Spiritual MTB Adventure
Embrace the majesty of mountain biking in the kingdom of Bhutan
Where better to embark on a journey of self-discovery than a country that measures progress in terms of happiness? Welcome to Bhutan.
Riding through Bhutan’s scenic trails is utterly thrilling with a unique blend of adventure and spirituality in every moment. There’s something almost magical about biking in Bhutan – the beauty of the landscapes and the rich culture woven into each path make it unforgettable.
This is an adventure that gives you memories and stories for a lifetime. Cultural highlights like riding past the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and watching archery competitions and traditional dance, make it an experience you truly won’t find anywhere else in the world!
Take a look at this beautiful photo story by Kristina Vackova to get a taste of what’s in store in Bhutan.
To find out if this advanced MTB tour in Bhutan is right for you, read more on the skill and fitness levels required.
Tour Flavour
Tour Dates
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05 Apr 2026 - 14 Apr 202610 spaces left
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18 Apr 2026 - 27 Apr 20266 spaces left
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18 Oct 2026 - 27 Oct 202610 spaces left
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01 Nov 2026 - 10 Nov 202610 spaces left
Highlights
- Discover the world-famous Tiger’s Nest monastery
- Descend 10km – 30km per day on sublime prayer flag-lined singletrack
- Ride breathtaking ridge lines at 4,000m encircled by snow-capped peaks
- Uncover Bhutan’s rich history as you ride sections of the Trans-Bhutan trail
- Experience the local way of life built on spirituality and tradition
- Relax in a traditional hot stone bath after a hard day in the mountains
- Stay in typical Bhutanese hotels and enjoy the local cuisine
Tour itinerary
Some of the riding in Bhutan is shuttle-assisted, with lots of descending, but there are still lots of climbs and some long hike-a-bikes most days to contend with. You’ll be riding at over 3,000m / 10,000ft much of the time, so be prepared to pace yourself as you acclimatise to the altitude and surroundings. There is also exposure on some trails.
Plan your trip
£3100.00 GBP / €3720.00 EUR / $4278.00 USD per person (ex. flights, based on two sharing a room)
- English-speaking professional mountain bike guide(s)
- Private airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- 9 nights’ accommodation in small hotels and guest houses
- Government tourism levy (100 USD per person per day)
- Government visa fees
- Government city and cultural site fees
- National park permits
- All meals starting with lunch on day 1 and ending with breakfast on day 10
- All drinking water and tea
- Support car
- Hot stone bath
- All group safety equipment
- Global Rescue medical and evacuation services
- We donate 1% of your tour price to environmental organisations through our partnership with 1% for the Planet
- International flights
- ‘Domestic’ flights (our team will book your flights between Bangkok/ Kathmandy/ Dehli and Paro and we will advise of price before adding to your booking)
- Bike rental – £895.00 / $1235.10/ €1074.00 for a good quality full suspension bike
- Travel and activity insurance
- Single supplement:* £600 / $828 / €720
- Tips in restaurants and hotels
- Alcoholic/ non-alcoholic beverages
- Personal safety and cycling equipment
- Any other items not mentioned as included
*Single supplement is only applicable if you are travelling solo and do not wish to share a room with another rider of the same sex. If you’re happy to do that, you need not add the supplement.
We want you to have the best experience in Bhutan, so it’s important to be sure that this is the perfect mountain bike adventure, with the right level of challenge, for you.
You’re a very experienced mountain biker, riding at least three times a week through the season and comfortable with: steep, fast singletrack descents; tough climbs; hike-a-bike; technical rock chutes; drop-offs; boardwalk; and muddy, forested singletrack. Read more on our advanced skill level.
Does this sound like you? Your vacation time is precious and we want to be absolutely sure that you’re making the most of it. Be honest with yourself, if this adventure isn’t right for you, we have other MTB tours [link] that may be a better fit for your mountain biking ability.
Please note: The skill level required reflects an overall rating for the trails on the trip but you should expect to find sections and obstacles that push your ability levels.
