Western Valleys by Bike
Ride Bhutan's classic western loop with a support vehicle: the long climb to Dochula and a glorious descent to Punakha.
This is the best introduction to riding in Bhutan. You'll cycle from Paro to the capital, climb to the 108 chortens of Dochula, then freewheel down more than 1,500 metres into the subtropical Punakha valley.
A support vehicle follows throughout, so every rider can choose how much to cycle each day.
Highlights
- The climb to Dochula (3,100 m)
- A descent of over 1,500 m to Punakha
- Forest trails above Thimphu
- Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang by bike
Day by day
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Day 1
Arrive in Paro
Meet your guide, fit your bike and take an easy spin along the valley.
Paro valley · Photo: Abhijit Kar Gupta from Kolkata, India, CC BY 2.0 -
Day 2
Paro valley ride
Ride to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong at the head of the valley and back, stopping at Kyichu Lhakhang.
Drukgyel Dzong · Photo: Xingpichi, CC BY-SA 3.0 -
Day 3
Paro to Thimphu
Around 55 km beside the Paro and Wang rivers via the confluence at Chhuzom.
Thimphu · Photo: Göran Höglund (Kartläsarn), CC BY 2.0 -
Day 4
Thimphu trails
Morning on forest trails above the city; afternoon sightseeing in the capital.
Tashichho Dzong · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 5
Thimphu to Punakha
Climb about 23 km to Dochula, then descend the long road to Punakha.
Dochula · Photo: Mussi Katz, CC0 -
Day 6
Punakha · transfer to Paro
Ride the valley to Chimi Lhakhang and upriver toward Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, then transfer to Paro by vehicle.
Chimi Lhakhang · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 7
Depart
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight.
Paro International Airport · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0
Included on this journey
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Make it yours.
Tell us your dates and wishes, and we'll tailor this journey around you.
- Private & tailor-made
- Licensed by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism
- Every enquiry answered personally