- Licensed Bhutanese tour operator
- Thimphu, Bhutan
Adventure tour · 10 days, 9 nights
10 Day Bhutan Mountain Biking Tour: Paro, Thimphu, Dochula and Punakha by Bike
Ride the valleys, forest trails and mountain roads of western Bhutan, from Paro’s farm lanes to the long descent from Dochula into Punakha, with a support car behind you all the way.
- 10 days, 9 nights
- 6 riding days
- Support vehicle every day
1,800 m
Descent from Dochula, about
6
Riding days
30 to 60 km
Typical daily distance
Moderate
Grade
Trip overview
Bhutan from the saddle
Bhutan has very little traffic, steep green valleys and some of the most dramatic mountain roads in Asia, which makes it a wonderful place to ride. Since the Tour of the Dragon race began in 2010, cycling has become popular with young Bhutanese, and people in the villages wave and cheer as you pass. Riding also slows you down: you smell the pine forests, hear the prayer wheels and stop wherever you like.
This 10 day trip mixes quiet farm lanes, forest singletrack and paved mountain roads in the west of the country. You warm up with a hike to the Tiger’s Nest and a ride around the Paro valley, ride the river road to Thimphu, explore the trails above the capital, then climb to Dochula, at about 3,100 metres, and drop almost 1,800 metres through forest to the rice fields of Punakha. In Punakha you ride along the Mo Chhu and up to hilltop villages before returning to Paro.
A support car with your guide follows you on every ride, carrying water, food, spare parts and your luggage. If you get tired, you can hop in at any time, so riders of different abilities can travel together. We supply good-quality hardtail mountain bikes, or you can bring your own. You should be comfortable riding 30 to 60 km a day on hilly ground; no racing experience is needed.
- Six riding days on roads, farm lanes and trails
- The long descent from Dochula into Punakha
- Support car, bikes and helmets included
Highlights
Highlights of the ride
Dochula descent
Almost 1,800 metres downhill into the Punakha valley.
Thimphu trails
Forest singletrack above the capital.
Paro farm lanes
Quiet roads between farmhouses and rice fields.
Mo Chhu ride
Along the river north of Punakha Dzong.
Punakha Dzong
Bhutan's most beautiful fortress.
Tiger's Nest
A hike on the second day to acclimatise.
Itinerary at a glance
Ten days at a glance
Distances are approximate. You can ride as much or as little as you like each day.
Day 1: Arrive in Paro
Land in Paro, fit the bikes, short spin.
Day 2: Tiger's Nest
Hike to Paro Taktsang.
Day 3: Paro valley ride
Farm lanes to Drukgyel Dzong and back.
Day 4: Paro to Thimphu
Ride the river road to the capital.
Day 5: Thimphu trails
Forest singletrack above the city.
Day 6: Dochula to Punakha
Climb to Dochula, then the long descent.
Day 7: Mo Chhu valley
Along the river north of Punakha Dzong.
Day 8: Talo and Chimi Lhakhang
A hill climb to Talo, then rice fields.
Day 9: Back to Paro
Drive back over Dochula, optional ride.
Day 10: Depart
Transfer to Paro airport.
Day 1
Arrive and set up the bikes
Your guide and bike mechanic meet you at Paro airport. After lunch you fit your bike, adjust the saddle and brakes, and go for an easy spin along the Paro Chhu to Rinpung Dzong. The ride is short so that your body can adjust to the altitude of about 2,200 metres.
- Overnight: Paro
- Ride: about 10 km, flat
- Meals: lunch and dinner
Day 2
Hike to the Tiger's Nest
The hike to Paro Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest, takes five to six hours return. The path climbs through blue pine forest to a cafeteria with a clear view of the monastery, then on to the cliff itself at about 3,120 metres, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated in the 8th century. Walking at altitude before the big rides makes the rest of the trip easier.
- Overnight: Paro
- Hike: 5 to 6 hours return
- Altitude: about 3,120 metres
Day 3
Riding the Paro valley
You ride up the Paro valley on quiet farm roads to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress built in the 17th century to guard the route from Tibet, now restored. On the way back you take side lanes through villages and past Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. The gradient is gentle, with a gradual climb on the way out.
