Authentic Bhutan Cycling Tour

Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrival at Paro Airport

  After you arrive in Paro international airport, you will be received by our representative from Charisma Bhutan Tours & Treks. Check in Hotel with welcoming tea or coffee.
  Ta Dzong, The circular dzong houses the National Museum of Bhutan.
  Paro Rinpung Dzong, the bank of Pachu River, Paro Dzong, formally known as Rinchen Pung Dzong (shortened to Rinpung Dzong), was built in 1644 under the command of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is one of the most beautiful and historically important dzongs in the country.
  Drugyel Dzong, the dzong was built in 1649 under the behest of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate victory of an invasion from Tibet. In early 1950s, the dzong was almost completely destroyed by fire. It is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan’s Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion.
  Overnight at hotel in Paro

• Day 2 : Paro Sightseeing (Day Hike to Tiger Nest)

  After breakfast drive to the base of Taktsang (Tigers Nest) and start the hike to the magical temple known as Taktsang (the “Tiger’s Nest). This hike is mainly kept on the second day in order to acclimatize. Taktsang is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan World.
  
  Kichu Lhakhang, drive from Paro town, the temple is one of the two among 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century to subdue a demon that lay supine across Tibet and Bhutan.
  Overnight at hotel in Paro

• Day 3 : Paro – Thimphu (cycling)

  After breakfast drive towards Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan.
  Tamchog Lhakhang to see one of the oldest Iron Chain Bridge from 15th century. Later once we reach Thimphu we will check in to the hotel first.
  Ride (cycling) towards the big Buddha Statue. The biking trail (3.5 Km) starts from Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Statue). One can view Thimphu city with fresh breathe of air reach at the end point of the trail and riding back to the hotel.
  Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

• Day 4 : Thimphu – Punakha vai Dochula pass

  After breakfast drive towards Punakha
  Dochula, 108 Chortens that are atop the pass, on a clear day you will see Eastern Himalayan Mountain Ranges. 
  Punakha Dzong, located in between two rivers, Mo Chu (Female River) from its left and Pho Chu (Male River) from its right, it was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in commanding position at the confluence.
  Chimi Lhakhang, the temple was built in 1499 by Lam Ngawang Chogyal, the cousin of Lam Drukpa Kunley, on the spot where the latter subdued a demon who was running away in the form of a dog. Lam Drukpa Kunley buried the demon and said there was no dog now (khe – dog; mae – no).
  Overnight at hotel in Punakha

• Day 5 : Punakha – Thimphu

  After breakfast drive through Punakha Valley, for further exploration of this scenic valley, the destination for this morning and afternoon drive back to Thimphu.
  Hike up through the farm land to Khamsum Yuelay Namgyel Chorten,a shrine built by royal family a startlingly ornate and elaborate structure with images of VajraKila and superb view of Punakha Valley. The hike will take around 2 hours. Then while coming back we will stop at the suspension bridge where the white river rafting starts.
  Rafting in Mo chu river originating in the mountainous hill of Northern Bhutan and Pho chu river fed by glaciers in upper Punakha glacial valley offer tremendous rating opportunity.
  
  Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

• Day 6 : Thimphu sightseeing

  After breakfast sightseening day
  The National Institute of Zorig Chusum (school of arts and crafts), is the center for Bhutanese Art education. It was set up by the Government of Bhutan with the sole objective of preserving the rich culture and tradition of Bhutan and training students in all the traditional arts forms.
  Folk Heritage Museum, it is a restored three-story traditional rammed mud and timber that resembles the rural household in the Thimphu area during the mid-19th century, domestic tools equipment that were used by rural families of that period and also provides you a glimpse of lifestyle, items and artifacts of Bhutanese villages and rural households.
  National memorial Chorten, which was built in 1974 in the  memory of our Third king Jigme  Doji Wangchuk , who had wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity, died before his plan came to fruition.
  In the evening we will be visiting Tashichhoe Dzong the “Fortress of Auspicious Religion” where today like most of the other fortresses in Bhutan serves as the Administrative and Religious Center.
  Overnight at Thimphu
  Note: Next Day trekking over view
  Druk Path Trek is one of the finest short treks in Bhutan. Leading through an ancient trading route, over high mountain passes, it connects the valleys of Paro and Thimpu. Trail passes through spectacular rhododendron forests, alpine yak pastures and beautiful lakes stocked with snowy mountain trouts.

