10D Mountains & Monasteries in Shangri-La;
Exploring Bhutan on Mountain Bikes with Uma Paro
Small Group Departure
Group Size: Min. 03 riders, Max. 12 riders.
Jul 07-17, 2008
If you want to fully engage with the Kingdom of Bhutan, its people, culture and landscapes, then there are few better ways than by bike.
Our carefully researched 10 night Himalayan biking adventure comprises cultural road rides, remote off-road trails, huge descents and easy river valley circuits as well as some challenging single track as we explore across 5 distinctly different valleys – using our support vehicles to get us up to each pass before enjoying countless delicious freewheels. Highlights include the first designated mountain biking trail in the Kingdom, a descent from the highest road pass in the country (Chele La 3810m), a round trip ride in the magical Phobjikha valley and cultural rides in the Paro, Punakha and Haa valleys.
Returning to our comfortable home in the Himalaya, Uma Paro (or carefully selected local hotels for 4 nights) after each day’s adventures - accommodation is included on a full-board basis, excluding beverages – there also is plenty of free time to relax, try the national sport of archery, visit local temples and monasteries or even continue exploring on foot or by bike.
While you don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to enjoy this adventure, it is designed for keen cyclists who ride regularly. Having said this, on most days the support vehicle is on hand to carry you and your bike if you prefer to take it easy. In addition, two experienced Uma guides will accompany the group, enabling us to cater for different levels of fitness and allowing you to cycle at your own pace. Come and explore the Land of the Thunder Dragon with the freedom you only find on two wheels.
Tour Package Cost
Superior Room (Forest views)
- US$3,226 Twin/Double
- US$3,946 Single
Deluxe Room (Valley and mountain views)
- US$3,485 Twin/Double
- US$4,464 Single
Suite & Villa rates are available on request
Tour Package Includes
- ** FIT Surcharge Waiver for Druk Air arrival/departure flights on Jul 07 and 17, 2008
- All Bhutanese Government Visa Fees, Taxes and Royalties
- All airport transfers and transport
- 06 nights in choice of Superior or Deluxe Rooms
- 04 nights ††local hotels
- Full board meals throughout (excluding beverages)
- The services of an experienced European Guide and an Uma Paro English-speaking Bhutanese Guide
- Support vehicle with comprehensive toolkit and some basic bike spares
- Kona Cinder Cone mountain bike, helmet and gloves
- Mineral water on all days out
- All entry permits and fees
- Fire lit courtyard farewell dinner
- Complimentary scheduled 01-hour daily yoga class whilst at Uma Paro (except Sundays)
- Complimentary use of the swimming pool, library and gym at Uma Paro
** FIT Surcharge Waiver
In order to take advantage of the FIT surcharge waiver guests must arrive and depart on the scheduled Druk Air flights to and from Bangkok on the Jul 07 and 17.
Any other flight arrival/departure dates will attract the FIT surcharge of US$30 per person per day for a group size of 02 persons, and US$40 per person per day for single travellers.
††local hotels Outside of Uma Paro, we have selected well located, comfortable, somewhat rustic but charming hotels in terms of food and accommodation, for our journey.
Tour Package Excludes
- All airfare & airport taxes in/out Paro (please check with us for Druk Air airfares from connecting cities)
- Personal expenditure such as phone bills, laundry, hard/soft beverages, optional tours, etc.
Minimum 03 riders, Maximum Group Size 12 riders
The group will be led by one of Uma Paro’s highly trained and knowledgeable Bhutanese guide throughout. All your main luggage is carried for you and you will only have to carry whatever you require for that days’ walks or tours. All single travelers benefit from their own room throughout.
Uma Paro provides complimentary drinking water for all guided itineraries. If you have any special dietary requests, please let us know in advance. Where stated, trips include lunchtime picnics prepared by Uma Paro’s chefs.
A 50% deposit of the total amount is required at the time of booking.
This deposit in non-refundable if the booking is cancelled within 30 days of the start date of the trip.
The remaining 50% payment is required 30 days prior to arrival date.
Please make your Enquiry using the Form below
Itinerary
Note: This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate variations to the programme and can affect the availability of views and panoramas described.
Be aware that all times stated are approximate, and may vary with individual and group fitness.
Day 01 / July 07 / Bangkok - Paro
After the awe-inspiring early morning mountain flight from Bangkok, Uma Paro staff will welcome you at the Paro Airport for the 10 minute transfer to the property. We invite you for a short, guided shake down ride in the afternoon around the airport for orientation and acclimatization purposes. This evening you are invited to a firelight courtyard Welcome Dinner and briefing.
