A summary of the 2026 & 2027 15-Day Cycling Across Bhutan trip.
- Trip Grade: Challenging
- Duration: 15 Days
- Min Travelers Required: 6
- Activity: Cycling Tour
- Route: Paro to Samdrup Jongkhar, west to east
- Total Passes: 6 major mountain passes
- Highest Pass: Thrumshingla La at 3,798m
- Departure: Guwahati, India
- Trip Cost From: $7,798 per person
This route runs once a season. We accepts a limited number of guests on this departure. Spring and autumn 2026 & 2027 dates are open. Confirm your place today.
Last Updated: March 2026
Overview: What is the Cycling Across Bhutan Tour?
The 15-day Cycling Across Bhutan tour is a challenging west-to-east cycling expedition starting in Paro and finishing at Samdrup Jongkhar on the Indian border. The route follows Bhutan’s historic east-west highway through six major mountain passes, ancient trade route valleys, subtropical forests, and traditional villages. The tour ends with a transfer to Guwahati Airport in India. Truly Bhutan Travel, a government-licensed luxury operator based in Thimphu with over 17 years of experience in premium Bhutan tourism, leads this route with expert local guides, a fully equipped support vehicle, and world-class bikes. Electric bikes are available for riders who want assistance on the high-altitude climbs.
Why Cycle Across Bhutan?
Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee keeps visitor numbers deliberately low. The country’s 72% forest cover, carbon-negative status, and constitutional commitment to keeping at least 60% of land forested make it one of the most intact natural environments in Asia. Cycling through it rather than driving keeps your contact with the landscape direct and genuine. You stop when you want, talk to people you meet on the road, eat at local restaurants, and stay in properties that reflect authentic Bhutanese character. The daily fee structure is the same regardless of how you travel. The difference is in what you experience.
Cycling’s Place in Bhutan
Cycling is not a foreign concept in Bhutan. The country’s former king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, regularly rode the hills around Thimphu in traditional dress. Both the current king and the prime minister have taken part in the Tour of the Dragon, a single-day race widely regarded as one of the most challenging cycling events in the world. The same roads you ride on this tour form the course of that race.
Who This Tour Is For
This tour suits riders with good cardiovascular fitness and prior experience on multi-day cycling routes. Long daily distances and high-altitude passes above 3,700m require real preparation. Regular cycling and cardio training in the three months before departure is strongly recommended. The route is not technical, but the combination of altitude, distance, and consecutive days on the bike demands sustained physical effort. Electric bikes are available for those who want assistance on the climbs without missing the full route.
Best Time to Go
October to November gives mild temperatures, clear skies, and dry roads. March to April brings wildflower blooms across the valleys and rhododendron colour on the high passes. These are the two best windows for cycling in Bhutan. June to August is monsoon season with wet roads and poor visibility. December to February brings snow to the high passes, blocking several sections of the route.
Upon arrival in the Land of the Thunder Dragon, you will be warmly welcomed by our Truly Bhutan Travel guide. Subsequently, you will check into your hotel and commence your adventure with a brief excursion to explore Paro Dzong and the National Museum, which is housed within a 17th-century watchtower. Subsequently, you will prepare your bicycles for the journey ahead.
Overnight in Paro.
Embark on a picturesque journey to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, traversing verdant farmlands and quaint villages along the Pa Chu River. Immerse yourself in Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage by visiting the National Institute of Zorig Chusum, which houses 13 traditional arts, and the Folk Heritage Museum.
For an optional excursion, venture to Dodena, passing tranquil hamlets en route before returning to Thimphu.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Challenge yourself with the ascent to Dochula Pass (3,080 meters), adorned with 108 chortens and providing panoramic vistas of the Eastern Himalayas. Descend through verdant forests of rhododendrons and magnolias to the subtropical valley of Punakha.
Overnight in Punakha.
Embark on a scenic journey through the verdant landscapes of Punakha. Explore the iconic Punakha Dzong, aptly named the “Palace of Great Happiness,” and the Chimi Lhakhang, a revered fertility temple. Subsequently, proceed to Wangduephodrang, celebrated for its rustic ambiance and panoramic vistas.
