Bhutan – 10 day Super MTB Adventure
Discover the Ultimate Adventure: Mountain Biking Tours Through Bhutan’s Stunning Landscapes and Rich Heritage
Mountain biking in Bhutan offers an exhilarating adventure amidst breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” Bhutan boasts a pristine environment with diverse terrain ranging from lush forests to rugged mountains.
“Haku Expedition offers the ultimate MTB adventure, immersing riders in the rugged beauty of Bhutan’s landscape while delving deep into its rich culture. Traverse exhilarating trails through lush forests, challenging mountain passes, and picturesque valleys. Led by experienced guides, this super MTB adventure promises an unforgettable journey, blending adrenaline-fueled excitement with cultural discovery. Prepare to be awed by stunning vistas, enchanted by ancient monasteries, and welcomed by the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality. Embark on the Haku Expedition for an epic mountain biking experience unlike any other.”
Day by Day
Upon your arrival at Paro, you will be greeted by your guide who will assist you with your bikes and luggage, ensuring you are comfortably settled in the car. En route to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, we will make a brief stop at Tachog Lhakhang to marvel at the remnants of the iron bridge constructed by Thangthong Gyalpo. Upon reaching Thimphu, your guide will drop you off at your hotel for a quick check-in and lunch. Following lunch, we will assemble our bikes in front of the hotel. Our guide, who is also a skilled mountain bike mechanic, will be on hand to assist with bike assembly and ensure they are ready for the upcoming adventure.
Once the bikes are ready, we will embark on a ride along the Wangditse trail to help acclimatize to the altitude. We will be shuttled to the renowned BBS tower to begin the trail. It’s important to be mindful of hikers as the trail is multi-purpose. Our guide will ensure that others on the trail are aware of our presence. The Wangditse trail is known for its friendliness to new riders, featuring a wide path with a smooth flow. Upon reaching Wangditse Lhakhang, you will be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the Thimphu valley. Take a moment to recharge before descending to Bebena. Once we reach the base of the trail, we can pedal back to our hotel.
Lodging Included
Prepare for an eventful day ahead, as following breakfast, we will embark on a hike to the canopy trail. Your shuttle will transport you to the trailhead, from where we will trek for approximately 2 hours. Upon reaching the canopy trail, you’ll notice a change in vegetation, with cypress trees surrounding you. This single-track trail offers stunning views of the Thimphu valley as it descends along the mountain ridge. Continuing on, we’ll merge onto the bamboo trail, characterized by dense pine trees and bamboo thickets where sightings of wild pigs are common. Connecting to the lower section of the new trail, specially designed for downhill riders, expect technical features such as berms, roots, and strategically placed rocks along its steep terrain. After our ride, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
Post-lunch, we’ll return to Buddha Point, where we’ll bike up to the KC trail. The first segment involves a mix of pedaling and descents, with manageable intensity. As we progress, the trail transitions into a full downhill experience, featuring flowy sections and rocky terrain. Exercise caution around the left-hand corners, as some may protrude unexpectedly, although our guide will provide warnings in advance.
Next, we’ll shuttle back to the BBS tower to tackle the “new trail,” entirely crafted by hand. Although some features have been removed due to safety concerns, the trail still offers a thrilling experience with its flowy sections, rooty terrain, and well-built berms. Upon completing the trail, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, where we can unwind with some beers and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Today, we’re embarking on a full day of riding, featuring a blend of 80% downhill and 20% uphill terrain, known locally as the “Mega Madman” trail combination. Our journey begins with a drop-off at Trashigang Goenpa, a tranquil spot frequented by those seeking meditation. From the parking area, we’ll embark on a leisurely one-hour bike hike to the summit.
Upon reaching the peak, we’ll descend along the Lungchutse trail towards Dochula Pass. This trail offers a mix of features including roots, which are typically non-slippery in the dry season, along with man-made steps for hiker assistance and natural jumps. Certain sections provide multiple line choices for added excitement. Upon completing this leg, we’ll transition to the renowned Mad Man trail, esteemed by local riders for its diverse challenges encompassing roots, loamy sections, rocks, jumps, and berms.
Upon arrival at Thinleygang, a satisfying lunch awaits. After lunch, our journey continues downhill, crossing a bridge and leading us to the riverbed. From here, we’ll embark on a gentle and contemplative climb until we reach Laptsakha village. Descending from there, we’ll reach Punakha Dzong via the trail thats been marked by the Trans Bhutan Trail, known for its smooth flow and being easy on the wrists and hands, providing a relaxing end to our day of riding.