Duration: 2-3 hours riding, gently undulating with a final steep ascent/descent to/from Uma Paro
Distance: 10-15km
Trail Conditions: 100% road
Difficulty: EASY
Guided with support vehicle
Overnight: Uma Paro
Day 02 / Jul 08 / Paro Valley (2,280m) and Do Chhu excursions - Kyichu, Drukgyel & Rinpung Dzong
Today’s ride takes in all the main highlights of the Paro valley and heads off the beaten track up a little visited side valley giving another opportunity to stretch legs and acclimatize whilst also sightseeing from the saddle.
Sweeping down to the valley floor we follow the Pa Chhu (river) via a traditional covered bridge (Nyamai Zam) and then past the main archery ground, Ugyen Pelri Palace and into Paro town. We head off road at Dob Shari alongside the Do Chhu past several temples and traditional farmhouses climbing very gradually up to the village of Dobshaptoe. Having negotiated the narrow lanes we return to Paro via a higher track rejoining the tarmac to pay our respects at Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its magic orange tree that bears fruit all year round. Continuing up the valley (either by road or on tracks) with Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) perched above we wind through villages, rice paddies and pine forest to the roadhead (next stop Tibet) and archery ground at Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1644 by Zabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control northern route to Tibet. Now its time to enjoy a freewheel virtually all the way back to Paro via Rinpung Dzong – ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, before the challenging climb back to Uma Paro (our support vehicle is with us to assist with the last leg if necessary)
Duration: 5-7 hours riding gradual ascents and descents
Distance: 50km
Trail Conditions: 40% road, 60% wide graded tracks, valley riding
Difficulty: EASY to MODERATE
Guided with support vehicle and picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro
Day 03 / Jul 09 / Chele La (3810m) and Haa Valley (2670m) excursion
Roundtrip Start early for the drive to Haa via Chele La (pass) which at 3810m, is the highest road pass in Bhutan, snaking upwards through blue pine and rhododendron (Etho Metho) forests for 35km.
On a clear day the view sweeps away to the snow-dome of Bhutan’s highest peak Mt Jhomolhari (7314m). After a bracing ride along he prayer flag bedecked ridge it is a freewheel all the way down to Wangchulo Dzong which is presently occupied by the Indian Army, however this makes for a quirky experience. Having visited the bazaar it is a short bike ride along the Haa Chhu (river) to a picnic spot. Having climbed to the roadhead we enjoy the freewheel back to Lhakhang Karpo (the White Temple), many young monks await to offer a warm, noisy welcome. The Haa valley only opened to foreigners in 2002 due to its proximity to the border with Sikkim and Tibet. This unspoilt valley harks back to a simpler more traditional time.
Duration: 5-7 hours riding plus 3-4 driving
Distance: 26km switchback descent, 15km gradual ascent, 15 km gradual descent - total 56km riding
Trail Conditions: 100% road, descent then valley riding
Difficulty: EASY
Guided with support vehicle and picnic
Extension Option #1 – 79km to Chuzom (river confluence), return to Uma Paro by vehicle
Extension Option #2 – drive back up Chela La and 35km riding or driving descent to Paro
Overnight: Uma Paro
Day 04 / Jul 10 / Ugyen Guru excursion (max. altitude 2950m)
A great day of offroad mountain biking awaits us as we are dropped high up across the valley and head off on a network of logging trails just below Chele La from yesterday. Each tough climb through the forest of blue pine is rewarded with a sweeping descent as the trail passes through the odd tiny settlement, fords streams and runs past temples and chortens before eventually dropping into the town of Bondey. The final leg lies parallel with the airport where that final climb back to Uma awaits.
Duration: 45 minute drive to drop off, 5-6 hours riding
Distance: 25-30km riding
Trail Conditions: 80% off road on logging trails, 20% road, some challenging ascents
Difficulty: MODERATE TO HARD
Guided with picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro
Day 05 / Jul 11 / Paro to Punakha Valley (1250m)
Think of the poor folks stuck in buses and cars for the whole of their journeys as we spin down the verdant Paro Valley with the raging Pa Chhu to one side all the way to the Chuzom (river confluence) checkpoint. Having taken in the magnificent view of the Himalayan range (weather permitting) we take advantage of a lift all the way up to the Dochhu La (3140m) and then once again escape the confines of our vehicle for a magnificent winding 1000m descent into the low, warm and lush Punakha valley. A short ride across rice paddies takes us to Chimmi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint known popularly as the “Divine Madman” infamous for his colourful and sometimes outrageous adherence to the Buddhist faith.