• Day 7 : Thimphu – Phajoding

  After Breakfast drive towards the radio station from there the trekking will start.
  BBS tower to Phajoding, Distance 6 km, 5 hours, 1,130 m ascent, camp altitude 3,750 m.  After reaching the tower you will be walking uphill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Once you reach the Phojoding Monastery, the trekking staff will be ready with your tents pitched and waiting for you with tea and some snacks.
  Overnight camp at Phajoding

• Day 8 : Phajoding – Simkotra Tsho (lake)

  After breakfast walk a distance 10 km, 7 hours and camp altitude 4,110 m. The day begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and several other Himalayan peaks. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.
  Camp at Simkotra Tsho

• Day 9 : Simkotra Tsho – Jimgelang Tsho

  After breakfast walk a distance 11 km, 6 hours and camp altitude 3,870 m towards Jimgelang Lake.
  The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and past Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. This lake is known for its giant sized trout.
  Overnight camp at Jimgelang Lake

• Day 10 : Jimgelang Tsho – Jangchulakha

  After breakfast walk a distance 12 km, 6 hours, and camp altitude 3,770 m.
  The trail follows a ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are simply stunning. You may see herders and their yaks around your campsite.
  Overnight camp at Jangchulakha

• Day 11 : Jangchulakha – Jili Dzong

  After breakfast walk a distance 10 km, 3 hours and camp altitude 3,480 m
  You begin with a steep climb for about an hour and a half, then the slope evens a bit and the ascent is more gradual. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron tress.
  Overnight camp at Jili Dzong

• Day 12 : Jili Dzong – Paro Town

  After breakfast a walking distance 7 km, 3 hours, today we will be descending all the way to Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro town. Our car will be waiting for us, and then we will directly drive towards our hotel where you can take shower and rest for some time.
  Leisure time at Paro town
  We will try Hot Stone Bath at Paro before the Cultural Show Program
  Overnight at hotel in Paro

• Day 13 : Paro for Departure

  After breakfast, drive to Paro Airport and our guide will be there to see you off on behalf of the company.

Contact Agent Plan A Trip Text Me

Inclusions

• Hotel

Contact Agent Plan A Trip Text Me

Package Start From

• Paro, Bhutan, Asia

Contact Agent Plan A Trip Text Me

Terms & Conditions

Other Terms & Conditions :

We Guaranteed your Visa Approval

• We boast at 100% approval rate when it comes to getting Visa’s for our clients. To enter Bhutan, you are required to have a VISA except for Indian, Maldivian and Bangladesh. All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior to travel to Bhutan. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent.


• You are required to send the photo - page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours. Charisma Bhutan Tours & Treks will help you to obtain your Bhutanese Travel or Tourist visa once your trip is confirmed by making full payment.


• At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.


• Charisma Bhutan Tours & Treks is Local licensed Tour Operator authorized to organize Bhutan Visa and we boast a 100% approval rate when it comes to getting Visa’s for our clients.

Note:

• Your Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.


• Visa fee of US$ 40 per person should be send along with the tour payment.


• Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain visa at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals can also use their voters Identity Card (VIC)).

The following are the details required for processing your Bhutan tourist visa prior to the dates of your travel to Bhutan.
1. Scanned copy of passport
2. Occupation
3. Permanent Address

The visa will be approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment is transferred in the Tourism Council of Bhutan account, kindly note that without full payment TCB will not approve the visa clearance.

