Itinerary

Day 01 / Arrive Paro – Shakedown ride
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.

Duration: 2-3 hours riding, gently undulating with a final steep ascent/descent to/from Uma Paro
Distance: 10-25km
Trail Conditions: 100% road
Difficulty: EASY
Guided with support vehicle
Overnight: Uma Paro

Day 02 / Paro Valley 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 to a little-visited side valley.
Sweeping down to the valley floor we follow the Pa Chhu (river) via the traditional covered bridge Nyamai Zam, 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 Dob Shari. 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 magical 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 and archery ground at Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1644 by Zabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the northern route to Tibet.
Then it’s time to enjoy a gradual descent all the way back to Paro via Rinpung Dzong (Fortress on a Heap of Jewels), before the challenging climb back to Uma Paro (a 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 / Chele La (3,988m) and Haa Valley (2,670m) excursion
We start early for the drive to Haa via Chele La (pass) which at 3,988m, is the highest road pass in Bhutan, snaking upwards through blue pine and rhododendron forests for 35km. On a clear day the view sweeps away to the snow-dome of Bhutan’s second highest peak, Mt Jhomolhari (7314m).

After a bracing ride along the ridge decked with prayer-flags, it’s a freewheel all the way down to Wangchulo Dzong which is presently occupied by the Indian Army. After a visit to the bazaar, it is a short bike ride along the Haa Chhu (river) to a picnic spot.

From the roadhead we enjoy the freewheel back to Lhakhang Karpo (the White Temple), where many young monks await to offer a warm, noisy welcome.

Because of its proximity to the border with Sikkim and Tibet, the Haa Valley only opened to foreigners in 2002 and harks back to a simpler, more traditional era. In case Chele La Pass is not accessible during the winter months, your guide will propose an alternative for this day excursion.

Duration: 5-7 hours riding plus 3-4 hours driving
Distance: 26km switchback descent, 15km gradual ascent, 15km 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 / Paro to Punakha Valley (1,250m)
With the raging Pa Chhu beside us, we spin down the verdant Paro Valley all the way to the Chuzum (river confluence) checkpoint and take advantage of a lift to the Dochu La pass (3,140m).
Having taken in the magnificent view of the Himalayan range we then take a winding 1,000m 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’ who was infamous for his colourful 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 couples hoping to start a family.
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 68km riding
Trail Conditions: 100% road, gradually down Paro Valley, switchbacks from pass, valley ride Punakha
Difficulty: EASY
Guided with support vehicle and picnic
Overnight: Damchen Resort or Meri Puensum, Punakha

Day 05 / Punakha & environs
Today combines great sightseeing with the first ever designated mountain biking trail in Bhutan. Riding down 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 Pho 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 once served as the seat of the Kingdom’s government and is now the winter home of Je Khempo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1000 monks.

After a look around we head out on an exciting single-track trail along the Pho Chhu to Samdingkha and 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 up the Pho Chhu before turning for home, by road or track (there is also the option to extend the ride all the way down river to Wangdue Phodrang).

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: Damchen Resort or Meri Puensum, Punakha

Day 06 / Punakha – Thimphu – Paro
The time has come to leave this magical valley behind and there is the opportunity to ride the last challenging 10km back over the Dochu La, with another chance to see the view of the Himalayan range, then one more delicious downhill takes us into the Thimphu Valley and we can ride into the capital for some sightseeing.

From the road junction it is 47km back to Uma Paro—your penultimate bike ride in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Duration: 4-5 hours riding plus 2-3 hours driving
Distance: ride last 10km to pass, descent to Thimpu valley 23km – ride back to Uma Paro 47km
Trail Conditions: 100% road
Difficulty: EASY; Guided with support vehicle and picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro

Day 07 / Taktsang Hike & Drukgyel Dzong
One of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan, Taktsang Goemba, is also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Legend has it that this cliffside edifice 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 is advisable for the two-hour climb to the Tiger’s Nest viewpoint. We descend steeply, then climb up to the monastery, passing a waterfall and entering through the main gates of the monastery, which are filled with murals depicting legends of Buddhist history. We retrace our steps or if time and energy levels allow, head further up to several remote temples and monasteries. Then it’s a drive or ride home to Uma Paro in the afternoon for some time to rest and enjoy the facilities at Uma Paro including steam rooms, swimming pool or a Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath.