The temple sits atop a picturesque hill surrounded by rice fields. Drukpa Kuenley built a chorten on the site in the 14th century, and it has long been a pilgrimage site for childless couples. Our hotel for the night is not much further but involves a climb if tired legs allow.
Duration: 4-6 hours riding plus 3-4 hours driving
Distance: 18km Uma Paro to Chuzom, 48km drive to Dochu La, 42km descent to Chimmi Lhakhang,
8km to Meri Puensum Hotel - total 26km riding
Trail Conditions: 100% road, gradually down Paro Valley, switchbacks from pass, valley ride Punakha
Difficulty: EASY
Guided with support vehicle and picnic
Overnight: Meri Puensum, Punakha
Day 06 / Jul 12 / Punakha & environs
Great sightseeing coupled with the first ever, designated mountain biking trail in Bhutan. After breakfast riding up the valley the massive architectural edifice of the 17th century Punakha Dzong (fortress/monastery) soon looms into view. Built in 1637 by Zhabdung Nawang Namgyal in a commanding position at the confluence of the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu (Father and Mother rivers). Bhutan’s second oldest dzong goes by the full name of Druk Pungthang Decchen Phodrang (the Palace of Great Happiness) and is arguably the country’s most attractive. It served as the seat of the Kingdom’s government until the time of the second King and today serves as the winter home of Je Khempo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1,000 monks. After a look around we head out on an exciting single-track trail along the Mo Chhu to Samdingkha and a picnic either here or up at the hot springs beyond. A fast track through rice paddies takes us to a high, wide and wobbly suspension bridge crossing. Hitting the road we pedal as far up the Pa Chhu as we want before turning for home, by road or track.
Duration: 6–7 hours riding
Distance: 5km to bridge, 27km Samdingkha Loop, 12km to Kabesa, 17km to hotel – total 61km riding
Trail Conditions: 60% road, 25% single track, 15% track
Difficulty: MODERATE to HARD
Guided with support vehicle (except for loop) and picnic
Overnight: Meri Puensum, Punakha
Day 07 / Jul 13 / Punakha to Phobjikha (2900m)
Winding down from our hillside hotel we cross the river and run down to Wangdue Phodrang to visit its dzong and quaint bazaar. With vehicle assistance the long drive to the Lawa La opens up a whole new world as once again in the saddle the trail drops into the dwarf bamboo clad upper Phojikha valley complete with herds of yaks feeding on their favourite food. The 16th century, Gangte goemba sits in a commanding position over this valley and includes a school, meditation facilities and quarters for monks, and is home to the mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa, one of the region’s historically important Buddhist treasure discoverers. With a visit to the monastery complete, we swing along the road down, out into the wide, wild valley and across to our home for the next two nights. The expansive views from the restaurant and rooms of the Dewachen Hotel take the eye across the wetlands sprinkled with tiny goembas and lhakhangs (monasteries and temples) which are just begging to be explored – the lack of powerlines here will please any keen photographers and birders should not miss a visit to the wildlife viewing hides.
Duration: 3-4 hours riding plus 3-4 hours driving
Distance: Punakha to Wangdue 21km, drive to Small pass Lawa La 62km, descent to Dewachen Hotel
12km – total 33km riding
Trail Conditions: 100% road
Difficulty: EASY
Guided with support vehicle and picnic
Overnight: Dewachen Hotel, Phobjikha
Day 08 / Jul 14 / Phobjikha & environs
We set off to explore the exquisite, pristine and lush, glacial Phobjikha Valley. With its alpine setting on the western slope of the Black Mountains, the valley is famous as the seasonal home of the rare black-necked cranes, who spend the winter months here (the cranes can be observed from the last week in October through to mid-February). Our trail today takes us deeper into the wild land (muddy at times) and high up a side valley overlooking sparkling streams, finally reaching the remote temple of Tongchoe and the of village of Yamuchen housing a school and the local Dzongkhag office. Sucking on the thin but purest air we pedal past forests of prayer flags and traditional farmhouses as our route snakes back along the valley side to our base and a well earned dinner.