Skill level: Advanced
- You are very confident handling most types of riding and obstacles, including drops (up to 1 foot mandatory and 6 foot optional), rocks, logs, switchbacks, larger rock gardens and sustained technical singletrack
- You can brake, use gears and corner instinctively
- You have excellent bike handling skills and can lift front and rear wheels , do small jumps, corner, climb and descend steep trails
- You have considerable experience of riding on a wide variety of technical terrains including: rocky, rooty, muddy, loose, fast singletrack, exposed trails, bedrock for extended periods
- You ride at least three times a week and rarely get off and walk sections
- You can climb and descend comfortably on technical singletrack for as long as required
Fitness level: 5/7
- You have a good level of bike fitness, exercising at least three times every week throughout the year, for an hour at a time
- You can ride a mountain bike for up to six hours a day at a moderate pace, with snack and photo stops, for three or more consecutive days
- You can tackle two or three fairly significant climbs a day, up to 600 metres each
Typical trails you’ll be riding
- Some of the riding you’ll do on our mountain bike tour in Bhutan is just over 10,000ft/ 3,000m with exposure present on some trails
- Double track: undulating jeep roads made up of hard-packed dirt, small rocks and occasionally sand
- Singletrack: rustic singletrack, mainly high mountain trails with very dry, loose surfaces, and through valley forests with roots crossing the trails, and at times you will encounter tennis ball-sized rock gardens, and occasionally flow trails
- The trails in the Bhutan mountains are thousands of years old, so are not buff purpose built trails, they are natural high altitude walking trails that link villages across the region and surfaces will be soft and loose, and/or rocky and dry at times. They are also affected by the weather and may be eroded in places
- You will have to hike-a-bike for up to two hours during this adventure to reach the high mountain passes
Training for your Bhutan MTB adventure
To get the most out of your mountain bike tour in Bhutan you should plan plenty of training in advance of your tour.
You will experience altitudes of between 3,000ft/ 1,000m and 13,000ft/ 4,000m when mountain biking in Bhutan, so we have some advice on mountain biking at high altitudes.
The ideal bike for the Bhutanese trails is a good quality full-suspension mountain bike with 29” or 27.5” wheels, dropper seat post, and 130mm -150mm of travel front and rear. We recommend durable tyres that can handle a range of terrains such as the Vitorria’s Mazza Enduro.
We recommend that you travel with your own bike, and have some handy tips on how to do this. When travelling with your own bike, you must ensure that it has been properly serviced before the trip.
If you would prefer not to travel with your bike, we can arrange rental of a good quality full suspension mountain bike for the duration of your mountain bike tour in Bhutan.
We only run small group mountain bike tours to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible, and there will be a maximum of 10 people in each group. The minimum number of people we require to run this mountain bike tour in Bhutan is four.
Our mountain bike tour in Bhutan caters for a wide age range; typically between 30- and 55-years-old. Regardless of age, you must have the appropriate level of physical fitness and mountain biking skills to participate in this adventure. Please refer to clause 14 of our terms and conditions of booking to find more information on rider age.
This mountain bike tour in Bhutan is a guided mountain bike vacation, ideal for advanced mountain bikers. The terrain you’ll be riding on consists of double track and singletrack through thick forests, villages and across high plateaux and mountain passes. You’ll encounter some steep climbs and rooty sections, as well as fabulous, swooping descents.
Altitude is a factor in this trip and we have some tips for riding at high altitudes and managing the effects of altitude.
The distances we cover each day range from 12km to 35km, in accordance with the altitude and height gain/ loss on each stage.
Each evening your guides will chat with you about the following day’s mountain biking and give you an idea of the sorts of trails you can look forward to. If there’s anything you feel anxious about, your guides will be happy to discuss it with you.
No, you only need to carry a day pack with you whilst riding. We have your large kit bags transferred to your next accommodation each day, and have it ready and waiting for your arrival.
Your guide will be very happy to give you some bike skills help during your trip to help improve your confidence and your enjoyment of your mountain bike tour in Bhutan.