Overnight in Punakha.
Embark on a scenic cycling adventure along Bhutan’s historic east-west highway. Ascend towards Trongsa, the residence of Bhutan’s most prominent and revered dzong, traversing verdant valleys and charming villages en route.
Overnight in Trongsa.
Today, embark on an exhilarating cycling adventure as you ascend the majestic Yutong La Pass, reaching an elevation of 3,400 meters. From this lofty vantage point, descend into the picturesque Chumey Valley, a haven replete with charming traditional weaving villages. Your journey will culminate in reaching the spiritual heartland of Bumthang, renowned for its sacred sites and captivating serenity.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Embark on a leisurely cycling adventure through the picturesque Bumthang Valley. Explore the revered Jambay Lhakhang and Kurje Lhakhang, immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region. Cycle through charming villages, savoring the local culinary delights such as buckwheat pancakes and red rice.
Overnight accommodation in Bumthang.
Embark on a cycling journey to the remote and picturesque Tang Valley, a hidden gem in Bhutan. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting a private museum that houses traditional artifacts. Conclude your day with a stay in a charming guesthouse, surrounded by pristine nature.
Overnight in Tang Valley.
Retrace your steps back to the main road and ascend Shertang La Pass. You have the option to descend off-road to Ura Village or opt for the paved route for a more leisurely ride.
Overnight in Gayzemchu.
Conquer Bhutan’s highest road pass, Thrumshing La (3,798 meters), by cycling. Celebrate your accomplishment with a thrilling descent into the lush forests of Sengor, where your campsite awaits.
Overnight in Sengor.
Proceed further to the Kuru Chu River and ascend to the bustling town of Mongar, situated amidst picturesque terraced rice fields and verdant forested hills.
Overnight in Mongar.
Embark on an exhilarating adventure, traversing a series of ascents and descents that will leave you breathless. Conquer the majestic Kori La Pass before descending to the picturesque Drangme Chu River. The day culminates in a triumphant ascent to Trashigang, the gateway to the enchanting eastern regions of Bhutan.
Overnight in the charming town of Trashigang.
Ascend to Yongphu La Pass, a revered sacred site renowned for its breathtaking panoramic vistas. Afterward, descend to Wamrong, where a tranquil campsite awaits for an overnight rest.
Commence your expedition with a gradual ascent before embarking on an exhilarating 3,000-meter descent to Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan’s border town situated amidst verdant subtropical forests.
Overnight in Samdrup Jongkhar.
Upon crossing the border into India, proceed to Guwahati Airport for your onward flight. As you depart, carry with you a profound appreciation for Bhutan’s breathtaking beauty, rich cultural heritage, and the camaraderie of a cycling adventure.
Why Choose Truly Bhutan Travel?
With our knowledgeable guides, eco-friendly practices, and a deep reverence for Bhutan’s cultural heritage, Truly Bhutan Travel guarantees that this cycling expedition will be both seamless and unforgettable. Book your spot now and embark on a journey through Bhutan’s stunning landscapes, where you will discover its timeless charm.
You do not need to be a competitive cyclist, but you do need solid cardiovascular fitness and experience on multi-day rides. The route includes six major passes with the highest at 3,798m, daily distances ranging from 54km to 130km, and 15 consecutive days of riding. Train consistently for at least three months before departure with regular long rides, hill work, and cardio exercise. Electric bikes are available if you want assistance on the high-altitude climbs while still completing the full route.
Day 10 from Gayzemchu to Sengor is the most demanding single day. The climb to Thrumshingla La at 3,798m is the highest point on the route and requires sustained effort at altitude before a steep descent into the eastern forest. Day 5 from Punakha to Trongsa is the longest day at approximately 130km. Both days have full support vehicle backup throughout.
October to November gives the clearest skies, dry roads, and mild temperatures across all altitude zones. March to April brings rhododendron and magnolia colour on the high passes and wildflowers in the valleys. Both windows give strong cycling conditions. June to August is monsoon season with wet roads and reduced visibility. December to February closes the high passes with snow.