Duration: 3-4 hours riding
Distance: 22km
Trail Conditions: 100 offroad
Difficulty: MODERATE to HARD
Guided with support vehicle and picnic
Overnight: Dewachen Hotel, Phobjikha
Day 09 / Jul 15 / Punakha - Thimpu valley - Paro
Sadly the time has come to leave this magical valley behind and having returned to Lawa La, we drop all the way back into Punakha. There is the opportunity to ride the last challenging 10km back over the Dochhu La (another chance to see the view of the Himalayan range) then one more delicious downhill takes us into the Thimpu valley. From the road junction it is 47km back to Uma Paro – your penultimate bike ride in the Land of the Thunderdragon.
Duration: 6-8 hours riding plus 2-3 hours driving
Distance: descent to Punakha 48km, ride last 10km to pass, descent to Thimpu valley 23km - ride back to Uma Paro 47km
Trail Conditions: 100% road
Difficulty:
Guided with support vehicle and picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro
Day 10 / Jul 16 / Taktsang Hike & Drukgyel Dzong
One of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan, Taktsang Goemba defies logic, gravity, and reason. Legend has it that this cliffside was where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet. To avoid the hot sun an early start (by bike or vehicle) is advisable for the two-hour climb, via the cafeteria, to the Tiger’s Nest viewpoint. Descend steeply, then climb up to the monastery, passing waterfall (make monastery visit, if open – Uma Paro can arrange necessary permit). Retrace our steps or alternatively (if time and energy levels allow) head further up to several remote temples and monasteries. Drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control northern route to Tibet. The route is picturesque, and the site of dzong magnificent (from here, only two-day hike to the border with Tibet, dominated by Mt Jhomalhari). Drive or ride home to Uma Paro.
In the evening your group is invited for a fire lit farewell dinner either in the courtyard at Uma Paro or at our Bukhari restaurant.
Duration: 3-4 hours riding plus 3-4 hours walking
Distance: 30km riding
Trail Conditions: 100% road
Difficulty: EASY ride, to HARD walk
Guided with support vehicle and picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro
Day 11 / Jul 17 / Depart Paro
Druk Air departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions so after breakfast, it is time for your transfer to the airport for the group flight back to Bangkok.
Outside of Uma Paro, we have selected well located, comfortable, somewhat rustic but charming hotels in terms of food and accommodation, for our journey.
Please read this in conjunction with your confirmation letter and pre-departure information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far do I have to ride?
Distances range from 10 to 120km/day depending on the day’s route.
These may appear short to some and long to others, but bear in mind factors such as the size of the mountains, altitude and terrain as well as drink, lunch and photo stops; and don’t forget that on many trips support vehicles allow riders to take a lift if they find the distances too long or want a more relaxing day.
How should I prepare for my holiday?
Any activity that increases stamina is useful, but the best way to prepare for your holiday is to go riding. The trip requires basic fitness, preferably acquired through riding your bike. Even leisurely cycling involves a degree of exertion, so get fit before your departure and you’ll get the most out of your holiday.
What support will I get?
All trips are led by two experienced leaders (one European and one Bhutanese). Leaders generally ride with you, sorting out any mechanical problems or first aid needs, as well as offering insights into the area, tips on riding technique and handling all the trip logistics. On the majority of days, support vehicles accompany riders, carrying tools and spares, refreshments, your luggage - and, if you feel like it, yourself!
I’m worried I’ll always be at the back
There is always a range of abilities within any group, and riders get spread out along the road, so there is always someone at the back. From time to time the leader may need to encourage some people to use the support vehicle so that the day’s timetable is not disrupted. There is no substitute for going cycling before your holiday to make sure you are in the best shape possible.
What equipment do I need?
It goes without saying that you need a bike - Uma Paro has a small fleet of brand new Kona Cinder Cones for hire at $35 per day but most keen mountain bikers bring their own bikes with them from home - it is quite easy to fly with a bike, and most airlines don’t charge extra (as long as you are within the total baggage allowance).
What clothing do I need?
You don’t need to be clad in Lycra from head to toe to join a cycling group, and in many countries it would not be suitable anyway. Comfortable loose clothing is fine. If you’re going to buy one item, make it a good pair of padded shorts or padded underwear, to help you settle on to the saddle. Padded gloves are important as well, and sunglasses with interchangeable lenses help keep dust and insects out of your eyes as well as the sun.
Helmets and safety
Cycling of all kinds is potentially dangerous. Helmets and cycling gloves are compulsory safety equipment for biking with Uma Paro. We can lend out cycling helmets however it will not be possible to guarantee their crash history; we would recommend that you bring your own from home.
