Bhutan mountain bike tour overview
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Bhutan trip dates in 2025
- November 27-December 6, 2025
Don’t see a date that works for you? Contact us for custom trip dates!
Skill and fitness level requirements
Fitness level: ● ● ● ○ ○
Skill level: ● ● ● ● ○
What to expect after you’ve booked your trip
- Once you’ve booked your trip, you will get a confirmation email through our booking system and a trip information sheet for your trip.
- Please hold off booking your flights until we confirm that the trip has enough participants to run. We will send out an email to let you know.
- Once the trip is confirmed, please go ahead and book your flight and upload your flight information into your WeTravel account (this is the account you will have booked your trip through).
- If you plan to extend your visit on either end of the trip, please let us know and we can help arrange for extra nights at the hotel if needed.
- Make sure to read through your trip information sheet, and always feel free to reach out with any questions to Julie!
Your Bhutan mountain biking trip itinerary
Day 1- Welcome to Bhutan – Arrival.
Upon arrival you’ll be received by our friendly professional guide and then proceed to the capital city Thimphu. If time permits, we’ll go for a short ride on thimphu’s favorite XC trail – the Wangditse loop.
In the evening, we will visit the Memorial Chorten Stupa which is a sacred shrine built in the memory of the third king of Bhutan. You will enjoy a welcome dinner at the best restaurant in Thimphu, where you can enjoy authentic Bhutanese cuisine. We will talk about the trip before heading to the resort for a good night of sleep.
Accommodations: 4-star- Thimphu Tower Hotel or Pelyang Boutique
Day 2 – Best of Thimphu’s trails to get Acclimatized
Let’s get straight into riding! Today we’ll explore the capital city which boasts some of our best mtb trails in the country. We will first proceed to the Buddha point on a 4 km gentle climb, where the largest Buddha statue (169ft) sits overlooking the Thimphu city. We will take a short diversion on a MTB trail to the viewpoint to ride the capital’s favorite MTB trails called the KC Trail that extends for 6 km and exits in Motithang. We will then shuttle back to the Buddha statue and ride the downhill trail to Babesa.
After lunch, we’ll hit the hills up to the Takin Reserve centre to see the national animal. We will then continue to the radio tower, where the Wangditse MTB single-track trail starts. We will shred this trail all the way down to Bebena, and then huttle back to the radio tower to ride the purpose built Takin trail, where you can go fast and furious through the twists and turns in the pine forests.
After the ride, we will have some time to stroll around the city and enjoy a nice dinner. We’ll also go to to one of our favorite bars called the Mojo Park to see a bit of Bhutan’s urban culture!
Ride time 6-7 hours/ 35 km
Accommodations: 4-star- Thimphu Tower Hotel or Pelyang Boutique
Day 3 -Mega-Madman trail with 2500m descending on one epic trail!
Every rider that’s mountain biked in Bhutan has agreed that this is one of the world’s best trails. We will start the day by driving to Trashigang Gonpa at 3000m. From here, we’ll hike-a-bike to Lungchutse Gonpa for an hour. From the trail head at 3600m, the ride drops into rhododendron forests with wide and wild trails for 3 km of pure descending into the mist. From Dohula pass, we continue riding on the Trans-Bhutan trail- a heritage trail full of Bhutan’s history. These are the trails where the nation was built and they are full of stories. We will continue descending down on the famous Madman trail down to Talo village, where a picnic lunch will be waiting for you.
After lunch, we will continue to ride down to an old village by the river, and then pedal on a gentle climb through pine forests to Laptsakha village. From here, we’ll ride downhill to Punakha Dzong fortress. The entire day is 25 km with 90% downhill on one of the best trails in the world!
It will then be beer time at a local bar before we head to hotel for a nice evening and dinner.
Ride time 6-7 hours, 25 km ride
Accommodations: 3-star Zhingkham Resort or Hotel Lobesa
Day 4 – Punakha Rest day with sightseeing
Today, it’s time to give your bike and legs a rest. We will drive to Punakha valley to visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal stupa, which involves a short scenic hike through paddy fields for about 45 minutes to the hilltop where the temple is located. From here you can also enjoy a majestic view of the valley. The temple itself is a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic traditions. If the group is up for it, we can do a white-water rafting at Pho-chu river.
After, we will continue to Punakha Dzong – the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan situated at the confluence of two rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s leadership and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. The fortress is a fine example of Bhutan’s rich art and architecture.
After, we will head to town for an authentic local dinner from southern Bhutan.