Rest Day.
Begin your day with a picturesque hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhorten, offering breathtaking views as you traverse through verdant paddy fields. From this vantage point, marvel at the majestic panorama of the valley below. The temple itself stands as a remarkable testament to Bhutan’s architectural and artistic prowess, representing a unique treasure in the world.
Next, journey to Punakha Dzong, renowned as the most exquisite fortress in Bhutan. Admire the intricate details adorning this magnificent structure, where the head of Bhutan’s clergy and his monks reside during the winter months.
Hike for about 15 minutes to the Suspension bridge and adore the Pho Chhu and the view.
Today you will be riding one of the best downhill trails punakha has to offer. You will drive all the way to talo lhakhang. And descend down to punakha valley through beautiful forests and villages. The trail stretches 9km and 1000m of elevation drop. After lunch you will be shuttled to Limbukha which is home to multiple trails and descend down to punakha valley.
The trails for this particular mountain were built by the mountain biking community of Bhutan. We can always do multiple shuttles for this particular day as the trails in Liimbukha have a mix of everything for every rider can enjoy.
Following breakfast, we’ll shuttle our bikes to Samtengang, where we’ll access the nature trail. This trail features both ascents and descents, offering scenic vistas that are perfect for capturing beautiful photos.
Upon completing the trail, we’ll shuttle our bikes to Lawala Pass, where we’ll hike with our bikes to the summit.We’ll begin an exciting free ride, navigating down the mountain ridge towards the picturesque Phobjikha Valley below. As we descend, we’ll be greeted by sweeping vistas and the invigorating rush of wind against our faces, adding to the thrill of the adventure.
Upon our arrival in Phobjikha Valley, we’ll continue our journey by pedaling to our hotel, where we’ll have the opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate. To conclude the day on a luxurious note, we’ll indulge in a soothing hot stone bath experience, allowing our tired muscles to relax and our senses to be revitalized amidst the tranquil ambiance of the valley.
Today, we’ll embark on a cycling journey along a dirt road spanning 25km connecting two of Bhutan’s most enchanting valleys: Khotokha and Phobjikha. These valleys are often referred to as sister valleys due to their striking similarities. Khotokha is particularly renowned for its delectable potatoes, considered some of the best in Bhutan.
Upon reaching Khotokha, we’ll pause for a quick lunch at one of the farmhouses . Following our meal, we’ll embark on a bike hike to Moleyla Pass, a moderate ascent lasting approximately 50 minutes. From there, we’ll begin our descent along the Moleyla trail.
Prepare for an exhilarating ride as we encounter one of the most challenging rock garden sections in Bhutan. Even seasoned riders may find this technical stretch demanding, so it’s important to proceed with caution. As we navigate the trail, the terrain transitions from rocky to loamy, eventually leading into flowy sections adorned with natural berms, jumps, and switchbacks. Enjoy the varied landscapes and thrilling features as we make our way through this captivating trail. After the trail, you will be dropped to you hotel.
We’ll revisit the Punakha trails for another exhilarating ride before concluding our adventure and returning to Thimphu.
OR We will drive towards Paro, and after lunch we will hike the famous Tiger’s Nest.Hanging on a cliffside about 3000meters above seal level., The Tiger’s Nest is famous among Tourists and it is usually the highlight of their trip.The Tiger’s Nest/Paro Taktsang is one of the most important and iconic pilgrimage sites in Bh
We’ve saved the best for last. Our day begins with a shuttle ride to Jela Dzong from Thimphu. Perched strategically on a ridge, this ancient fortress served travelers between Paro and Thimphu for centuries. The Jela trail, renowned as one of Bhutan’s finest, spans approximately 12 kilometers from top to bottom. As we reach the end of the Jela trail, we’ll transition to the Uma trail, known for its rocky, off-camber, and technical terrain.
After a fulfilling lunch, we’ll drive up to Kila Gompa, believed to be the oldest nunnery in Bhutan, dating back to the 9th century. Our biking adventure at Kila Gompa begins with a 10-minute ride along the initial road, leading to a trail featuring loamy sections and hidden roots. The trail gradually transitions from loamy to flowy, eventually reaching a dirt road. Here, we’ll face a 15-minute bike hike, but the trail’s rewards make it well worth the effort. Continuing on, we’ll pass through Gorina village and connect to the Gorina trail, famed for its challenging rock garden and steep sections.
