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Bhutan, Mountain Bicycle Tour
Day1: Arrive Paro
Arrive Paro by Druk Air (it is recommended to fly from Delhi or
Kathmandu as this flight provides fascinating view of eastern Himalayan
peaks. The peaks visible on this flight are; Mount. Everest (8,848m),
Kanchenjunga (8,534m), Shishapangma (8,013m), Gauri Shankar (7,185m),
Cho Oyu (8,153m), Nuptse (7,906m), Lhotse (8,501m), Chamlang (7,319
m), Jannu (7,710m), Chomoyummo (6,829m), Pauhunri (7,125m), Shudu
Tsenpa (7,032m), Chomolhari (7,314m) and Jichu Drake (6,974m).
On arrival at Paro airport you will be received by local representative
with a traditional welcome and then driven to the hotel. Evening
presentation with slide show/video show and talk by an expert. Overnight
at the hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro – Thimphu
Morning sightseeing in Paro visiting ruins of Drukgyel Dzong followed
by visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) and Rinpung Dzong.
After lunch start biking to Thimphu (54 km, approx. 4 hours) passing
through the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers. The route follows
the valley of Thimphu river through an arid landscape. Overnight
at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha
Morning sightseeing in Thimphu with visit to Memroial Chhorten,
Trashichhodzong and Government Handicraft Emporium. After an early
lunch bike to Punakha (70 km, approx. 41/2
hours) ascending Dochula pass (3,050m) and later descend to Metshina.
Punakha is about 12 km from this place at 1,250 m so in about 31/2
hours biking the total descent from Dochula to Punakha is about
1,800 m. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha – Wangduephodrang
Morning visit to 17th century Punakha Dzong followed by visit to
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhorten. Then continue biking to Wangduephodrang
(21 km, 11/2 hours). Evening visit
to Wangduephodrang Dzong and interesting local market. Overnight
at the hotel in Wangduephodrang.
Day 5: Wanguephodrang – Gangtey
In the morning commence biking to Gangtey (68 km, approx. 41/2
hours) gaining altitude of about 1,800m. Afternoon excursion to
Phobjikha valley which is a designated conservation area and famous
for black-necked cranes. Overnight tented accommodation.
Day 6: Gangtey – Trongsa
In the morning proceed to central Bhutanese town of Trongsa (125
km, approx. 6 hours) crossing 3,300m high Pelela pass. From Pele
la pass proceed to Chendbji Chhorten at 2,400 m (27 km, 11/2
hours), the stupa patterned on Swayambhunath in Kathmandu. Chendbji
to Trongsa is about 41 km, approximately two hours of biking on
almost flat land. Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.
Day 7: Trongsa – Bumthang
Morning sightseeing with visit to Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong and
then proceed to Bumthang (68 km, approx. 41/2
hours) crossing Yotongla pass (3,400m) and then descend to Gyetsa
valley (2,700m). Later cross 2,900m Kiki la pass while reaching
to Jakar. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 8: Bumthang
Day for relaxation and sightseeing in one of the most beautiful
valleys and also the religious heartland of the nation, visiting
Tamshing Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, Kurjey and Jambay Lhakhang. Overnight
at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 9: Bumthang – Ura
From Bumthang Ura the camp site is about 60 km and time taken is
approximately 4 hours. Cross 3,300m high Shertang la pass and then
descend to Ura village situated at 3,000m. Later explore pleasant
Ura village. Overnight tented accommodation.
Day 10: Ura – Limithang
Proceed to Limithang (80 km, approx. 6 hours) crossing 3,750m high
Thrumshingla pass – the highest point during this trip. From
Thrunshingla it is all the way downhill (about 700m) untill the
camp at Limithang. Overnight tented accommodation.
Day 11: Limithang – Mongar
It is one of the shortest days on this itinerary (27 km, 11/2
hours) with a total descent of about 1,400m. Evening visit to Mongar
Dzong and local market. Overnight at the lodge in Mongar.
Day 12: Mongar – Gom Kora
In the morning proceed to Gom Kora (80 km, approx. 5 hours). The
Kori la pass en route is at 2,450m. The road later descends rapidly
till sheri Chhu river.
Overnight tented accommodation.
Day 13: Gom Kora – Trashi Yangtse
Proceed to Trashi Yangtse (65 km, approx. 51/2
hours). 2 km ahead of Gom Kora, the road reaches Doksum, a village
where two valleys meet. This place is also known for its weaving.
Later arrive at Trashi Yangtse Dzong, at 1,850 m. Head further northwards
in the gorge for about 4 km – the route leads to gigantic Chorten
Kora, the stupa built in Nepalese style of architecture.
Overnight tented accommodation.
Day 14: Trashi Yangtse – Trashigang
In the morning bike to Trashigang (65 km, approx. 5 hours). The
trail is a gradual up and down for 55 km and then about 10 km upwards
the Trashigang. In the evening explore the town area, which is the
biggest urban centre in Bhutan after Thimphu. Overnight at the lodge.
Day 15: Trashigang – Mongar (91 km, 3 hours)
After breakfast drive back to Mongar. Afternoon exploratory tour
to Mongar town, local market. Overnight at the lodge.
Day 16: Mongar – Bumthang (198 km, 7 hours)
Inthe morning drive to Bumthang arriving there by lunch time. After
lunch, visit the Yatha weaving centre and local market. Overnight
at the lodge.
Day 17: Bumthang – Thimphu (268 km, 8 hours)
After breakfast drive to Thimphu visiting village houses and mingling
with local people. Lunch break at Wangduephodrang which is known
for its majestic Dzong, bamboo products, slate and stone carvings.
After lunch, drive to Thimphu for overnight stay.
Day 18: Thimphu – Paro Airport (55 km, 11/2
hours)
Morning drive to Paro airport for flight to onward destination.
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Bhutan is similar to many other
Himalayan countries and experiences its monsoon from June
to September. The best times to visit are spring and autumn,
although winter can be good at lower levels.
– All accommodation
– All transport
– All food
– All camping eqipment
– Guide, cook, porters
– Park fees
– Rescue fees
– Insurance
– Visas
– Flights
– Personal expenses
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