Get organised

We recommend arriving into Bangkok, Delhi or Kathmandu at least one night prior to your flight into Paro, Bhutan, to allow for any delays.

As you check in for your Paro flight, ask check-in staff if you can be seated on the left side of the plane to enjoy the best views of Mount Everest, Mount Jomolhari, and Mount Jichu Drakey, as you fly into Bhutan.

Your local guide will meet you at Paro airport, where we’ll load up the vehicle and transfer to the capital city Thimphu. When we arrive at our hotel we’ll check, and then head out to build our bikes in the ornate town square.

In the evening we’ll visit the Memorial Chorten Stupa, a sacred shrine built in the memory of the third king of Bhutan, before enjoying a welcome dinner of authentic Bhutanese cuisine. At this time your guide will go through the all-important pre-trip briefing and answer any questions you may have.

Your first ride in the magical Kingdom of Bhutan will prepare you for the challenge of mountain biking at altitude. We’ll set off on a relaxed paced cross country-style ride that will gradually introduce you to some “enduro” features as we go, helping to set the scene of the adventure ahead.

After a gradual 6km climb and with the blessing of Buddha as we pass, we’ll drop into the capital’s favourite MTB trail, the KC Trail, that extends for 6km of flowing singletrack and grin-inducing S-bends. The trail ends at a breathtaking monastery where we will catch our breath and take a shuttle back to the Buddha statue to ride another amazing descent.

After a lunch of local dumplings, we’ll shuttle up to the Takin Reserve centre, where we’ll have the opportunity to see takins, the national animal of Bhutan. Continuing our ride, we have two more descents: the Wangditse trail and (of course) the Takin trail, which swoops beautifully through the pine forest.

This afternoon you will have time to stroll around the city, before enjoying a delicious welcome dinner together. Tonight we’ll go to one of our favourite bars where musicians play covers and originals to go with your beers!

After breakfast we will hop in the shuttle and drive for an hour up to Trashigang gonpa at an altitude of 3,300m and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas.

From here we’ll take on the 1hr hike-a-bike to Lungchutse monastery at an easy pace. This is a magical journey through old-growth forests with a gentle gradient, where we’ve spotted red pandas before.

From the head of the Madman Trail at 3600m, we’ll drop into rhododendron and old fir forests for 3km of pure descending on wide and wild trail. The second stage of our ride continues on the Trans-Bhutan trail, a heritage trail full of Bhutan’s history. These are the trails on which the nation was built and they’re full of stories that your guide will share with you.

We’ll continue descending the famous Madman trail to Mechuna village where we will enjoy lunch together. Once refuelled we’ll continue to descend, before pedalling on a gentle meditative ascend that offers great views to reach even more downhill riding to Punakha Dzong fortress.

When we arrive back at our hotel we’ll be ready for a hot shower and cold beer before dinner!

Today, it’s time to give your biking legs a rest and explore the old capital town of Bhutan.

We’ll drive to Punakha valley to visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal stupa, which is reached by a short scenic hike through paddy fields with a spectacular view of the valley below.

If the group is up for it, we can go white-water rafting at Pho-chu river. It’s more a splash in the water than chasing big rapids.
We’ll continue to Punakha Dzong – the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan situated at the confluence of two rivers. The fortress is a fine example of Bhutan’s rich art and architecture, and your guide will explain the significance of all aspects of the fortress.

To round off our cultural day we’ll visit Lobesa village and pay our respects to one of Bhutan’s most charming and eccentric historic figures nicknamed ‘The Divine Madman’ at the Chhimi Lhakhang – also called the fertility monastery. The visit involves a short hike through a beautiful village surrounded by paddy fields.

This evening we’ll share a meal together as we prepare to get back on two wheels again tomorrow.

Back on the bike again with renewed legs, we’ll shuttle to Limbukha village and enjoy a long flowy descent of 8km on the Trans-Bhutan Trail. This ride winds through chir pine forests and ends at the paddy fields near the fortress. From here we’ll shuttle back to the same side of the mountain to the Tshochasa trail to ride a trail that brings us to a nice restaurant for lunch.

Once refuelled and ready to ride, we’ll cross the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan and ride a cross-country trail with beautiful views of the mountains that surround us.

When we reach the Samdingkha bridge, we’ll shuttle for 30 minutes to Sewla village and ride the flowy Sewla trail on a ridge overlooking the valley.

This morning we’ll shuttle the bikes to Talo village and enjoy riding on one of the best natural downhill singletracks in the valley. This ride takes us through beautiful forests and villages, punctuated with monasteries and panoramic views of Punakha valley.

We’ll drive 2 hours towards Gangtey valley and stop for lunch at a road-side restaurant, before shuttling to Lawala pass where we’ll see some yaks grazing. From here a 30 minute hike-a-bike will take us to the ridge above the valley, where a 10km long descent down a ridge with multiple lines to choose from gives you a feeling of a freeride.

Once we reach the valley floor, we’ll ride through some quaint villages and a beautiful stretch of pine forests that passes through the black-necked crane sanctuary.

We’ll continue riding to our lodge for the night where the local family will welcome us into their accommodation, which has amazing views of the Phobjikha valley.

After a leisurely breakfast soaking in the views from your accommodation, we’ll drive for 3 hours back to Paro with the goal of riding the best bits of the Madman trail a second time. This is always a favourite amongst our riders, and this time you’ll be able to remember your lines.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit a farmhouse to enjoy a herbal hot-stone bath which is known to be therapeutic and helps ease joints and muscle aches, besides simply soothing your mind and body. It’s the perfect way to unwind and goes well with the Red Panda local beer.

After breakfast, we will shuttle the bikes for 45 minutes to the trail head and then take on the 1.5hr hike-a-bike to Jela monastery. This steady hike through ancient forests of fir and rhododendrons, brings you to the monastery on the ridge.

We’ll start riding the Jela trail which is a 15km downhill ride interspersed with some punchy little climbs on one of the best trails in Bhutan. It has flow, technical bits and everything in between!

In the evening we’ll explore the town on foot, visiting artisanal shops along the street to appreciate Bhutanese craftsmanship and art works, and perhaps take home a few souvenirs to remind you of your time in Bhutan.

Today you’ll experience Bhutan’s most valued attractions, and perhaps the biggest highlight of your trip!

We’ll spend the morning hiking to the famous Taktshang monastery, translated as Tiger’s Nest monastery, that hangs precariously on a 800m cliff-face.

After lunch in Paro town, we’ll shuttle the bikes for about an hour to reach the distant Kila Goenpa nunnery at 3800m. We’ll enjoy a 12km descent down to Paro valley. The trail starts with glorious, fast-flowing and loamy singletrack through rhododendron and oak forests. As it loses elevation, the trail turns to hardpack dirt and a number of rock gardens, making it an awesome ride.

This trail is pure joy and a perfect way to end your Bhutan adventure. At the end of the ride we’ll head straight to the brewery for a celebratory drink to mark the end of your fantastic MTB experience in Bhutan.

After breakfast at your hotel your guide will take you to the airport. Your guide will help you with the formalities and wish you farewell on your onward journey.