TRIP DETAILS

Day 1: Arrival Paro, drive to Thimphu

(55 km, approx. 1-hour drive)

Welcome to Bhutan!

Enjoy a thrilling and scenic flight into Paro International Airport, offering incredible views of the Himalayas. We will meet you at the airport for your free pick-up. Below are the highlights of arrival day.:

• Warm Welcome & Drive to Thimphu: Upon arrival, breathe in the fresh mountain air before being greeted by your Alora guide and driver for a picturesque drive to Thimphu.

• Buddha Dordenma Visit: Explore the majestic 54-meter-tall bronze and gold Buddha Dordenma Statue, housing 125,000 smaller Buddha statues within its temple.

• Bike Set-up: Check into your hotel in Thimphu and prepare your bikes for the next day's adventure, adjusting saddles and brakes.

Overnight stay is at Willows Hotel in Thimphu 

Altitude: 2,320m

Day 2: Cycle to Punakha

(Drive 15 km/20 mins, Cycle 51 km)

• Dochu-la Pass Ascent: After an early breakfast, drive to Yoesepang and then cycle 10 km uphill to Dochula Pass (3,100m). Enjoy panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayan Range, including Bhutan's highest peak, Gangkarpuensum, if the weather is clear.

• Descent to Punakha: Cycle downhill towards Punakha, Bhutan's former capital, known for its pleasant climate and historical significance.

• Lunch & Chimi Lhakhang: Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before a 20-minute walk to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the "Fertility Temple." This temple is dedicated to the "Divine Madman," Lama Drukpa Kuenley, and is believed to bless childless couples.

• Punakha Dzong: Conclude the day by driving to Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most majestic fortresses. Built at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, it's the second oldest and largest dzong in the country.

Overnight stay is at Zen Punakha Hotel in Punakha 

Altitude 1,300m

Day 3: Cycle to Phobjikha

(Drive 35 km/45 mins, Cycle 48 km)

• Scenic Ride to Phobjikha: After breakfast, you'll drive 45 minutes before starting your cycle towards Phobjikha, enjoying a picnic or local restaurant lunch en route.

• Lawala Pass & Phobjikha Valley: Ascend to Lawala Pass (3,250m) before descending into the Phobjikha Valley, a uniquely wide and flat landscape known for its beauty and ecological significance.

• Gangtey Goenpa Visit: In Gangtey, visit the prominent Gangtey Goenpa, an important Nyingmapa Buddhist monastery founded in 1613, which includes a school and meditation center.

• Phobjikha Nature Trail & Black-necked Cranes: Cycle the Phobjikha nature trail to explore the habitat of the vulnerable Black-necked cranes. The valley also features the Nakay Chhu & Gay Chhu rivers, with a fascinating local legend behind them.

Overnight stay at Phuntsho Yangkhil Resort in Phobjikha 

Altitude: 3,000m

Day 4: Drive to Thimphu, No cycling day

(Drive 131 km / 4 hours)

• Black-necked Crane Center: Start your day by visiting the Black-necked Crane Center to see two injured cranes, Karma and Pema.

• Wangdue Phodrang Dzong: Drive to the newly restored Wangdue Phodrang Dzong for a short visit.

• Return to Thimphu: Head back to the capital city, Thimphu.

• Evening City Stroll: Enjoy some free time to explore and stroll around Thimphu in the evening.

Overnight stay at Willows Hotel in Thimphu 

Altitude: 2,320m

Day 5: Journey to Serene Haa Valley

(Drive 71 km / 2.5 hours, Cycle 37 km)

• Drive & Cycle to Haa Valley: Begin with a drive to Rashigang village, then cycle towards the beautiful and remote Haa Valley, enjoying a picnic lunch.

• Haa Valley Exploration: Arrive at your hotel in Haa's town, and immerse yourself in this least-visited region of Bhutan. Haa Valley is known for its pristine forests and snow-capped mountains.

Overnight stay at Lhayul Hotel in Haa Valley

Altitude 2,700m

Day 6: Conquering Chelela Pass & Descent to Paro

(Cycle 66 km: 27 km uphill and 39 km downhill)

• Cycle to Chelela Pass: Drive a short distance to the mountain pass road, then cycle 27 km to reach Chelela Pass (3,988m), Bhutan's highest motorable road, with potential views of Mount Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake.

• Descent to Paro: Enjoy a 39 km descent into Paro Valley, cycling to your hotel.

• Evening in Paro: Explore Paro town in the evening and consider a traditional hot stone bath at your hotel to rejuvenate and refresh yourself.

Overnight stay at Rema Resorts in Paro 

Altitude 2,200m

Day 7: Hike Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)

• Taktshang Monastery Hike: Embark on an early, fascinating 5-hour round-trip hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), perched dramatically 900m above Paro Valley, a highly sacred site.

• Kyichu Lhakhang Visit: After lunch, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most significant temples.

• Free Evening in Paro: Enjoy the evening exploring Paro town or relaxing with a spa session at your hotel.

Overnight stay at Rema Resorts 

Altitude: 2,280m

Day 8: Departure from Paro

Fare thee well and adieu to Bhutan

• Breakfast: Have a hearty Breakfast at the hotel

• Airport Drop: Free drop to Paro International Airport

• Happy Heart: Carry amazing memories, thank you for riding with us.