CYCLING:Pedal Through Paradise

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CYCLING

Bhutan, besides being rich in its culture and traditions, is a mountainous country so it’s one stop destination for any cycling enthusiast exploring it’s mountainous terrains. Most of the winding roads of Bhutan go dramatically up and down with exhilarating drops of thousands of meters, and there’s always a challenge of crossing over high mountains passes of over 3,000 meters. The high routes often pass through mixed forests, pasturelands, rich meadows and hills dotted with age-old villages and towns rich in culture. Due to its geographical location and spectacular mountain beauty, Bhutan offers plenty of adventurous cycling opportunities.

DAY 01: Paro Arrival – Sightseeing Tour

Sitting on a comfortable seat and look through the window, you then witness the stunning view of the Paro Valley, the Himalayas, and the green fields below. After immigration and customs formalities, check out from the departure lounge. Our representative will be waiting to warmly welcome you and pick you up to your hotel which is a traditional Bhutanese building with a beautiful garden and a tranquil atmosphere for you to let loose.

After lunch, there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette and a description of the tour itinerary by our guide.
In the afternoon, head out to visit Ta Dzong, an ancient fortress which was structured in 1651 as a watchtower for the Runpung Dzong. Also, you will visit the National Museum inside the Dzong which converging a huge collection of art, ancient relics, and religious artifacts.
Later, in the evening, it’s time to walk along the small Paro Main Street where you will encounter some typically Bhutanese shops and small lodges, and most importantly you will have your own hearty dinner here.
Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 02: BIKING TO THIMPHU

Today you bike to Thimphu on the highway. It is a 54 km ride with scenic views of the rugged landscape, paddy lands and farmhouses following the flow of the Paro and Thimphu rivers.
Your first stop, 10 kms out of Paro, is to view the magnificent Tachocho Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s Iron Bridge Builder. Ride further to reach Chuzom where the Paro Chu (river) meets the Wang Chu. From here you turn left to enter Thimphu valley riding up a gradient and then a climb and then a gentle descent. This pattern repeats all the way to the capital. You can stop along the way to sample fruits sold in the highway stalls.
Your pedal tour in Thimphu will be combined with visits to the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to world peace and prosperity, built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan; the National Library; the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where students train in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts and Folk Heritage Museum which will provide insight into Bhutan’s rural past.

After lunch visits include Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress like temple, which lies perched on a ridge above Thimphu; Takin Preserve; the 138.6-foot-high Shakyamuni Buddha statue on the southern end of the valley.
Bike further bike towards Sangaygang and visit a nunnery temple. The last stop is Tashichho Dzong or “the fortress of the glorious religion”. We drive to this location. The 17th century fort houses the central administration offices and the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan.

DAY 03: Biking Form Thimphu – Punakha

Today you ride to the fertile valley of Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan going over the Dochu La pass (3050meters)
The ride from Thimphu valley ascends up to Dochula Pass (19 kms) can take more than an hour. Rest at Dochula and take in the panoramic views of the eastern Himalayan ranges and the 108 stupas built by the eldest queen mother. From it’s winding trail downhill that passes through forests of oak, fir, spurs, and rhododendron. Stop at Sopsokha village and visit the temple of fertility “Chimi Lhakhang” which is located atop hill.

DAY 04: Mountain Biking Tour In Punkha

Start biking to the majestic Punakha Dzong, which was built in 1637, and stands majestically at the junction of two rivers, Pho Chu and Mo Chu. It is the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan and the winter residence central monk body.
Enjoy the afternoon biking off road for about 3 hours along the Pho Chu river. You can also visit farm houses and walk along rice fields.

DAY 05: Punakha – Paro

Early morning drive back to Paro or ride the journey with a designated stop at Dochula pass to rest and stretch out.
If you reach Paro early, you can visit the national museum housed in a 17th century watch tower and the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the district administrative centre.

DAY 06: Hike To Tiger’s Nest

After breakfast bike 10kms north through the beautiful Paro Valley to the starting point of the hike to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest The hike, which is all the way uphill, takes about 2 hours at moderate pass. It passes through pine forests laden with Spanish moss, an indication of the pure atmosphere of the area. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. It is believed that the great saint, Padmasambhava, came here on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave in Taktshang in the eighth century.
In the afternoon, ride further north to Drugyel Dzong, the fort that defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasions in the early 17th century. Then ride back to Paro town to visit the auspicious Kyichu Lhakhang the sacred monastery built in the 7th century.

DAY 07: DEPART PARO

Breakfast in the hotel, and then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.

Tashi Delek !

TOUR COST

For Tour cost and details according to pax do call us at +975-1757-9415 or mail us at info@aogateways.com

WHAT'S INCLUDED

- Minimum of 3 star rated accommodation

- All meals (excluding alcoholic beverages

- All internal transportation (excluding domestic flights if any)

- Airport pick-drop

- Professional English-Speaking guide and driver

- All road permits and entry fees

- Government fee, royalty and surcharges

- Adventure Equipment

- Camp Assistances

- All services and assistance before, during and after the trip

WHAT'S EXCLUDED

- Flight into Bhutan (Can be arranged with us)

- Hotel stay outside Bhutan

- Expenditure of personal nature

- Tips for the guide and driver

- Alcoholic drinks/Beverages- Travel insurance

SUITABLE MONTHS

Whole year round

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

- Prior to your trip to Bhutan you need to wire transfer the full tour payment with Alpha & Omega Gateways specified as the ultimate beneficiary.

- After the wire transfer is completed, the receipt copy should be emailed to us as our reference for your tour confirmation.

- Please note that it takes minimum two to three working days for the payment to be deposited in our local Bank.

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