- Overnight: Paro
- Ride: about 35 km
- Climb: about 300 metres
Day 4
Along the river to Thimphu
You ride down the Paro valley to Chhuzom, where the Paro and Thimphu rivers meet, then up the Wang Chhu valley to Thimphu. The road follows the rivers most of the way, with one longer climb into the capital. In the afternoon you visit the Memorial Chorten and Tashichho Dzong by car.
- Overnight: Thimphu
- Ride: about 55 km
- Climb: about 600 metres
Day 5
Trails above Thimphu
You ride on dirt roads and singletrack in the pine forests above Thimphu, past the Buddha Dordenma and small temples, with views over the city. Your guide chooses the trails to suit your skill. In the afternoon you can rest or visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum and the craft bazaar.
- Overnight: Thimphu
- Ride: about 25 to 30 km
- Terrain: dirt road and singletrack
Day 6
The Dochula descent
Strong riders can climb from Thimphu to Dochula, at about 3,100 metres, a steady 20 km ascent; others can drive up. From the 108 chortens on the pass you start the best ride of the trip, almost 1,800 metres of descent through rhododendron, oak and then subtropical forest to the Punakha valley. Stop often for photos and to let your brakes cool.
- Overnight: Punakha
- Ride: about 20 km up (optional) and 40 km down
- Descent: about 1,800 metres
Day 7
Riding the Mo Chhu valley
You visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, then ride north along the Mo Chhu on a quiet road through rice fields and small villages, with the river beside you. You can turn back at any point; strong riders go as far as the edge of Jigme Dorji National Park. On the way back you walk up to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for the view.
- Overnight: Punakha
- Ride: about 30 to 40 km
- Climb: gentle
Day 8
Up to Talo
The hardest climb of the trip is on a quiet road from the valley floor up to Talo, a village of large farmhouses on a ridge at about 2,800 metres, with views back over Punakha. After the descent you ride through rice fields to Lobesa and walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Madman.
- Overnight: Punakha
- Ride: about 35 km
- Climb: about 1,300 metres
Day 9
Back to Paro
You drive back over Dochula to Paro. If you still have energy, you can ride the last section from Chhuzom to Paro along the river. The evening is free: many riders book a hot stone bath to ease their legs.
- Overnight: Paro
- Drive: about 4.5 hours
- Optional ride: about 25 km
Day 10
Fly home
After breakfast your guide drives you to Paro airport for your flight home.
- Transfer: about 15 minutes
- Meals: breakfast
Where you stay
Where you stay
Comfortable hotels with space to store the bikes.
| Nights | Place | Where you stay | Why we chose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3 and 9 | Paro | 3-star or 4-star hotel | Upgrades available |
| 4 and 5 | Thimphu | 3-star or 4-star hotel | Central |
| 6, 7 and 8 | Punakha | 3-star or 4-star hotel | Valley views |
Bikes are stored and checked each evening by our mechanic.
What the price covers
Included and not included
Included
- Bhutan visa (USD 40) and the Sustainable Development Fee for every night
- Hotels as listed, 3-star as standard, with 4-star and luxury upgrades on request
- All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- A licensed English-speaking guide for the whole trip
- Private car or SUV with a Bhutanese driver, and all transfers
- Entry fees to dzongs, temples and museums
- Bottled water in the car
- Hardtail mountain bike, helmet and basic spares
- Bike mechanic and support vehicle on every ride
Not included
- International flights into and out of Paro (we can book them for you)
- Travel insurance, which we strongly recommend
- Drinks, laundry and other personal costs
- Tips for your guide and driver
- Anything not listed under included
- Cycling shoes, gloves and clothing
- Shipping of your own bike
Price on request
Tell us your budget and we will send our best price
We don’t publish one fixed price, because hotels, season and group size change the total a lot. Tell us your dates, who is travelling and the budget you have in mind. We will reply within 24 hours with our best price for this mountain biking tour.