Accommodations: 3-star Zhingkham Resort or Hotel Lobesa
Day 5– Punakha Gravity and Flow
Today we’ll enjoy some serious descents. First, we’ll shuttle to Tshochhasa village and enjoy a long flowy descent from 2200m to 1300m. This ride mostly winds through chripine forests and ends at the paddy fields near the fortress.
After, we will shuttle to Talo village and enjoy riding on one of the best downhill natural singletrack trails in the valley. We’ll have lunch at the country-side farmhouse, quite possibly the best lunch in Bhutan. Stretching 8.9 km with an altitude drop of 1000m, this ride takes us through beautiful forests and villages, punctuated with monasteries and awesome viewpoints.
Ride time 6 hours, 35km
Accommodations: 4-star Wangdue Eco Lodge
Day 6- Punakha to Phobjikha with a ridge ride
It’s a easy day today as we’ll drive to Phobjikha for 3 hours. Once we reach the pass before Gangtey valley, we’ll carry our bikes for 30 mins to reach the trailhead on the meadows overlooking the beautiful glacial valley. From here we’ll ride down the ridges for 8 km to bring us to one of Bhutan’s famous monasteries called the Gangtey Gonpa. Continue riding down to Phobjikha valley riding on a beautiful stretch of trail that rides down into the villages of Phobjikha. Riders will love it here as the ride takes us on the periphery of the bowl-shaped marshland and meadows, offering spectacular views. As we have been cycling through beautiful rhododendron forest on most of our travels, the contrast of descending into the unique open meadows of the valley is striking.
Ride time 3-4 hours – 14 km
Accommodations: 3-star Gakiling Lodge
Day 7–Transfer to Paro. Ride the most fun sections of Madman trail on the way back.
After a leisurely breakfast and soaking in the views, we’ll drive to Paro for 3 hours. On the way after lunch, we’ll have an easy ride of the fun bits of the Madman trail because it’s worth doing it again, and this time, you will be able to ride faster as you’d remember some lines.
In the evening, we will visit a farmhouse to try a herbal hot-stone bath which is known to be therapeutic and helps ailments related to joints and muscle aches, besides simply soothing your mind and body. Perfect to unwind and goes well with the Red Panda local beer.
Those who want to visit a spa and get a proper massage, we can do this today.We will have some time to explore the town in the evening on foot, and visit handicrafts shops along the street to appreciate Bhutanese craftsmanship. You can perhaps take home a few souvenirs to remind you of the beautiful moments in Bhutan.
Accommodations: 3-star Nirvana Inn
Day 8– World Class Singletrack of Paro
After a day’s rest, we will start the first of two amazing big days. After breakfast, we will shuttle for 45 mins to the trailhead, and from there begin the hike-a-bike on the famous Trans-Bhutan Trail to Jela Dzong. We will then hit the famous Jela trail, a 15 km downhill ride on one of the best trails in Bhutan.
Explore the town in the evening on foot, and visit handicrafts shops along the street to appreciate Bhutanese craftsmanship and Art works and perhaps take home a few souvenirs to remind you of the beautiful moments in Bhutan.
Ride time 3-4 hours, 18 km
Accommodations: 3-star Nirvana Inn
Day 9– Tiger’s Nest Hike + Paro Ride
Today you’ll experience Bhutan’s most valued attractions, and perhaps the biggest highlight for your trip! An hike to the famous Taktshang monastery -translated as- Tiger’s nest monastery is also a good way to acclimatize before you start trekking. The temple was built in 1692 by a prominent historical figure named Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye whose reincarnation is now a young teenager and already a prominent figure in the clergy.
After lunch in Paro town, shuttle the bikes for about an hour and a half to reach the distant Kila Goenpa nunnery at 3800m. Once we reach the temple, we’ll enjoy a long descent down to Paro valley for 12 km. The trail starts to get nice loamy on a beautiful fast-flowing trail through rhododendron and Oak forests. Once we get to Gorina monastery, the trail starts to get loose with hardpack dirt with a number of rock gardens, making it awesome ride. The entire DH section is close to 12 km. This trail is pure ecstacy with very interesting features to end your riding holiday on a high note. Visit the brewery in the evening to sample some local craft beer and a farewell dinner.
Ride 2-3 hours, 12 km
Accommodations: 3-star Nirvana Inn
Day 10– See you later!
After breakfast at your hotel and our “see you laters”, your driver will take you to the airport for your departing flight.
Note: Itinerary is subject to change.
