Paro, Haa Valley, Thimphu & Punakha
The undulating landscapes of Bhutan is a paradise for bikers looking for sweeping vista of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges, pristine rivers, rice farms, lush valleys of rhododendron and pine forests.
Forbidden to foreigners for centuries and hidden in isolation, traffic is relatively low here. Your two-wheeled journey is likely interrupted only by prayer flags, chortens and a shoulder rub with local Bhutanese.
This trip is designed to cover both the iconic sights alongside hidden gems, as we bring you outside the classic circuit into Haa Valley, a lesser-known hamlet near to the border with Tibet and India.
Glorious snow-capped Himalaya on a clear day marked your descent into the hidden kingdom of Bhutan. Time-permitting, visit Ta Dzong national museum (9am-5pm) for an insightful exhibit of Thangka paintings, religious arts and relics, before putting our bikes together in preparation for your adventurous journey across the Dragon Kingdom.
Gear up for a one-hour biking to the Taksang Monastery trail. Perched on a jaw-dropping vertical cliff, the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery involves a scenic two-hour hike with picturesque views of pine forests, mosses and prayer flags. Thereafter, descend along dirt farm road to the hotel.
Hop on your two-wheel across Paro Valley’s scattered farmlands and hamlets to the start of Chele La Pass climb (36km, 5h) to the prayer-flagged summit (3,822m), or opt to hitch a ride on the support vehicle. Glimpsing Jhomolhari and Jichudrake peaks on our way, enjoy snack lunch before bracing for a breath-taking 20km descent, including 10 hairpin turns.
Start with an easy 40km downhill along Haa river towards Bhutan’s main east-west highway at Chunzom (2,068m). Follow Thim Chu upstream through rice fields, coniferous forest and a narrow gorge which opens up into Namseling Valley. Finally, we arrive at the quaint Thimphu suburbs where you can watch locals donning their traditional dress going about their business in unhurried Bhutanese ways.
You can choose to either hitch a ride up, or bike 22km and gain 670m up to Dochu La (3,050m), blessed with views of rhododendron and magnolia forests on both sides. Marked with prayer flags and chortens with Eastern Himalaya panorama, enjoy refreshment at your support vehicle before an adrenaline-rushing 1,700m descent for 50km/2h through lush jungle into the cultivated valleys of Punakha.
Take a full day leisure cycle to Tashitang Valley with its dense rhododendron forests, wild orchids and rich bird lives. Late afternoon, you will be driven to Punakha Dzong, hosting hundreds of saffron-clad monks and beautifully hugged by the confluence of two rivers.
This morning, we drive back to Paro. If you would like, we can drive up to Dochu La summit and ride your bike down to Thimphu before driving back to Paro. Time-permitting, enjoy evening stroll at Paro street, dotted with charming Bhutanese shops and small lodges.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your flight home.
Naksel Hotel in Paro • Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge in Haa Valley • Osel in Thimphu • Zhingkham Resort in Punakha
COMO Uma Paro • Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge in Haa Valley • Taj Tashi in Thimphu • COMO Uma Punakha
Six Senses Paro • Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge in Haa Valley • Six Senses Thimphu • Six Senses Punakha
Amankora Paro • Amankora Thimphu • Amankora Punakha
Kindly call us at (852) 2885 2181 if you require any immediate assistance.
Call us at (852) 2885 2181 or email us at enquiry@intriqjourney.com to start planning for a holiday that is completely tailored to your preferences.
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