As we conclude our biking excursion, we’ll pedal back to our hotel for a farewell dinner, marking the perfect end to our Biking adventure in Bhutan.
After your Breakfast your guide will drop you to the Airport and bid you farewell.
General Information
What’s the price? And what’s included?
The price is $4200 per person with guaranteed departures! Hop on one of our preplanned mountain bike trips or bring a friend and choose your dates!
Included in this price are:
Not included:
NOTE: As this is Bhutan, things like route closures, weather, labor strikes, and landslides can cause unexpected changes in plans, so your cooperation when our itinerary needs to be flexible is appreciated.
Bhutan’s official currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), abbreviated as Nu. It’s tied to the Indian Rupee (INR) at par value, meaning that 1 Bhutanese Ngultrum is equivalent to 1 Indian Rupee. However, while the Ngultrum is the official currency, Indian Rupees are widely accepted in Bhutan, especially in border areas and for smaller transactions.
Here are some key points regarding money matters in Bhutan:
Currency Exchange: It’s advisable to exchange currency upon arrival in Bhutan. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and authorized exchange counters. Major currencies like US Dollars and Euros are commonly accepted.
ATMs and Credit Cards: While ATMs are available in major towns like Thimphu and Paro, they may not always accept international cards. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside of luxury hotels and some larger establishments, so it’s recommended to carry sufficient cash for smaller purchases and in more remote areas.
Daily Tariff: Travel to Bhutan is subject to a daily tariff imposed by the government, which covers accommodation, meals, transportation, and guide services. This tariff must be paid in advance through an authorized tour operator, and it’s typically quoted in US Dollars or Euros.
Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Bhutan, but it’s becoming more common in the tourism industry. If you feel that the service provided warrants it, you can offer a tip, but it’s not obligatory.
Cost of Living: Bhutan can be relatively expensive for travelers, especially compared to neighboring countries like India and Nepal. However, the daily tariff ensures a certain standard of service and helps preserve Bhutan’s unique culture and environment.
Bargaining: Bargaining is not a common practice in Bhutan, especially in formal establishments. Prices are usually fixed, although there may be some room for negotiation in markets and with street vendors.
Overall, while Bhutan may have its own currency and unique financial regulations, visitors can generally navigate money matters with ease, provided they come prepared with a mix of cash and alternative payment methods.
Each person is required to have a specific travel/trip insurance outside of your credit card or regular medical insurance.
You should get comprehensive coverage with trip interruption/cancellation and with personal liability. Mention all activities that you will be involved in such as mountain biking, hiking at high altitude and whatever other activities you may have planned.
We do not provide refunds. If you should get hurt or sick not only will travel insurance cover your medical expenses it will also cover the lost portion of the trip. Make sure you have trip interruption or trip cancellation included! South America is famous for people striking and shutting down all activities. If you miss your Machu Picchu trip, Galapagos or any other side trip, or even your flight due to strikes the insurance will cover the loss or additional costs that are incurred.
Check out our blog on travel insurance and why it is a must for any South America Vacation!
We include airport pick up and drop off at Paro (PBH) airport with your mountain bike.
On this 10 day itinerary we include arrival day and departure day.
A driver will be waiting at the Paro airport for you with a sign with your name. He will not arrive early. If you flight arrives early please wait for him to arrive at the original scheduled time of arrival.
We offer to pick you up any date you arrive. Therefore, if you would like to arrive early we will pick you up and store your bicycle for you.
We reccomend flying through Bangkok as that has the most amount of connecting flights to Paro.
This trip begins and ends in Paro. You will want to look for flights to Bangkok (BKK) which will always require a layover.
Check if you need a visa for any of the countries you may pass though such as China. Some countries require it even when passing though, others will allow you to stay in the airport in a special area without leaving. Be sure of your layover countries visa requirements.
Before booking flights look into how much baggage you are allowed and how much an oversized bag will cost you. All bicycles are oversized. The price ranges so check this before booking the flight. We recommend you call the airline beforehand.
IMPORTANT: Generally anytime you land in another country you need to get your luggage and rescan it or re-check it for security purposes. Every country is different so check ONCE YOU ARRIVE, do not count on the front desk lady who checked you in at your first airport. Make sure you have enough time during your layover for migrations and the bag check.
We recommend you bring a full-suspension all-mountain, trail, or enduro bike.