Entry Permit:
Indian Nationals travelling to Bhutan do not need Visa.
1. Voter Identity Card or
2. Passport or
3. Aadhaar card with supporting documents (Like Pan card or Driving License) with more than six months validity however is required for presentation at the immigration during entry, to obtain an entry permit along with a copy of passport size photograph and a copy of your passport or VIC or Aadhaar Card.
Bhutan Government with the aim to provide efficient and better services to the regional tourists (Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals) an online permit system, so all visitors booking their tour with us can get free online permit provided they have valid passports only. Thus our guests don’t need to stand on queue for longer time.

Documents required for Permit:
4. Passport with validity of at least six months
5. Voter Identification Card for Indians
6. Aadhaar Card with supporting Documents.
7. Birth Certificate in original must be produced for children and a photo copy of the same must be attached with a prescribed application form.

Route Permit:
It is required for those traveling to restricted areas beyond Dochula pass. The Route Permit is processed & issued in Thimphu, only after arrival in Bhutan. Permit can be processed only during working days:
(Monday - Friday) 9 am to 5 pm in summer (1st March - 31st October)
(Monday - Friday) 9 am. To 4 pm in winter (1st November - 28th/29th February).

Why Trekking In Bhutan?
Trekking in Bhutan with Charisma Bhutan Tours & Treks is a best way to experience the beauty of inner Himalayas with trekking in Bhutan. Bhutan has been described as the land of natural paradise and ample opportunity to walk or trek in the pristine environment. We offer trekking routes which are unparalleled in beauty and challenge. Trekking in Bhutan means walking through pristine landscapes, valleys and mountains with stunning views of the Himalayan range exposing exotic flora and fauna not seen anywhere in the globe. For the nature trekkers, we offer customized treks for ornithology, zoology and ethnology botany as Bhutan is famous for the large density of animals, birds, medicinal herbs and orchids etc.
We (Charisma Bhutan Tours & Treks) are passionate about trekking trips in Bhutan. We have the unmatched caliber and enthusiasm to unravel the unexplored gems of Bhutan.
If you’ve an adventure lover, you’ll be delighted to discover the unseen rugged side of Bhutan.

Trekking in Bhutan
With the likes of trail that takes you right at the foot of worlds’ tallest unconquered mountain (Gangkar Puensum 7550m), trekking in Bhutan will give you a new experience never like before. With more than 70 percent of the country covered by undisturbed wilderness, trekking in Bhutan will take you ever closer to the nature. These trekking trails once used by famous Buddhist saints like Guru Rinpoche (who introduced Buddhism in Bhutan) in 746 AD while visiting Bhutan from Nepal and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (the unifier of modern Bhutan) in 1616 while fleeing Tibet for a political dispute, this routes are the genuine routes where Bhutanese people still use it today. What makes trekking in Bhutan unique is its calmness and natural feeling; credit to less numbers of trekkers visiting Bhutan and its natural unpaved trails unlike other countries around the world.

Trekking Permits
No specific trekking permits are required to trek in Bhutan. You can trek in Bhutan with normal tourist visa for international tourist and normal entry permit for regional tourist (Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivians).

Best season for trekking in Bhutan
The best season to trek in Bhutan depends on which trekking trail you choose to but in general, March, April, May, September, October and November are the best months to trek in Bhutan. In the month of June, July and August Bhutan receives heavy rainfall and in December, January and February, the high mountain passes along the trekking trails are covered with snow, making it difficult for trekkers.

