Bhutan by wheels

Day 1 Arrive Paro International Airport

If flying in from Delhi-Kathmandu, one will experience from the left hand side of the plane breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks including Bhutan’s sacred Mount Jhomolhari and Jitchu Drake. On arrival at the Airport, representatives of Happiness Journey Bhutan will receive and escort to Hotel. Lunch at the Hotel. Discuss the Tour Programed with the Tour Guide and rest leave for acclimatization.

Overnight: Paro

Day 2 Paro

The entire Paro valley is relatively flat and is a great start to your first day of bicycling. Bicycle to Drukgyal Dzong (a ruined fortress 16 Km away from 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. One a clear day one can see Mount Jhomolhari, Abode of the Goddess Jumo, rising 7,314 meters.

Afternoon: Visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan. This was the watch tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968, and is located on a hill above the Paro Dzong overlooking the Paro valley. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located in Paro valley and is approached by a gently sloping flagstone road and a beautiful covered wooden bridge. Today the Dzong is the administrative seat of the district of Paro, and it also contains a state monastic community of approximately 200 monks. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with its superb wood work, is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. This Dzong was built in 1646 AD.

Overnight: Paro

Day 3 Paro – Thimphu

After breakfast, either drive or ride bicycles to Thimphu, the capital city. The drive meanders along the Paro and Thimphu River and takes approximately 1hr 20 min hours (56 km) by car and by Bike it depends on one’s riding speed. The gradient of the road is excellent for bicycling as there are no steep climbs or descents. Check into Hotel. Afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten (huge stupa) built in the memory of the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who reigned from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 4 Thimphu

Morning: Bicycle to the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in the country (built in 1629 AD). Opportunity to visit with some of the monks and observe life within the monastery. In the old days, the oldest son of every family was offered to a monastery where the child grew up as a monk. Even now, it is not uncommon for some families to continue the practice. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are displayed and can be purchased. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon, visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the Ministries, the offices of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot. Visit the Painting School where traditional art is still practiced through the instructions in the art of painting Thankas (sacred Buddhist scrolls).
Bicycle to Pangri Zampa Monastery, which is just beyond Dechencholing (5 Km from Thimphu). This monastery was the residence of the founder of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 AD. Now it is use as astrology school.

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 5 Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdue

After an early breakfast, Set out for Punakha and Wangdi. On the way, stop at Dochula Pass 3150mts. (1000 ft) for a hot cup of tea/coffee and to enjoy a spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges (on a clear day). From Dochula, bicycle down into Wangdi which is located 51 Km down. It is an exhilarating ride. After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong which houses the district administration offices. It is also the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot, the Je Khenpo. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. The Dzong lies between two rivers, the Pho Chu (Male River) and the Mo Chu (Female River). This Dzong was built in 1637 AD. Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong which is 13 Kms from Punakha. This Dzong and the town are perched on a hill, between two rivers and have a spectacular view. The Dzong was built in 1638 AD; a year after the Punakha Dzong was built. A tour vehicle will follow the bicycle group at all times in case of emergency or general weariness.

Overnight: Wangdue or Punakha

Day 6 Punakha/Wangdue – Trongsa

Drive to Trongsa, and on the way guests can bicycle certain stretches of the road. The terrain has steep ascents and descents and has some spectacular scenery.

Overnight: Trongsa.

Day 7 Trongsa – Bumthang

After breakfast visit the ancient Watch Tower in Trongsa. This structure sits atop a hillock overlooking the Trongsa Dzong and town. Ancient armors are displayed in the Watch Tower. Visit the Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the present Royal family of Bhutan. It was built in 1648 AD and is one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan. It is presently the administrative seat of the Trongsa district and the home of the monastic school. Built split levels on a narrow spur, this Dzong is an architectural marvel. The view from the Dzong is spectacular and one can see for many miles. In the old days, it was the vigilance point for both the eastern and western trade routes, thus a strategically important Dzong. After a light refreshment at the hotel, drive to Bumthang. After crossing a high pass, guests can bicycle all the way to Bumthang. The road is broad and all downhill after the pass.

Overnight: Bumthang.

Day 8 Bumthang

After breakfast, bicycle around the most beautiful valley in Bhutan. It is possible to bicycle a radius of 60 Km around the valley.

Overnight:  Bumthang

Day 9 Bumthang – Ura – Bumthang

After breakfast bicycle to Ura valley some 69 km from Bumthang. Ura is another beautiful valley over 9,500 ft high. Sightsee in Ura valley and drive back to Bumthang.

Overnight: Bumthang

Day 10 Bumthang to Wangdue

Drives back to Wangdue and enjoy the scenery back words (197 Km). On the way as and when possible, guests can bicycle certain stretches of the road.

Overnight: Wangdue

Day 11 Wangdue – Paro via Thimphu

Drive to Thimphu. After crossing Dochula Pass guests can bicycle all the way to Thimphu (26 Km downhill). If you want stop again in Thimphu and if the day falls on the weekend visit the famous weekend market in Thimphu where the local populace gathers for weekly shopping for produce.

Otherwise keep the riding the bikes back to Paro, which will take around 2 hrs 30 min.

Overnight: Paro

Day 12 Thimphu – Paro

Guest can do more biking within Paro Valley or hike to Taktsang, famous Monastery. The hike takes about 5 hours round trip. Evening: Stroll around Paro town for last minutes shopping.

Overnight: Paro

Day: Departure 13

Drive to airport for departure, where your Guide and Driver would bid you farewell.

Travel arrangement by Happiness Journey Bhutan:

• Accommodation of  Hotels for couple or group( Twin sharing)
• Hotel reservations can be done both in local and luxury: Uma Paro, Taj Tashi, Amankora, Le Meridien, Zhiwaling and other local resorts and hotels
• Full board Meals
• Visa arrangement for the couple or group
• All Gov’t Tax & Royalties
• Druk Air Tickets & Bhutan airline (Round Trip, BKK-PBH-BKK)
• Tour guide and Transportation
• Itinerary planning
• Special interest programs: like Buddhism talks, GNH talks and culture shows
• Riding horse to Taktsang hike
• One hour Culture show

Our Package includes:

• Accommodation of  Hotels for couple or group( Twin sharing)
• Full board Meals except for the stay in Uma, Taj Tashi and Haven where only breakfast is included (if you choose to stay at five star hotels)
• Visa arrangement for the couple or group
• All Gov’t Tax & Royalties
• Druk Air Tickets & Bhutan airline Not included (Round Trip, BKK-PBH-BKK)
• English speaking guide
• Airport transfer
• Transport
• Riding horse
• Personalized itineraries
• In- car refreshment- mineral water, apply juice, soft drinks and snacks
• Walking poles for hikes
• One hour Culture show