If there is a section that you would prefer not to ride, then you can simply hop off your bike and walk. You won’t be the only one to walk certain sections and it’s not a competition in biking ability; it’s a mountain bike holiday!
Your mountain bike guides are local to Bhutan and experienced professionals who have a real passion for mountain biking and for the culture and landscape of Bhutan. Your safety is their number one priority, closely followed by your enjoyment of your mountain bike tour in Bhutan. They will always be on-hand to answer any questions or requests you may have throughout your trip. Meet your mountain bike guide in Bhutan…Pelden.
On this mountain bike tour in Bhutan you will be staying in a selection of traditional mountain huts, small family run hotels and unique mountain accommodation in the Himalayas.
All meals starting with lunch on day one, and ending with breakfast on day eleven. Bhutan has a diverse offering when it comes to food, pulling on the country’s history to influence its dishes.
The ideal bike for the Bhutanese trails is a good quality full-suspension mountain bike with 29” or 27.5” wheels, dropper seat post, and 130mm -150mm of travel front and rear.
Read the full kit list to find out what you need to pack for your mountain bike tour in Bhutan.
Yes, you will have the chance to have laundry done on days 3, 4, 7 and 8, you will also be able to hand wash kit and dry it in the Bhutanese afternoon sun.
Unfortunately not. We are working hard to provide each and every customer who rides with us an unparalleled mountain bike experience in every destination we ride. This takes years of experience, riding and planning to get right, and a drone adds a very real danger to the group’s riding experience and health & safety.
You should travel to Paro, in Bhutan, via Bangkok. Should you wish to fly via a different route, please check with us beforehand.
From Bangkok you will take a ‘domestic’ flight to Paro. Our in-country team will book this flight for you, and we will confirm the times and costs to you, before adding to your booking.
You should book your bike on to your international flight in advance, otherwise you could face a higher charge at the airport.
Please allow a 24-hour layover in Bangkok before your scheduled flight to Bhutan. This will allow for any weather delays getting into and out of Bhutan. Flights to Paro are likely to be early morning of day 1 of your tour.
Visas
All travellers require a visa to enter Bhutan. Our in-country team will arrange this for you, so please speak with your tour expert to organise this. You must print out a copy and bring it with you on your adventure.
All travellers must have a passport which is valid for at least six months from the time you enter Bhutan.
All travellers should consult the relevant government website to satisfy themselves of their requirements for entering and leaving Bhutan.
Arrival and departure details
Your guide team will meet you at Paro airport when you arrive on day 1, and transfer you to your first hotel.
On the last day of the tour, your guide will ensure you are dropped off at Paro airport in time to catch your flight back home.
Our mountain bike guides in Bhutan are of the highest level.
They are qualified in first-aid and they have the knowledge and experience to lead a group safely in these remote, wild and beautiful parts of Bhutan.
Our guides have years of experience in the saddle on the trails of Bhutan and will be able to enhance your holiday with facts and fables on local history, flora and fauna. They’re also genuinely nice people and will do their best to make sure that everyone in the group has a great time.
One of the things that sets our adventures apart is the unique local accommodation we use. We use the best, locally-run accommodation in each country, and that which is traditional to that area, whether it be a city or mountain.
On our mountain bike tour in Bhutan you’ll be staying in a selection of traditional Bhutanese accommodations from rustic mountain huts, to small family run guest houses, to hidden mountain lodges in the valley floors.
Most of the food you will enjoy on our mountain bike tour in Bhutan is traditional food influenced by surrounding countries, all prepared with the greatest of care and skill. Typical dishes include: curry, eggs, local meats, noodle dishes and of course plenty of rice.
We will eat together as a group at each mealtime, and all meals are included in the tour price.
No vaccinations are required for visiting Bhutan.
You should always consult your own doctor or physician before travelling to new countries to seek their advice on matters concerning your health abroad.
We recommend you check before drinking tap water. Bottled or filtered water will be readily available throughout the trip.
Also, please let us know if you have any special food requirements, allergies or pre-existing conditions your guides should know about.
