Bhutan Bicycle Tour - 13 days |
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Itinerary in Details |
Days 01 : |
Arrive Paro International Airport, one will
experience breath taking views of Mount
Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other Himalayan
peaks including Bhutan's sacred Mount
Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. On arrival at the
airport, representatives of tour company
will receive and escort to Hotel Gangtey
Palace. This beautiful, historic old mansion
belongs to the late Prime Minister's family.
It has a commanding view of the valley and
has has been extensively renovated to
accommodate guests. |
Days 02 : |
Morning: Drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined
fortress 16 kms 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 Jomolhari, Abode of
the Goddess Jumo, rising 7,329 metres. On
the way back you'll have an opportunity to
visit a typical Bhutanese farm house. The
entire Paro valley is relatively flat and is
a great start to your first day of
bicycling. Lunch at the hotel. 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 Rinchen Pong 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
1645 AD. Overnight at the Gangtey Palace
Hotel. |
Days 03 : |
After breakfast, either drive
or ride bicycles to Thimphu, the capital city. The
drive meanders along the Paro and Thimphu
river and takes approximately 2 hours (65
kilometers). The gradient of the road is
excellent for bicycling as there are no
steep climbs or descents. Check into Hotel
Druk Yul/other. Lunch at the 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. Dinner at the hotel and a
reception by your hosts. |
Days 04 : |
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 Tashichhodzong, 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 practised through the instructions in
the art of painting Thangkas (sacred
Buddhist scrolls). Bicycle to Pangri Zampa
Monastery which is just beyond Dechencholing
(5 kms from Thimphu). This monastery was the
residence of the founder of Bhutan,
Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel when he arrived in
Bhutan in 1616 AD. Dinner at the hotel and
free evening |
Days 05 : |
After an early breakfast, set out for Punakha and Wangdi. On the way, stop at
Dochula Pass (10,00 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 kms down. It
is an exhilarating ride. Check into hotel
and have lunch.
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 Chhu (male river) and the Mo Chhu
(female river). This Dzong was built in 1637
AD.
Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong which is 13 kms
from Punakha. This Dzong and the town is
perched on a hill, between two rivers and
has 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. |
Days 06 : |
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 at hotel in Trongsa. |
Days 07 : |
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. Check into hotel in
Bumthang. |
Days 08 : |
After breakfast, bicycle around the
most beautiful valley in Bhutan. It is
possible to bicycle a radius of 60 kms
around the valley. |
Days 09 : |
After breakfast bicycle to Ura valley
some 69 kms from Bumthang. Ura is another
beautiful valley over 9,500 ft high.
Sightsee in Ura valley and drive back to
Bumthang. |
Days 10 : |
Bumthang to Wangdi (197 kms). On the
way as and when possible, guests can bicycle
certain stretches of the road. Overnight at
the hotel. |
Days 11 : |
Drive to Thimphu. After crossing
Dochula Pass guests can bicycle all the way
to Thimphu (26 kms downhill). Sight seeing
in Thimphu and if the day falls on the
weekend visit the famous week end market in
Thimphu where the local populace gathers for
weekly shopping for produce. Shopping
opportunity. |
Days 12 : |
Guests can either drive to Paro or
bicycle. Check into hotel and have lunch.
After lunch hike to the view point of the
famous Taktsang Monastery. The hike takes
about 4 hours round trip. Evening: Stroll
around Paro town and interact with the
locals. |
Days 13 : |
Drive to airport for departure. |
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NOTE : This itinerary
is a sample itinerary intended to give you a general
idea of the likely trip schedule. We have designed this
itinerary including the best cultural and natural
aspects of this country based on your duration of your
stay in Bhutan. We can further customize the itinerary
to suit your specific interest and needs. |
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