MYSTICAL BHUTAN
14 Days / 13 Nights • Land of the Thunder Dragon
TOUR SUMMARY The Mystical Bhutan tour traverses through the hidden realm of Bhutan. It goes through small farm villages and over mountainous passes with lush greenery framing the roads. The country is virtually untouched by high volume tourism, so there is a real sense of being able to make one’s own discoveries. This Himalayan Kingdom has many Dzongs and temples many of which will be visited. This tour goes through a range of environments from cool forests to warm valleys.
RIDING PROFILE This bike tour is true classic with Himalayan mountain passes, sweeping descents, magnificent views, clean air, abundance of culture and history in one of the most secluded countries in the world. The total distance is around 560 kilometers in eight full days of riding. The riding varies between some easier shorter days and some challenging days due to the altitude and gradients involved. This tour is almost 100% on paved roads with very little traffic and this combined with outstanding scenery, abundant wildlife and flora, a deeply religious and benevolent people makes for a truly wonderful bike trip that will live in your memory forever.
ITINERARY
| Day 1 | Meet & Greet in Paro 0 km [D] |
| Arrive from Bangkok on flight KB125 BKK to PBH 0550 /0910.Some sightseeing before welcome dinner. |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Thimphu, ride to Dodina 34 km [B,L,D] |
| Short transfer in morning to Thimphu. Visit museums and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Afternoon ride to Dodina through small villages and farmlands. |
| Day 3 | Dochula - Punakha 73 km [B,L,D] |
| Today will be the first major hill challenge, we have a warm up of 5km before we start climbing for the next 18km till the pass at Dochula, which is known for its spiritual energy and 108 Chortens that are atop the pass. |
| Day 4 | Punakha - Tashithang 62 km [B,L,D] |
| Today’s ride is extremely enjoyable out and back ride with the outward leg being a gradual climb to Tashithang. We pass through lush forests which are famous for their Rhododendron trees. |
| Day 5 | Punakha - Wangdue 20 km [B,L,D] |
| The ride today is a more leisurely one as we take time to explore the beautiful and lush valley that surrounds Punakha. We will visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most impressive Dzongs in Bhutan which was built in 1638. |
| Day 6 | Wangdue to Phobjikha 65 km [B,L,D] |
| The valley we ride through today is a beautiful. The pass itself takes us over the Black Mountains the division between east and west Bhutan and offers some quite spectacular views. |
| Day 7 | Phobjikha valley 0 km [B,L,D] |
| A rest day from the bike today and the glacial valley we are in makes a great place to explore by foot. |
| Day 8 | Phobijkha to Trongsa 84 km [B,L,D] |
| Today starts with a 16 km climb past Lawala pass up to Pele La, before we have the reward of a 27km downhill to Chendebji, with the Black Mountains providing a stunning backdrop. |
| Day 9 | Trongsa - Bumthang (Jakar) 68 km [B,L,D] |
| A visit to Trongsa Dzong, situated high above the Mangde Chhu that has sheer drops on one if its sides, makes this a must to visit. It is an interesting ride today as we head over one pass, Yontong La (28km), you can still see the old trade route that runs parallel with the pass before heading downhill. |
| Day 10 | Bumthang 25-30 km [B,L,D] |
| The morning is free to wander around the small but interesting town that is the trading hub of the Bumthang valley. In the afternoon we have a leisurely ride around the valley. |
| Day 11 | Bumthang 0 km [B,L,D] |
| Free day to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. |
| Day 12 | Transfer to Wangdue Phodrang 0 km [B,L,D] |
| Scenic relaxing drive from Bumthang to Wangdue Phodrang (approx 8 hours). |
| Day 13 | Dochu La 55 km [B,L,D] |
| An opportunity for those with the energy to ride the Dochula pass in reverse, otherwise it is chance to see the valley from a different perspective and plenty of chances to stop and take in the view. |
| Day 14 | Transfer to airport for onward travel 0 km [B] |
| Free day until transferring to the airport for your onward flight. |
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TOUR INFORMATION | Total Distance | 550 km |
| Number of cycling days | Seven Full days – 2 half days |
| Road Surface | This tour is 96% on paved asphalt and has some sections that are on trails or packed surfaces. The roads are in good condition. Cyclists should be confident in their cycling experience and fitness levels. |
| Support | An air-conditioned van specially rigged to take bikes and bikers. |
| Group | Minimum 4. Maximum 16. |
| Staff | Groups of 8 or more, a Tour leader, plus English-speaking guide, drivers and assistants. Groups of 2-7 will be led by our local guide and our local support team. |
| Accommodation | All hotels have en suite facilities and a/c, Whenever possible we try to use hotels with charm and local character. |
| Food | All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 14. |
| Children | Children under 18-years old are not allowed to join this tour. |
SCHEDULED TOURS
| TOUR DATES |
| START | FINISH |
| 05 Apr | 18Apr |
| 06 Sep | 19 Sep |
| 18 Oct | 31 Oct |
Cost $9298 AUD per person twin share
Tour Price Includes
- All hotels (twin share) and meals specified
- Cycle support by a/c vehicles
- All entrances to museums and sites mentioned
- All water and snacks whilst riding
- English speaking cycle guide
- All meals mentioned
Tour Price Excludes
- International / Domestic Flights
- Departure Tax
- Visa Fees
- Bike hire or spares
- Alcoholic, and other beverages in the evenings
- Tips for guides.
- Personal travel insurance
- Any services not mentioned in itinerary
Contact :
Lic No; 2TA5776 ABN: 15 117 503 223
Phone: Sydney 02 9016 3938 / Melbourne 03 9017 6444 / Adelaide 08 8463 1991 / Perth 08 6467 7676 / Brisbane 07 3333 1517
Fax Australia wide: 02 4363 19689
Email: sales@a1classicholidays.com
Web: www.a1classicholidays.com
Address:11 Awinya Close
Empire Bay, NSW. 2257. AUSTRALIA