Duration: 3-4 hours riding plus 5-6 hours walking
Distance: 30km riding
Trail Conditions: 100% road
Difficulty: EASY ride, HARD walk
Guided with support vehicle and picnic or lunch at Taktsang cafeteria
Overnight: Uma Paro

Day 08 / Depart Paro
Druk Air normally departs in the morning, so after breakfast your 10 minute transfer to Paro International Airport will be arranged depending on the flight schedule.

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.

Outside of Uma Paro, we have selected well located, comfortable, somewhat rustic but charming hotels in terms of food and accommodation, for our journey.

Land Cost
Prices per person in USD dollar

Forest View (Superior) Room

• USD $2,952.00 ~ Double
• USD $3,533.00 ~ Single

Valley View (Deluxe) Room

• USD $3,144.00 ~ Double
• USD $3,917 ~ Single

COMO Suite

• USD $3,535.00 ~ Double
• USD $4,699.00 ~ Single

One Bedroom Villa

• USD $3,886.00 ~ Double
• USD $5,400.00 ~ Single

COMO Villa

• USD $3,475.00 ~ Quad-share
• USD $ Not Applicable

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.

Throughout your stay at Uma Paro you can participate in a range of optional Outdoor Activities at an additional charge.

Validity

• Jan 01 – Dec 31, 2012

Inclusions

• Bhutanese Government Visa Fees, Taxes and Royalties
• All airport transfers and group transportation
• 05 nights in choice of accommodation in Uma Paro Resort
• 02 nights ††local hotels
• Full board meals throughout (excluding beverages)
• Services of an experienced English-speaking Bhutanese Uma Paro guide trained in bike maintenance
• Six and a half days of guided, vehicle-supported rides plus the guided walk to Taktsang monastery
• Support vehicle with comprehensive toolkit and some basic bike spares
• Kona hard-tail mountain bike of your size
• Mineral water on all days out
• All entry permits, road permits and fees
• Complimentary scheduled 01-hour daily Yoga class whilst at Uma Paro (except Sundays)
• Complimentary use of the library, internet facilities, swimming pool, steam room and gym at Uma Paro
• 10% service charge and 10% sales tax

Exclusions

• All airfare & airport taxes in/out Paro (Please check with us for attractive Druk Air airfares from connecting cities)
• Personal expenditure such as phone bills, laundry, hard/soft beverages, spa treatments, optional tours, etc.

††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.

Group Adventure Retreats

• Uma’s special interest Adventure Retreat packages (Biking, Trekking and Photography) require a minimum of three (03) or more people to make the added services and arrangements cost effective. In addition, this minimum group size avoids the added expense of the FIT surcharge (Free Independent Traveler) levied by the Bhutanese government (USD $30 per person per day for two persons or USD $40 per person per day for single travellers).
• In order to take advantage of the FIT surcharge waiver, guests for each Adventure Retreat must arrive and depart together on the same scheduled Druk Air flights.
• This ‘Exploring Bhutan on Mountain-bikes with Uma Paro’ is available all year round to friends, clubs, associations and families of three or more people.
• Full payment is required on booking and refundable, less USD $200 service fee, if written cancellation is received 45 days prior to arrival date.
• The offer is subject to availability and may not be used in conjunction with any other offer.
• All stays to be completed by Dec 31, 2012.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How far do I have to ride?

Distances range from 10 to 120km per day depending on the day’s route.
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 mountainous landscape, altitude and terrain as well as drink, lunch and photo stops. On many trips support vehicles will give riders 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 biking 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 will get the most out
of your holiday.

What support will I get?

All trips are led by an experienced Bhutanese guide who rides with you (guide to guest ratio of 1 : 4), helping with any mechanical problems and first aid needs, as well as offering insights into the area, tips on technique and handling all the logistics. Support vehicles accompany riders, carrying tools and spares, refreshments and luggage.

I’m worried I’ll always be at the back

There is a range of abilities within any group, and cyclists 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.

What equipment do I need?

Uma Paro has a small fleet of new Kona Cinder Cone bikes available but most keen mountain bikers bring their own bikes with them, or at least their own saddle, gloves and helmet. It is relatively easy to fly with a bike, and most airlines do not charge extra, as long as you are within the total baggage allowance.
When you book, please let us know your bike size as soon as possible.

What clothing do I need?

Comfortable loose clothing is ample for Bhutanese cycling but a good pair of padded shorts or padded underwear will help you settle on to the saddle. Padded gloves are helpful 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 and gloves but as it will not always be possible to guarantee their crash history and fit, we recommend you bring your own from home.
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 travellers benefit from their own room throughout.

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