Yes. Electric bikes are available for this tour. They provide pedal assistance on the climbs without removing the physical engagement of cycling the full route. You still pedal every kilometer. The assistance reduces the effort required on the sustained uphill sections above 3,000m. Electric bikes are a practical option for riders who want to complete the full west-to-east crossing without being limited by the high passes.
Truly Bhutan Travel places you in premium hotels in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Bumthang, with carefully selected authentic guesthouses in the eastern towns and remote valleys. The Tang valley overnight on Day 8 is in a family-run guesthouse, the most intimate stay of the tour. All meals are included throughout the 15 days. Local food includes buckwheat pancakes, red rice, ema datsi, and organic vegetables from farmland along the route.
This eco-friendly tour aligns with Bhutan’s deep-rooted commitment to environmental preservation. By traveling with Truly Bhutan Travel, you choose a responsible luxury operator that minimises waste, promotes cultural authenticity, and respects natural habitats. Your guides help you understand Bhutan’s unique Gross National Happiness philosophy, ensuring the positive impacts of your journey extend to local communities and their landscapes.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
- 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium update).
- Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
- Route Permit
- Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
- All land transportation by private vehicle
- Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Monuments entrance fees where applicable
- Drinking water
- All internal taxes and charges
- A sustainable development fee of $200. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
- Airfare & Travel Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
Tour Overview
- Duration: 15 days
- Route: Paro to Samdrup Jongkhar, west to east
- Major passes: Dochula La 3,080m, Yutong La 3,400m, Shertang La, Thrumshingla La 3,798m, Kori La, Yongphu La
- Highest point: Thrumshingla La at 3,798m
- Lowest point: Kuri Chhu river crossing at approximately 650m
- Difficulty: Challenging
Best Months
October to November and March to April for the best road conditions, visibility, and temperatures.
Essential Gear
Comfortable cycling clothing, padded shorts, sturdy cycling shoes, gloves, lightweight waterproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. Your guide provides a full gear checklist on booking confirmation.
Trip Details
15-day cycling tour from Guwahati, India, suitable for riders with good cardiovascular fitness and multi-day cycling experience.
Environmental Responsibility
Follow leave-no-trace principles throughout the route. Respect wildlife, local customs, and sacred sites along the way. Bhutan’s pristine environment is its greatest asset and its protection is a shared responsibility between visitors and operators.
Permits
All Bhutan permits and visa processing are arranged by Truly Bhutan Travel as part of the package.
The Full Width of Bhutan on Two Wheels
The 15-day cycling route covers Bhutan from Paro in the west to Samdrup Jongkhar on the Indian border in the east. No other mode of travel gives you this range of terrain, altitude, culture, and landscape in direct physical contact. You climb the same passes the Tour of the Dragon covers. You descend into valleys most visitors never reach. You arrive in eastern Bhutan having crossed its full width under your own power.
Slow Travel, Deep Contact
Cycling at this pace forces a different kind of attention. You notice the change in vegetation as you lose altitude. You hear the rivers before you see them. You stop in villages where the support vehicle does not. The people you meet on the road are not prepared for you. Those conversations are the ones you carry home.
A Luxury Adventure on Your Terms
Truly Bhutan Travel designs this route to combine the raw physical experience of crossing Bhutan by bike with the standard of service and attention to detail the brand is known for. Premium accommodation, expert guiding, full logistics support, and personalised care throughout the 15 days mean the challenge stays in the saddle and not in the planning.
Secure Your Place for 2026 & 2027
This route runs once a season. Truly Bhutan Travel accepts a limited number of guests on each departure. Spring 2026 dates from March and autumn 2026 & 2027 dates from October are open now. Electric bikes have limited availability and are allocated on a first-come basis. Confirm your place before your preferred departure closes.
Explore More Luxury Adventures with Truly Bhutan Travel
- For cyclists who want a shorter introduction to Bhutan’s western valleys before committing to the full crossing, the Druk Path Trek covers the Paro to Thimphu corridor through high-altitude forest and lake terrain.
