Cycling Route
8-Day Grand Western Bhutan Cycling Tour
The most complete western Bhutan cycling itinerary, with Thimphu rides, Dochula, Punakha depth, Phobjikha, Gangtey, and Paro.
Duration8 Days / 7 Nights
RouteParo - Thimphu - Punakha - Phobjikha - Paro
Best ForCyclists wanting the fullest route
Grand western circuitDochula PassPunakha depthGangtey
Day 01: Arrival in Paro - Transfer to Thimphu
- Arrival at Paro International Airport
- Traditional welcome with khaddar
- Scenic drive to Thimphu (approx. 1.5 hrs)
- Drive along Paro River via Chuzom
- En-route stop at Tachogang Lhakhang & suspension bridge
- Bike fitting & cycling safety briefing
- Leisure walk in Thimphu city & local markets
- Overnight stay in Thimphu (2,400 m)
Day 02: Thimphu Cycling & Sightseeing
- Guided cycling ride through Thimphu Valley (support vehicle available)
- Cycle to Buddha Dordenma viewpoint
- Visit School of Arts & Crafts
- Visit Folk Heritage Museum
- Visit National Textile Museum
- Drive past National Memorial Chorten
- Visit Centenary Farmers' Market (Wed-Mon, closed Tuesday)
- Overnight stay in Thimphu (2,400 m)
Day 03: Thimphu - Dochula Pass - Punakha
- Mountain cycling route towards Dochula Pass (support vehicle available)
- Stop at Dochula Pass (108 chortens & Himalayan views)
- Stop at Lamperi Botanical Garden (seasonal rhododendrons & birds)
- Downhill cycling section towards Punakha Valley
- Visit Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)
- Visit Punakha Dzong
- Overnight stay in Punakha (1,350 m)
Day 04: Punakha Valley Cycling
- Guided cycling ride through Punakha Valley & riverside villages
- Short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
- Walk across Punakha Suspension Bridge
- Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
- Leisure time in Punakha Valley
- Overnight stay in Punakha (1,350 m)
Day 05: Punakha - Phobjikha (Gangtey)
- Scenic drive via Wangdue, Pelela Pass & forested landscapes
- Cycle selected sections into Phobjikha Valley (support vehicle available)
- Visit Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Gompa)
- Walk Gangtey Nature Trail
- Visit Crane Information Center (RSPN)
- Farmhouse visit with local dinner experience
- Overnight stay in Phobjikha (2,900 m)
Day 06: Phobjikha - Drive to Paro
- Morning cycling ride through Phobjikha Valley (black-necked crane habitat)
- Scenic drive back via Wangdue, Dochula Pass & Chuzom
- Visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong)
- Visit Ta Dzong - National Museum
- Outdoor cultural activities (traditional dress, archery, darts)
- Explore Paro town & handicraft shops
- Overnight stay in Paro (2,200 m)
Day 07: Paro Sightseeing & Tiger's Nest Hike
- Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang
- Short recovery cycling ride around Paro Valley (if time permits)
- Free time in Paro town & shopping
- Optional hot stone bath & farmhouse dinner (additional cost)
- Overnight stay in Paro (2,200 m)
Day 08: Departure from Bhutan
- Breakfast at hotel
- Transfer to Paro International Airport
- Departure with memories of Bhutan