Your health and safety on tour is our top priority and when you travel with us you will be covered by Global Rescue emergency medical and evacuation services.
The official currency of Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum. ATM machines are available in Paro, but limited in the countryside.
Tipping
It is not compulsory to tip your guides or drivers in Bhutan, but it is much appreciated. If you feel you’ve had a good service or experience on your mountain bike tour in Bhutan, you can tip at your discretion.
It is not compulsory to tip in restaurants, however should you wish to tip your servers, 10% – 15% of your meal cost would be acceptable.
You are required as a condition of booking to be insured against medical and personal accident risks. In this policy you must include cover for mountain biking and we recommend that you take out a policy which covers cancellation and baggage, including your bike.
We work with Global Rescue whose policies are specially designed for adventure travel and you can arrange your insurance cover directly with them.
Make this tour private
To make this a private tour for you and your favourite people, complete the form and we’ll work with you to make it happen.
Customise your tour
To make this a private tour for you and your favourite people, complete the form and we’ll work with you to make it happen.
Meet your guides
Meet Pelden Dorji, lead guide and local mountain bike guru in Bhutan. Pelden is a key member of the small mountain biking community in Bhutan, and he and his team will take you on the most incredible journey through their homeland.
Reviews
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Having read a many of the reviews of this trip, there is nothing much more I can add to make the trip sound as good as it a really was...so here are a few points that might help some potential Bhutan riders...
1. The trip is even better than you can imagine.
2. The trails are inconceivably good for a place that has zero bike infrastructure. I'm not talking groomed bike park trials, rather, true adventure riding... Everything is rideable for advanced riders, it's just a question of how much you want to 'risk' for your rewards.
3. Every effort with a Bhutanese Shuttle (hike-a-bike or push) is worth the reward. You never go uphill for a trail that doesn't have a magical decent at the end. Altitude is real.
4. The food is very good.
5. The staff are exceptional. You are treated like 5 star guests with your bike being taken from your hands at the end of every ride, often washed and organised for the next day or shuttle.
6. Hotel/accommodation staff are amazing. The Bhutanese will do everything in their power and ability to make you feel appreciated.
7. A sturdy trail bike is enough in my opinion. Anything from 130mm rear to a 170mm will work as long as you know your bike and are happy to push/Bhutanese shuttle it.
If you are a pretty good rider on varied terrain, you have a passion for adventure and you have the means to attend the Bhutan trip with H+I, then you won't regret a second of this trip. Bhutan will leave a positive mark on your soul that is hard to define.
As an extra note: We were a very large group... 32 riders for the Yeti Gathering. And somehow the staff managed to contain us all without spoiling the flow. And almost no one went missing.. (ha ha)....I can only imagine how exceptionally well this trip must run with the normal smaller group size that H+I offer.
This trip will not disappoint! Going to the Magical Kingdom of Bhutan was an immersion into their rich culture and way of life with their happy, playful, and gentle people; the stunning panoramic vistas of lush valleys, high Himalayan peaks, rushing clear rivers, spinning prayers flags and wheels, and intricate and decorative architecture. Seeing it by bike is the best way to wind yourself thru this tapestry. Several times day I would crest a ridge or round a corner, and the beauty before me would literally take my breath away.
The expert team- led by Pelden, and rounded out with Tandee, SP, and ST have arranged a perfect blend of biking and cultural experiences. They take you to the most important places in their country and they share them with pride and deep knowledge. You can’t help but be driven into the web of their beautiful story. The team takes care of every little last detail. Each day was a blend of shuttles, riding, and visits to places of cultural importance. It was finished off with beverages, a lovely and comfortable lodge, and delicious locally grown food.
But this trip is way more than just seeing things. The pace slowed down and with it came a deep connection to their culture and way of life. The fact that they are number one in Gross National Happiness could be felt in every fabric of my being.
This is so much more than riding trails in a foreign country. It is that, but it is also slowing down, experiencing another way of life, and connecting with the happiest people on earth. This is the first time that I cried upon leaving a country, because the entire experience touched me so deeply. Take this trip! You won’t regret it.