Download our Bhutan Information Guide for a more detailed trip overview.
What’s included in your Bhutan trip?
- Bhutan Tourism Royalty/Levy ($100 per day per person) payed to the government of Bhutan
- Visa Fees ($40 per person)
- All necessary permit and park fees
- All entrance fees to monuments, temples. fortresses
- All transfers and sightseeing with entrance fees
- All meals and evening tea
- Drinking mineral water
- All accommodations in 3–4 star hotels
- MTB guide and mechanic
- 4 x 4 Pickup truck for bike shuttle
- SUV/Van/Bus for passenger transfers
Pricing for your Bhutan trip
Price – $4495
A $300 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot.
Deposits are non-refundable and can be put toward any other World Ride trip in the future.
The remainder of the cost of the trip is due 60 days prior to the start of the trip and can be made in payments. Trips require a minimum of six people in order to run. Please check with us to confirm your trip before you book your flight.
Ready to book your mountain biking adventure in Bhutan?
Fundraise for your trip
Fundraise for your trip! We can set up a personalized fundraising page for you. We offer $100 off your trip costs for every $1000 that you raise, up to the cost of the trip.
The money you raise supports World Ride in building bike and gear libraries and offering guide training and certification in the countries we work with.
Get in touch with us for more details on the fundraising process.
Meet your local guide
This trip is helping to jumpstart the World Ride in Bhutan. We are currently working with 4 ladies- Tshering, Dawa, Khusala, and Tshering, who are training to be our female guides for this trip. As they are still working on their skills, we cannot guarantee they will be your guide but you will get to meet them while you are in Bhutan and they hope to join for some of the rides. Thank you for helping support our work to bring economic opportunities to women in this amazing country!
Travel safety and security
Bhutan is a warm and welcoming country, but like any place in the world, you will need to be cautious of your valuables during the trip. The bikes will be securely stored throughout the trip.
Please see the US State Department website for any other travel safety information.
For any travel related vaccines and health questions, be sure to check the CDC website and consult your doctor.
Things to know before you go!
Wondering what clothes to pack, what sort of power adapter to bring, or how to pack for Bhutan? We’ve got you covered! Check out the lists below.
Packing list
- Derailleur hanger
- Extra brake pads
- Any special bike tools (multitool, mini pump, spare tube)
- Helmet
- Sunglasses
- Buff/scarf
- Pack (we recommend 15 L in size to carry layers and capacity of 3 L of water)
- Bike shoes
- Gloves
- 3–4 pairs of bikes shorts or more depending on preference.
- 3–4 jerseys
- Socks
- Long sleeve base layer
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Warm packable jacket and other layers (the nights can be chilly)
- Other clothing for after ride
- Comfortable shoes to hike and walk around in
- Clothes to sleep in
- Swimsuit
- Any medication you might need
- Toothbrush and other necessities
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Quick dry towel
- Passport
- COVID-19 vaccination card (check to see requirements as they are constantly changing)
- Proof of travel insurance if you purchased it
- Credit and debit cards
- A small amount of cash to travel with
- Camera (or just your cell phone)
- Cell phone
- USB Battery pack for charging devices
- Electronics cords and chargers
- Power adapter: Bhutan has 230V Plug Type D, F, and G outlets
- Any extra mountain bike gear you might be able to bring or collect and donate for the ladies over there 🙂
More insights into your Bhutan mountain biking tour
Other things to explore in Bhutan
There are opportunities to extend your stay in Bhutan and explore more via bike or safari. Please get in touch if you would like to get more information!
Ready to ride in the Bhutanese Himalayas?
FAQs for your Bhutan mountain bike trip
Yes, our mountain biking tours are coed unless otherwise noted. Learn more about why coed trips are important to us.
Yes, your trip can be private for an additional $100-250/per person, depending on the size of the group. Get in touch to book a private tour!
The following items are not included in the cost of your trip: airfare, gratuity, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, travel insurance, or rental bike.
If you are able, tips are always appreciated! Our guides work hard to share both their local and mountain biking knowledge.
For this trip, we highly recommend that you bring your own bike as rental bikes are very limited! We have a lot of experience traveling with bikes, so please let us know any questions you might have. This trip is on technically challenging trails at high elevations, and we highly recommend a full suspension bike.
We know you might want to arrive early or stay longer in Bhutan. We can connect you with our trusted partners to help book any additional tours or hotel stays- just get in touch!
Our Bhutan trip requires six people minimum to run. May as well bring some friends to be on the safe side!