How we price
What decides the cost of this trip
Government fees
The SDF is USD 100 per adult per night until 31 August 2027, plus a USD 40 visa. These are fixed by the Government of Bhutan and paid through us.
Hotels you choose
Group size, hotel style and whether you bring your own bike change the total most.
Season and dates
Spring and autumn are peak season. Winter and summer dates are often easier to price well.
Group size
Guide and car costs are shared, so the price per person drops for two, three or four travellers.
We send a written, itemised quote before you pay anything. No booking fees.
Good to know
Planning your Bhutan bike trip
How fit do I need to be?
This is a moderate trip. You should be comfortable riding 30 to 60 km a day with some long climbs at altitude. The support car means you can skip any climb you like. Regular riding in the months before the trip, including some hills, will make it much more enjoyable. Experienced mountain bikers can add harder trail sections on request.
Bikes and equipment
We provide good-quality hardtail mountain bikes with front suspension, helmets, water bottles and a repair kit. Bring your own pedals and saddle if you are particular about them, plus padded shorts, gloves, a windproof jacket and sunglasses. If you bring your own bike, it travels in the support car between rides; check your airline’s rules for bike boxes.
Best season for riding
March to May and late September to November are the best months: dry roads, mild temperatures and clear views. Winter is cold but often sunny in Punakha. Summer brings heavy afternoon rain and muddy trails. If you want a race, the Tour of the Dragon, a one-day mountain bike race from Bumthang to Thimphu, is held each September. See our Tour of the Dragon trip.
Riding on Bhutan's roads
Bhutan’s highways are narrow and winding, with long climbs and sharp bends, but traffic is light and drivers are used to cyclists since the Tour of the Dragon race began. A support car with your guide follows you all day, carries water, snacks and spare parts, and picks you up whenever you want a break. Helmets are compulsory. We avoid riding in the dark and plan the hardest climbs for the cool morning hours.
Altitude
Paro sits at about 2,200 metres and Thimphu at about 2,300. Most people feel fine after a slow first day. Drink plenty of water, go easy on alcohol at first, and tell your guide about headaches or poor sleep. The Tiger’s Nest, at about 3,120 metres, comes later in the trip for this reason.
Visa, SDF and guide rules
Every visitor except Indian nationals needs a visa, which costs USD 40 and is issued online before you fly. The Sustainable Development Fee is USD 100 per adult per night until 31 August 2027, with half rates for children aged 6 to 11. A Department of Tourism notice from April 2026 confirms that visitors travel with a licensed guide. We file the visa and pay the SDF for you. Read more in our Bhutan visa guide and SDF guide.
Flying into Paro
Only Drukair and Bhutan Airlines fly into Paro, mainly from Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkata and Singapore. Pilots land by sight between the ridges, so morning flights are the most reliable. We suggest a night in your hub city on the way in. Our flights to Bhutan page lists every route.
Bhutan mountain biking: questions
It depends on your hotels, group size and dates. Tell us your budget and we will reply within 24 hours with our best price, including the SDF, visa, hotels, meals, guide and car.
No. We provide hardtail mountain bikes and helmets. You can bring your own if you prefer.
Usually 30 to 60 km, with one long descent of about 40 km from Dochula.
A support car follows every ride. You can get in at any time.
For fit beginners, yes, if you are used to riding on roads and dirt paths.
Both: paved mountain roads, farm lanes and forest singletrack near Thimphu.
March to May and late September to November.
Three to five months ahead for spring and autumn.
Price on request
Ask for your best price
Tell us your dates, your riding experience and your budget. We will reply within 24 hours with our best price for this mountain biking tour.
- Share your budget, we shape the trip around it
- No booking fees, ever
- A reply within 24 hours
- Licensed Bhutanese tour operator
- +975 17533776
- +975 77495028
- info@deyabhutantours.com
- Thimphu, Bhutan
Let's plan your Bhutan journey
Tell us a little about your trip. Our team in Thimphu will reply with ideas, a day-by-day plan and a full price.
We’ll reply within 24 hours. No booking fees, and no obligation to book.