These days, the trail bikes have become more like enduro bikes and the enduro bikes have become more like DH bikes. Therefore, what we recommend is a full-suspension mountain bike with 140mm or more of suspension in the front and rear.
We also recommend that you have a tubeless tire setup and tires such as Maxxis Minion, Highroller, or Assegai.
For the bike:
Our Mountain bike tours include breakfast from your hotel, lunch and dinner on all days included in the tour.
All of our MTB rides include lunches at local restaurants or meals in the homes of locals who live on the trail. All of the food we eat for lunch is produced locally and more often than not organic.
Bhutan food mainly consists of rice with meat items like pork, beef, chicken, local trout, innards as well as vegetable items mainly cooked with cheese and fried vegetables. Bhutanese dishes are famous for having cheese and chillies. Might need some level of spice tolerance to have local food. We also get indian cuisine, we get pizzas, burgers. Although we are lacking in the food department, we have the best local beers in Bhutan.
If you have dietary restrictions please let us know so we can help you plan for the trip accordingly.
We provide snacks for the ride days. However, Bhutan does not have the same high calorie snacks that most developed countries have. Feel free to bring extra energy bars for the trail if you think you may want snacks you already enjoy!
We provide water for the rides. You will need a bottle or camepack to fill.
This mountain bike trip does provide dinner.
You can expect to ride 15-20 kilometers every day from day 3 on, day 2 is about 10 kilometers
We use 3 star hotels during the entire trip with double occupancy.
All meals are included on the Bhutan MTB vacation.
If you want a room to yourself, let us know and we can arrange that.
Price: $50 per person per night, 9 nights: $450 per trip
All add-ons can be purchased at check out.
Reviews
Traveling to Peru with Haku was absolutely incredible, Bill and Nic are truly amazing people and embedded in the local communities and riding scenes.
Our trip took us 10 days and gave us three unique expeditions culminating with a 3 day trip to Ausangate where we stayed with locals, rode epic terrain, saw amazing scenery and enjoyed the natural hot springs.
The riding was incredible, the scenery was amazing but what truly sets Haku apart is the people. When you travel with Bill and Nic you are part of their family and hence part of the community, they are thoroughly invested in the fabric of the community and it offers you such a candid and unfiltered view of this beautiful country and the people who make it so special.
Not only that, they are so incredibly well organized and thoughtful about every stage of the trip. From the food, snacks, accommodations, travel, scheduling, spare gear, bike support, airport transport.... it's a DIALED program.
Going with a group of core friends was great and allowed for a really cool bonding experience during a time when it meant the most. I will always remember this trip and the people I met along the way, I cannot thank Bill and Nic enough for this experience.
Do yourself a favour and book Haku.
This 10-day mtb adventure tour in Bhutan is for avid, intermediate to advanced mountain bikers who practice downhill, enduro, or XC-stye riding and want to be challenged and amazed with world-class terrain.
Mountain biking in Bhutan offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a novice, there’s no shortage of trails to explore and discoveries to be made in this Himalayan kingdom.
Our 10-day MTB Adventure Tour is ideal for you if:
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Haku Expeditions donates 1% of all profits to support local education programs.
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What’s the price? And what’s included?
The price is $4200 per person with guaranteed departures! Hop on one of our preplanned mountain bike trips or bring a friend and choose your dates!
Included in this price are:
Not included:
NOTE: As this is Bhutan, things like route closures, weather, labor strikes, and landslides can cause unexpected changes in plans, so your cooperation when our itinerary needs to be flexible is appreciated.
Our Cross Country MTB tours take you from one spectacular destination to the next. On these, you’ll cycle literally across whichever country you’re visiting. For instance, check out our Andes to the Amazon tour, where you travel from Cusco to the Peruvian Amazon.
Our current XC vacations are made up of long-distance rides on backcountry roads. If you are looking for XC singletrack, get in touch with us, and we’ll set up a one-of-a-kind MTB tour suited to your needs.
How we define XC: Anywhere from old logging or fire roads to rolling singletrack, Cross Country trails are generally long distances with both ascents and descents. While trails may be somewhat technical with rock gardens and tight switchbacks, they generally do not have intense steep rock gardens like those you might find in DH or Enduro racing.
An XC bike is often lighter with a slacker head tube angle for better climbing ability and tends to not have a dropper post although the trend is changing. Usually it will be a hardtail or a full suspension bike with a smaller amount of suspension — 100-130mm.