The best season to trek on different trails in Bhutan are as mentioned below:
8. Bumdra Trek - February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December. However one can trek year round despite any season on this trail.
9. Gangtey Trek - March, April, May, September, October, November and December.
10. Samtengang Trek - January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December. It’s doable all year round despite any season.
11. Bumthang Owl Trek - March, April, May, September, October, November and December.
12. Bumthang Cultural Trek - March, April, May, September, October, November and December.
13. Sagala Trek - March, April, May, September, October, November and December.
14. Sinchula Trek - March, April, May, September, October, November and December.
15. Druk Path Trek - March, April, May, September, October, November and December. It’s Doable all year round despite its best seasons.
16. Dagala Lake view Trek - March, April, May, September, October, November and December. Despite the best season, one can trek year round on this trail.
17. Jomolhari Trek - March, April, May, September, October and November.
18. Laya Gasa Trek - March, April, May, September, October and November.
19. Gangkar Puensum base camp trek - One can trek on this route from mid June to October but the best recommended month for this trek is October.
20. Snowmen Trek I - One can trek on this route from mid June to October but the best recommended month for this trek is October.
21. Snowmen Trek II - One can trek on this route from mid June to October but the best recommended month for this trek is October.

Different Grading in Trekking

• Trekking in Bhutan can be of 2 days or a month long. Depending on the number of days taken to trek, gain in altitude and nature of terrains, trekking routes in Bhutan can be graded into four categories; easy, moderate, difficult and very difficult.

1. Easy

• Bumdra Trek


• Gantey Trek


• Samtengang Trek


• Bumthang owl Trek


• Bumthang Cultural Trek


• Sagala Trek


• Sinchula trek

2. Moderate

• Druk Path Trek


• Dagala Lake view Trek

3. Difficult

• Jomolhari Trek


• Laya Gasa Trek

4. Very Difficult

• Gangkar Puensum base camp Trek


• Snowmen Trek I


• Snowmen Trek II


• Trekking experience and physical fitness required to trek in Bhutan


• At 10,760 feet above sea level, Bhutan is ranked highest country in the world, in terms of average land elevations. As a result most of its trekking trails are located on higher altitude, averaging over 12,000 feet above sea level, requiring certain level of physical fitness and trekking experience.


• However with varieties of trails to choose from, both beginners and pro can enjoy trekking in Bhutan. Be it 2 days or grueling 25 days trekking, Bhutan has it all for you to choose from.


• For those who are attempting to go for Snowmen trek (25 days trek), it will be asset if you have certain level of trekking experience and physically fit enough, since snowmen trek is referred to as amongst the world’s most toughest trekking route involving climbs over 5000 m.


• Safety measures


• Altitude Sickness


• Do not ignore any kind of symptoms related to altitude sickness; difficulty in breathing, headache, giddiness and numbness in limbs. If you experience any of the mentioned symptoms, inform your guide immediately.


• Though portable oxygen supplies and first aid kits are always carried along with by the crew members but if possible carry some diamox (acetazolamide) pills, which can be bought from pharmacies across Bhutan.


• The best tactics, if you suffer from altitude sickness is to stop ascending and if the symptoms do not go away or get worse, then descend down. It is advisable that you drink large amount of water every day while you are trekking.


• Food and water contamination


• Meals while trekking in Bhutan are prepared every day by cooking crews and no left over foods are served. Lunch are prepared in the morning along with breakfast and carried as a packed lunch. Dinners are prepared at campsite at the end of every trekking day. Hence chances of getting food contaminated while trekking in Bhutan are very slim.


• Bottled water is carried by trekking crew members but however it is not sufficient for longer duration treks and hence the crew member boils water in the morning for you to carry for the day.


• It is advisable that you bring your own water bottle and if possible carry some water purifier solutions as well. Refrain yourself from drinking directly from the streams nearby.


• Criminal activity


• No trekking trails in Bhutan will meet you with any kind of criminal activities. In fact if you are in need, everyone you encounter will be very much happy to help you whatever way they can.

Safety considerations

• Consult with your guide in regards to dos and don’ts and stick together with your group (if trekking on group). Carry essential items such as head torch, portable cell phone chargers and your mobile phone along with you.


• Trekking gears and manpower provided by Charisma Bhutan Tours & Treks are as follows:


• Horses/ potters and ponies


• Toilet tents with toilet pots and toilet papers.


