Top Trails for Mountain Biking in Bhutan: An Adventurer’s Guide
Mountain biking in Bhutan covers 5 districts in western Bhutan which are Paro, Haa, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang including Gangtey and Phobjikha valley. The route passes through mountains, valleys and some beautiful passes which are covered with prayer flags.
Discover Bhutan Mountain Bike adventure with our Bhutan tour packages that will take you to a different world of adventure. Located approximately 2300 metres above sea level, one needs heart and strength to take up this task. Bhutan has many hill stations and is very much known for this. Most of the people also look for places to visit in Bhutan.
Adventure Sports Mountain Biking is one of those activities which are performed in Bhutan for various travellers. Bhutan is a divine and peaceful country. Most parts of the country are still untouched.
A relatively new activity in Bhutan, many firms and start-ups in Bhutan are now aiming at providing this experience to their customers. The duration of the Mountain Biking Bhutan ranges from 3 days to 18 days, depending on what you choose. Mountain Biking & Cycling Bhutan is completely an amazing activity which you will love and make sure to perform with proper precautions. There are so many things to do in Bhutan that you will be surprised to know during your mountain biking trip to Bhutan.
Best Mountain Biking spots in Bhutan
Bhutan is very well known for its stunning landscapes. Here are the top mountain biking places in Bhutan:
- Paro Valley: Scenic trails through rice paddies, traditional villages, and pine forests.
- Punakha Valley: Gentle slopes and winding paths alongside the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers.
- Thimphu: Urban trails with a mix of challenging climbs and downhill paths.
- Phobjikha Valley: High-altitude wetlands and beautiful views of the Black Mountains.
- Bumthang Valley: Varied terrain with trails passing through forests, temples, and rivers.
- Haa Valley: Less frequented trails offering serene and untouched natural beauty.
- Gasa: Remote and rugged terrain perfect for experienced bikers seeking adventure.
- Trongsa: Challenging routes with spectacular views of the valley and Trongsa Dzong.
These spots provide diverse biking experiences, from cultural tours through historic sites to adrenaline-pumping trails in pristine nature. Each destination not only offers good biking routes but also a glimpse into Bhutan’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Best Time for Mountain Biking in Bhutan
The best time for mountain biking in Bhutan is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
These seasons offer mild temperatures, clear skies, and stunning landscapes.
Mountain Biking prices in Bhutan
Tour cost for Mountain biking in Bhutan:
- 2 pax: US $ 2000 per person or 1,66,597.70 Indian Rupee
- 3 pax and above: US $ 1860 per pax.
Biking Route Trails in Bhutan
The journey of Mountain Biking Bhutan begins from Paro and takes you through Thimphu, Wangdue Phodrang until Gangtey Gompa where you can view Gangtey Gompa Monastery and Phobjikha valley before the return journey starts and finally ends at Paro.
- Operators: There are various operators such as Bhutan Mountain Bike and Wind Horse Tours providing this service to everyone looking for an amazing adventure of mountain biking in Bhutan.
- Duration: The ride can be demanding, with almost 5-6 hours a day spent pedalling your way across the gorgeous landscape of mountainous Bhutan. Traffic is usually light, so that does not pose a problem while you are driving. You will be able to discover all the smaller and more remote areas while you ride your bike across this beautiful little hillock.
There will be a van accompanying you throughout your journey, driving behind you in case you get extremely tired and want to rest a bit.
Tips For Mountain Biking in Bhutan
Some of the Safety Tips for Mountain Biking in Bhutan which are really helpful for you are :
- The bikes that are provided to you are well-maintained and in a durable condition, it is still advised that you check the brakes and wheels by yourself and ensure that everything is okay. It is amongst the safety tips for Mountain Biking in Bhutan.
- Make sure to stop at least four to five times during the journey. Take your time to enjoy the weather, the environment around you and photograph the scenery.
- If you are on medications, then do carry your medics with you and consult your doctor before you attempt mountain biking.
- If you have any doubts or concerns, feel free to tell it to your instructor who is leading you.
The guides and instructors are helpful and friendly and you would not face any problem in communication as they speak fluent English.
Health and Safety Check
- Always remember to stay hydrated.
- Keep your Navigation handy in order to avoid misroute.
- Energy/Nutrition Bars to keep you healthy throughout the journey.
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen.
- Power Bank.
- First Aid Kit – Band Aids, Ointments, Medicines.
- Bike Tools, Spare Tires which is a must.
- Check the braking system, hubs and wheels
Mountain Biking Gears – Checklist
For biking lovers, there has to be a checklist before you start your journey. The terrains in Bhutan could be steep, rocky and narrow, hence it’s good to have mountain bike gears and apparels. Here are a few things you need to keep a note of before going on an adventure.
- Helmet – The most important biking gear you shouldn’t compromise on. It is mandatory if you are planning to go mountain biking in Bhutan. It’s always better to use the full-face helmet rather than the open helmet if you’re into hill riding and high jumps.
- Gloves and Glasses – You might think this isn’t important as mountain biking totally involves lower body strength, but gloves protect you from cold and from straining your arms too much.
- Elbow Pad and Knee Pad – These are totally worth your mountain biking experience.
- Body Armour & Shorts– Keeping all forms of injuries at bay, a body armour could be useful to you in a lot of ways. Body Armours are a must on your mountain biking checklist. If you’re biking in the summers, shorts will be a good idea as they let air pass through and absorb body moisture keeping it cool on the inside.
What are some amazing highlights?
- Most scenic landscapes.
- Magnificent Dzongs, ancient monasteries & temples.
- Witness colourful festivals.
- Bhutanese villages and farm houses.
- Meet local people.
- Art and architecture.
- Witness archery matches.
Mountain biking in Bhutan
- Day 1. Arrive Paro – Thimphu | 54 km |1 drive | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 2. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude 2334 m.
- Day 3. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing | 76 km | Ride: 4 hours | Altitude: 1242 m.
- Day 4. Punakha – Gangtey sightseeing | 75 km | Ride: 3 hours | Altitude: 3000 m.
- Day 5. Gangtey – Thimphu | 143 km | Ride: 6 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 6. Thimphu – Paro ride | 54 km | Ride: 2 1/2 hours | Altitude: 2200 m.
- Day 7. Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery (Taktsang) | 7 km | Hike: 4 hours.
- Day 8. Paro – Departure.
Conclusion
So! Mountain biking in Bhutan is a completely different activity which will take you to another level of excitement, joy and fun. If you are an adventure lover, then this activity is something which you can’t avoid. Throughout your trip, you will be experiencing many of the best restaurants.
Throughout your journey, you will be exploring a lot of things in Bhutan. You will see the local people and how they spend their daily lives, you will be experiencing the monasteries and other beautiful places. Do check hotels and resorts in Bhutan to avoid any last minute
Hurry Up! Plan your trip today to dive into an amazing experience of adventure.
Is Bhutan suitable for mountain biking?
Most parts of the country are still untouched by development and its terrains are considered one of the best if you want to try mountain biking. Located approximately 2300 metres above sea level, one needs heart and strength to take up this task.
What are the best times of year for mountain biking in Bhutan?
March to May and September to November Explore Bhutan’s stunning landscapes on a mountain bike during March to May or September to November. The weather is pleasant, and the lush scenery provides a picturesque backdrop for biking adventures.
Are there organised mountain biking tours available in Bhutan?
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.
What should I pack for a mountain biking trip to Bhutan?
You need to pack the below things for mountain biking in Bhutan–Sneakers, Helmet, Padded bike pants – short (and long ones to go over the top if it’s cold) and lush & spongy bike seat (not the gel ones you tie over a bike seat).
