and gradients involved. Cycling at over 3,400 m (11,154 ft) above sea level takes a little bit of getting used to for most people, and we will need a few days to acclimatize. Participants should be in relatively good overall physical shape with at least a moderate degree of cycling experience. The accommodations are generally 3-star hotels with traditional amenities. The tour operator has  attempted to keep the tour as authentic as possible and tried to use local small accommodation wherever possible. Regardless of the location, every day you can be assured to get a comfortable room and a good night's sleep. Outstanding scenery, abundant wildlife and flora, and a deeply religious and benevolent people makes for a truly wonderful bike trip that will live in your memory forever.


    Suitability: You can expect some tough days in the saddle. We will also be cycling at altitudes between 2,000-3,000 m (6,561-9,842 ft), which also increases the difficulty. Being physically fit will of course be a huge asset, but, as the tour is fully supported, the van is always close at hand if needed.

    Biking Conditions: This tour is primarily on paved roads with very little traffic. The road conditions will vary and some sections will be bumpy. The tour climbs up and over many mountainous passes and ends on the Assam plain. There are quite a few challenging climbs, some more than 20 km (12mi), as well as some fast, sweeping descents. Any portion can be skipped by utilizing the support vehicle.

  • Am I safe?

    The tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue. But to a large degree, riders must be responsible for their own safety during the tour. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a cycling tour.

  • Where does the tour start and finish?

    The tour starts in Paro, Bhutan. It can be accessed via Paro International Airport (PBH).

    The tour will finish in Guwahati, India with an airport transfer to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU)

  • Do I have to pay if traveling alone?

    You are not required to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. The tour operator will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender. If you cannot be matched, they will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share, a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room.

  • Please see a message from the tour operator about policies relating to COVID-19

    The Tour Operator is committed to ensuring all trips are safe and that they travel responsibly with the safety of riders, staff and local communities paramount, always.

    Their health and safety policies follow recommendations from the World Health Organization and the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travel protocols for tour operators and they have worked with all their suppliers to undergo a comprehensive risk assessment and safety audit for every trip. As every country is different with varying and fast-changing requirements for entry, they require for every trip tocommit to the following basic requirements:
    - All participants must be double vaccinated by a recognized vaccine and will need to show evidence upon booking and on arrival.
    - All Tour Operator tour leaders and support staff will have completed a COVID-19 health and safety training course and will all have been double vaccinated prior to a tour starting. For 2021 departures onwards, they are planning to have our leaders tested within 72 hours of meeting the group.
    - The Tour Operator follows the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels protocol and has received the stamp of approval, which provides travelers with an assurance that they have adopted the health and hygiene global standardised protocols.

  • Are helmets included when hiring a bike?

    Yes, if you're hiring a bike from the operator, a complimentary helmet is provided, although you are welcome to bring your own if you wish.

Overall Rating:
5.0/5
An adventure
Erica Lynn Hirsch — September 2017
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

This company provides fantastic bike routes in amazing countries and attracts cool people. What an incredible adventure!

Great guides
Robert Kieckhefer — October 2012
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

We had a fantastic trip cycling across Bhutan. Sonam, Prakash and Harka were great guides and knowledgeable bicycle mechanics.

A blend of fun and culture
Peter and Melissa Morse — September 2009
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

We had an absolutely fantastic time riding across Bhutan's stunning countryside. The equipment was first rate. Kinga, our guide and Karma, our driver, made every day a treat; this trip is a perfect blend of recreational and cultural adventures. Their hospitality and support were greatly appreciated.

Many thanks!