• Shower tents with hot water shower bag (only for longer duration treks)


• Sleeping tents (A - shaped) with pillows and mattress


• Dinning tents with tables and chairs


• Kitchen tents with whole set of kitchen items to prepare meals.


• Trekking/camping cooks


• Trekking/camping staffs


• Hot water bags in bed.


• Some of the items that you need to bring along while trekking in Bhutan are; Sleeping bag, sturdy and comfortable trekking boots, few changes of cloths, gloves, neck warmers, wind proof/water proof jackets, warm jackets and hiking pants.


• Accommodations during trekking in Bhutan


• With no hotels or home stays along the trekking trails, all the trekkers must spend their nights in the tent (camping). Camping crew member arranges your tents. They travel ahead of you and put everything on place before you reach your campsite.


• Meals while trekking in Bhutan


• All the meals are prepared by trekking cooks who will trek alongside you throughout the entire tour. Lunch are prepared in the morning and carried by trekking staffs. Breakfast and dinners are prepared and served at the campsite.


• Since there are no grocery stores or shops along the trekking trails, all the food items are bought and carried along by the crew members, their horses and yaks. As and when available, our crew members will try to buy fresh vegetables from local communities and include in your menu.

• Trekking alone in Bhutan lone trekkers should not worry because he or she will be followed by trekking guide and crew members for the entire trekking tour.


• Getting into Bhutan


• Travel by air


• The easiest way for visitors to enter Bhutan is by air. Bhutan has two carriers - Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. The pilots are especially trained and internationally licensed for mountain flying and both the airlines have impeccable safety record.


• On clear days the flight to Bhutan offers spectacular views of the Great Himalayas, Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Jumolhari, Kula Gangri and you can also catch a glimpse of the Great Tibetan Plateau and its grandeur stretching in the distance.


• We will book your tickets well in advance to avoid last minute rush during the peak seasons without the added commission. To do this you need to confirm your trip, especially during the rush of spring and the autumn festivals, at least 3 or 4 weeks in advance.


• Note: There are flights to destinations that include Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore and Mumbai.

Travel by land

• If you wish to travel overland, you can enter and exit Bhutan through its southern gateway of Phuentsholing into the Indian state of West Bengal. It is approximately a five hour drive from Thimphu. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, located approximately four hours by road from Phuentsholing. This border point is an ideal junction for those wishing to combine their exploration of Bhutan with the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal.


• For those who would like to journey across Bhutan, there is an exit only border crossing at Sumdrup Jongkhar in southeast Bhutan to India. The closest airport is 110 km away in Guwahati. From here you a number of destinations you can fly on to including Delhi, Bombay, Kolkata and Bangkok. This is convenient for those flying into Paro in the west and touring across Bhutan without back tracking.

• Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar are the only land border areas open to tourists.


• Entry through Samdrup Jongkhar will take you to Trashigang, the largest District in the country, and from there over the lateral route to Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa, Wangduephodrang and then finally into capital town - Thimphu. The distance is about 700 kms and will take you a minimum of three days to reach Thimphu.


• Travelling within Bhutan


• One can use domestic flight service to visit Bumthang in central Bhutan or Yonphula in eastern Bhutan. The Yonphula Airport is currently not operational till end of 2016. Flight service between Paro and Bumthang operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The other mode of transport within Bhutan is by road. All the major towns in the 20 districts of Bhutan are accessible by road. Despite high mountains, steep slopes and the deep valleys, Bhutan has a relatively well developed network of roads.

Contact Agent Plan A Trip Text Me

This Tour is Offered by

Charisma Bhutan Tour & Treks View Profile

0 / 5

• Babesa, Thimphu, Bhutan - 11001
• XXXXXX6673 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@gmail.com View Mail ID

About Charisma Bhutan Tour & Treks

Contact Agent Plan A Trip Text Me

Interested in This Tour?

• Requests are send directly to the tour operator
• We recommend to request quotes from 3 operators