Bhutan - The Thunder Dragon’s Back 2026

Duration
11 days
Guided Status
Guided
Difficulty
Challenging
D-Score™
D4 - Epic

Overview

This customised cycling journey has been designed to show you the essential Bhutan – from the best vantage point… on two wheels, under your own steam. Bhutan has an amazing east-west road through the ‘middle hills’ and valleys, which not only offers amazing cycling, but also takes you into the heart of Bhutan. Along the way we make sure to stop and visit the villages, museums, monasteries, temples and of course to take in the incredible views to showcase the truly unique place that Bhutan is.

Daily Ride Schedule

Day 1: Welcome to Paro (2280m), drive to Thimphu (2320m) and explore

Welcome to Paro (2280m), drive to Thimphu (2320m) and explore

Day 2: Ride Thimphu – Punakha (1310m) (77 km; approx 6 hrs)

77 km 3050 m

D2

Ride Thimphu – Punakha (1310m) (77 km; approx 6 hrs)

Day 3: Ride Punakha – Gangtey (3120m) (86km; approx 7 hrs)

86 km 1800 m

D2

Ride Punakha – Gangtey (3120m) (86km; approx 7 hrs)

Day 4: Gangtey – Trongsa (2180m) (61km; approx 6 hrs)

61 km 3420 m

D2

Gangtey – Trongsa (2180m) (61km; approx 6 hrs)

Day 5: Trongsa – Bumthang (2800m) (85km; approx 7 hrs)

85 km 0 m

D2

Trongsa – Bumthang (2800m) (85km; approx 7 hrs)

Day 6: Bumthang Sightseeing and Ride

Bumthang Sightseeing and Ride

Day 7: Bumthang – Gyazamchu (3200m) (68km; approx 5 hrs)

68 km 0 m

D1

Bumthang – Gyazamchu (3200m) (68km; approx 5 hrs)

Day 8: Gyazamchu – Lingmithang (1480m) (105km; approx 6hrs)

105 km 0 m

D2

Gyazamchu – Lingmithang (1480m) (105km; approx 6hrs)

Day 9: Lingmithang – Mongar (1600m) – Yadi (1480m) - Trashigang (1070m) (95km: approx 7 hrs)

95 km 0 m

D2

Lingmithang – Mongar (1600m) – Yadi (1480m) - Trashigang (1070m) (95km: approx 7 hrs)

Day 10: Sightseeing Trashigang, Drive to Mongar (74km: approx 3 hrs drive)

Sightseeing Trashigang, Drive to Mongar (74km: approx 3 hrs drive)

Day 11: Drive to Bumthang to then catch the flight to Paro the next day.

Drive to Bumthang to then catch the flight to Paro the next day.

Day 12: Fly to Paro, explore

Fly to Paro, explore

Day 13: Farewell for now…

Farewell for now…

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included

Catering services
Accommodation arrangements
Mechanical support
Support vehicle following all rides