Bhutan Mountain Bike Adventure – 9 Nights / 10 Days

Arrival at Paro International Airport, gateway to Bhutan. The airport is set in a stunning valley surrounded by mountains; one of the most scenic and challenging airports in t h e world. Transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city and largest urban c e n t e r .
Population: ~ 140,000.
Thimphu is unique for blending modern life with traditional architecture. It houses government offices, the National Memorial Chorten, and vibrant markets.
Check-in at hotel, rest, and assemble bikes.
Evening briefing: Tour leader introduces the biking routes, safety guidelines, and adventure overview.

Trails Overview: XC, downhill, and flow trails that explore
Thimphu's outskirts.
KC Trail - 6 km, XC style, gentle climbs and descents through pine forests.The ride begins at Kuensel Phodrang, home tothe majestic Buddha Dordenma statue, one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world.
Built to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck
Symbolizes peace, happiness, and prosperity for Bhutan and t h e w o r l d.
From here, riders enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu Valley, framed by pine forests and the Wang Chhu River. The trail ends near Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most revered temples in Thimphu.
Founded in the 12th century Dedicated to Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig), the Bodhisattva of
Compassion Popular among local families who come to: B l e s s n e w b o r n c h i l d r e n
Seek protection and guidance
Offers another stunning viewpoint over Thimphu Valley Riders often pause here to remove helmets, walk quietly around the temple, and absorb the spiritual atmosphere.
Anim Trail - 2.5 km downhill with technical sections, named after a local monk community.
Takin Trail - 2 km downhill, passing through areas where the Takin (national animal) is occasionally seen.
Raspberry Trail - downhill, scenic with berry bushes in
s e a s o n .
Wangditse Trail - downhill through pine forests. The
Wangditse Trail is one of Thimphu's most scenic and
enjoyable forest descents, offering a beautiful blend of flow
riding, cultural landmarks, and panoramic valley views. It is a
favorite among local riders and an excellent introduction to
Bhutan's trail character.
New Trail - fresh addition, fast descents with fun berms.
Cultural Insight:
Thimphu is the cultural, political, and economic hub of
B h u t a n .
Home to the National Memorial Chorten, a structure built in
honor of the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, promoting
p e a c e a n d meditation.
Distance: ~12-15 km of mixed riding.
Evening free for local exploration, handicraft markets, or
sampling Bhutanese cuisine.

Trashigang Goenpa is a quiet, lesser-known monastery
located high above Thimphu Valley, often used as a spiritual gateway to some of Bhutan's best high-altitude riding. Traditionally served as a meditation retreat for monks seeking solitude.
The monastery sits on a forested ridge, offering a sense of isolation and tranquility despite being close to the capital.
Bike-Hike: 1 hr 45 mins to Lungchutse Goenpa (3,500 m).
Pass through rhododendron-hemlock forests; notice the
transition of vegetation as you descend toward subtropical
valleys.
Ride: World-class Madman Trail. The Madman Trail is widely
regarded as Bhutan's most legendary mountain bike descent
a long, wild, and soul-stirring ride that drops from high alpine
ridgelines into warm river valleys. It is not just a trail; it is a
journey through Bhutan's spiritual, ecological, and cultural
heart. The name is inspired by Lama Drukpa Kunley, Bhutan's
famous "Divine Madman"—a 15th-century Buddhist master
known for his unconventional teachings.
He used humor, shock, and irreverent behavior to spread
B u d d h i s t w i s d o m
Challenged rigid religious norms
Taught that enlightenment could be achieved outside formal
monastic life.
Picnic lunch e n route.
Descend to Changdana Village, climb 1 hr through pine forest.
3 km jeep track downhill + final 2 km technical trail to valley.
Distance: 22 km total
Check-in at Punakha hotel and relax.
Punakha Valley is lush with rice fields and known for its
s c e n e r y .

Punakha Dzong - admire intricate courtyards, chapels, and historical murals. Built in 1637, the fortress is a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture with golden roofs, intricate woodwork, and riverside location. Served as the capital and winter seat of Bhutan's government Chimmi Lhakhang - learn about the Divine Madman's life and Bhutanese rituals for fertility.Built in 1499 by the "Divine Madman" Lama Drukpa Kunley, famous as a fertility temple.
Couples often visit for blessings.
Lunch a t local restaurant.
Optional: White-water rafting (12 km, self-paid) on the Mo Chhu River - thrilling ride through mild rapids amidst valley s c e n e r y .
Return t o hotel a n d relax.

Shuttle: ~2 hours to Sew La Trailhead (2,700 m).
Ride: 12 km flowy section, smooth descent with berms and
small jumps.
Shuttle: 1.5 hours to Nobgang, starting point for descent to
Talo Village.
Talo Village: Famous for its ties to Bhutanese royal family and
traditional Bhutanese lifestyle; visit local farms and interact
with villagers.
Overnight at guesthouse/hotel in Punakha.

Drive: 60 km to Lawa La Pass (3,200 m) - gateway to
Phobjikha Valley.
Bike-Hike: 1 km / 30 min to 3,400 m, above tree line.
Ride: Descend ridge trail to Phobjikha Valley, a bowl-shaped glacial valley.
Highlights:
Traditional life: farmers grow potatoes, turnips, and
buckwheat; horses are common transport.
Black-necked cranes: Migratory birds arrive from Tibet (Oct-Mar). Sacred in Bhutanese culture.
Check-in at hotel and explore the valley.

Drive: 140 km to Paro via Thimphu.
Stop: Second section of Madman Trail, fun technical sections.
Dochula Pass (3,100 m):
108 memorial chortens built in 2004 by the Queen Mother to honor soldiers lost in conflict.
Offers panoramic views of t h e Himalayan ranges on clear days.
Check-in a t Paro hotel a n d rest.

Ride 1 - Jela Dzong:Jela Dzong built in 15th century and is one of the most remote, sacred, and atmospheric fortress-temples in the Paro region, perched high on a ridge above the valley. Historically used as a strategic lookout point and m e d i t a t i o n r e t r e a t
Protected Paro Valley from invasions while serving as a
spiritual stronghold. Reaching it by bike-hike makes the experience deeply rewarding and gives riders a rare glimpse into Bhutan's lesser-visited spiritual sites.
Drive 45 mins to trail base.
Bike-hike 1.5 hrs to Jela Dzong.
Ride 15 km down ridge trails to near Paro Airport.
Lunch en route.
Ride 2 - Kila Goenpa:Kila Goenpa is one of the most remote,
dramatic, and spiritually powerful monasteries in the Paro region, dramatically clinging to sheer cliffs high above the valley. It is a place where faith, isolation, and raw mountain terrain come together-making it an unforgettable highlight of both cultural exploration and mountain biking.
Shuttle 1.5 hrs to Kila Goenpa (3,500 m).
Ride 12 km technical fun trails with berms, drops, and scenic v i e w s .
Overnight at Paro hotel.

Hike: Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) - 1.5-2 hrs. Built in 1692 around the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century.
Perched dramatically on cliffs 900 m above Paro Valley.The monastery complex has chapels, murals, and meditation caves. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) flew to this cliff in the 8th century on the back of a tigress, hence the name Taktsang, meaning "Tiger's Lair." Guru Rinpoche meditated here for three months
Subdued negative forces and introduced Buddhism to Bhutan The meditation cave is still preserved inside the monastery
This event marks one of the most important moments in Bhutanese spiritual history.
Evening:
Farewell dinner with hot stone bath: Traditional therapeutic bath using heated river stones; believed to relax muscles and improve circulation.
Optional nightlife: sample Bhutanese Arak (local brandy) and b e e r s in Paro.