- For a tour combining the east-west cultural highlights of the cycling route with an exclusive festival experience, the Ura Yakchoe Festival Tour covers Bumthang, Ura valley, Punakha, and Paro across 9 days each May.
- For those wanting to experience Bhutan as a private luxury retreat alongside the adventure, explore Truly Bhutan Travel’s exclusive wellness and yoga retreat packages, private cultural tours, and bespoke wedding experiences across Bhutan’s most scenic valleys.
- Browse all luxury tours, treks, and cycling itineraries at trulybhutan.com/itinerary.
Bhutan Travel Info
Travel Essentials
- Travel/Medical Insurance: Ensure a worry-free journey with Bhutan's dedicated travel and medical insurance plans offered by the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan. Visit RICB for more information.
- Banking: Modern banking facilities are available in urban areas of Bhutan, with banks like Bank of Bhutan Limited, Druk PNB, and Bhutan National Bank. ATMs are common in Thimphu and Phuentsholing, but scarce in rural areas. Complete your banking in major cities.
- Money Matters: Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), which is equivalent in value to the Indian Rupee. Foreign travelers should bring traveler’s cheques or cash, especially USD. Credit cards like Visa and American Express are accepted in most areas.
- Communication: Bhutan's telecommunications are well-developed with internet cafes, mobile phone coverage, and international roaming available in most towns.
- Electricity: Bhutan operates on 230 volts and 50 Hertz. Ensure your devices are compatible with the three types of plugs commonly used.
- Time Zone: Bhutan's time is six hours ahead of GMT.
Health, Safety, and Customs
- Health and Inoculations: Recommended vaccinations include tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Avoid untreated water and ice cubes; instead, opt for bottled water, which is readily available.
- Safety Precautions: Bhutan is generally safe, but avoid walking alone or staying out late, especially after 9 PM. Secure your belongings, particularly in the capital, Thimphu.
- Customs Regulations: Personal belongings, 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and professional equipment are exempt from customs duty. Importing restricted items, such as wildlife products, antiques, and drugs, is prohibited.
Accommodation, Food, and Shopping
- Accommodation: Bhutan offers a range of accommodations, from quality 3-star to luxury 5-star hotels in places like Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha. Travelers can also opt for camping when venturing beyond urban areas.
- Food: Bhutanese cuisine is rich and spicy, featuring dishes like ema datshi. International cuisine such as Indian, Continental, and Chinese is available in most restaurants, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
- Shopping: Bhutan offers unique handicrafts, including hand-woven textiles, wooden bowls (Dapas), silver statues, Thangkas, and local postage stamps. Note that the buying and selling of antiques is strictly prohibited.
Travel Kits and Clothing
- Clothing and Essentials: Bhutan's climate is diverse, so dress in layers and pack accordingly. Respectful clothing is required when visiting monasteries and religious sites, and hats should be removed in sacred areas.
- Travel Kits: Pack items like sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, antihistamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, a flashlight, warm clothes, and a hat. The diverse climate means temperatures range from 20-25°C in summer to below 15°C in winter.
Experiences and Activities
- Photography: Capture Bhutan's stunning landscapes, rural life, and architecture. Indoor photography in sacred sites requires special permission.
- Guides and Interpreters: Bhutan offers certified guides fluent in various languages, ensuring you get the best experience when visiting sacred sites and cultural landmarks.
- Festivals and Holidays: Each district in Bhutan celebrates its unique annual tshechu. Check local schedules to plan your visit around these vibrant festivals.
- Weights and Measures: Bhutan uses metric measurements for weight, with advanced electronic scales commonly found in major cities.
- Best Price Guaranteed
- Book Now, Pay Later
- Local Expertise
- Hand-Picked Hotels
- Value for money
- Quality Service
- Responsible Tourism
- Tailor-Made Holidays
- No Booking Fee
- 100% Visa Approval
- 24/7 Customer Service
- No Hidden Costs