Most XC riders do not wear pads such as elbow or knee pads and wear a half-shell helmet.
Our MTB expeditions are multi-day trips that involve camping, hiking and/or local home stays in the mountains with cooks and porters. At the moment Haku Expeditions offers one complete mountain expedition and also two packages that combine an MTB vacation with a smaller expedition nestled in it.
The front travel for DH bikes is usually somewhere around 200mm with the rear measuring slightly less. Because they generally aren’t pedalled uphill, these bikes are rugged and heavy and usually have less gears. DH riders wear full-face helmets, goggles, and body armor.
At the moment we do not offer a 100% DH trip. Contact us and we can make a custom trip for you! Below, you’ll find our Enduro MTB tours listed that are mostly all downhill and can be done either with a DH bike or an Enduro bike.
How we define DH: DH riding – or Downhill riding — is regarded as an intense, extreme kind of cycling, made for advanced riders who love to navigate roots and rocks and huge drops with furious downhill speed. It requires a stellar sense of balance and technique and a bike with slacker geometry.
The front travel for DH bikes is usually somewhere around 200mm with the rear measuring slightly less. Because they generally aren’t pedalled uphill, these bikes are rugged and heavy and usually have less gears. DH riders wear full-face helmets, goggles, and body armor.
Our Enduro/All-Mountain MTB tours are by far our most popular trips to date. While some of them focus more on descent like Ecuador and Peru, others include plenty of pedaling such as those in Colombia and Nepal.
How we define Enduro/All Mountain: Enduro mountain biking, also known as All-Mountain biking, emphasizes technical ability. If you’re looking for a more adventurous ride, this is the kind of ride for you; usually, an Enduro/All-Mountain trail will involve adrenaline-pumping downhill mountain biking along with sustained climbs.
Enduro riders need bikes that can take burly drops and rugged technical obstacles efficiently while still being light enough to climb with; they almost always use full-suspension bikes with wide tires and longer rear and front suspension travel. Dropper post is a necessity and standard. The front suspension can be anywhere from 140mm to 170mm. Full-face enduro helmets and body amour are a must for Enduro racing.
1 – The Haku Christmas Drive, which includes yearly clothing giveaways, shoe drives, and a public hot chocolate panettone lunch.
2 – School supply giveaway for children of the High Andes.
3 – Bringing bread and fruit to kids living at elevations where none is available.
4 – Facilitating connections between local organic farmers and local restaurants.
5 – Affordable MTB classes for locals taught by professional coaches.
6 – Sustained commitment to hiring out locals to work as drivers, office workers, etc., allowing a great amount of flexibility for family commitments, and paying them fair, livable wages.
7 – Donating 1% of all profits to help educate children in a technical field such as carpentry.
8 – Helping young adults begin a small business working in their technical field or purchasing products from them to help them get started after high school.
1 – Getting your heart rate up isn’t really your thing, and you rarely (if ever) exercise. Your idea of a perfect vacation is total relaxation: sitting on a beach, sipping a mojito, and just generally vegging out.
2 – You don’t necessarily work out regularly but you aren’t averse to the idea of doing something active. Although you don’t exercise that often, you don’t necessarily consider yourself out of shape.
3 – You exercise one to two times a week but do not have a normal schedule that keeps you biking or doing other activities weekly. You don’t go to the gym or train for any specific sports but you lead a relatively active lifestyle by biking, hiking, skiing, or whatever it may be. For biking: climbs and long descents give you some trouble and you tend to get tired after about 2-3 hours on the bike.
4 – You exercise 3-4 times a week and enjoy physical activities such as biking, hiking, skiing. You are active. For biking: you enjoy climbs that are are moderately long and being on a bike for 3-5 hours in one day doesn’t get you too tired or fatigued.
5 – You exercise at least 4 times a week and are an avid athlete that is consistently in good shape. You’re more or less game for any kind of adventure. For biking: you’re comfortable with being on your bike for 5-7 hours a day.
6 – You live and die for exercise, sweat, and suffering. You only want to climb higher, go farther, and prove how much of an animal you are. Steep climbs, long descents and big days are something you are looking to do more of and you can’t wait for your next adventure.
Beginner:
You’ve been riding a mountain bike for a couple of years or less and you’re most comfortable on smooth single-track and wider, forgiving doubletrack. You like rides with scenic views; you like both ascending and descending on well-maintained, safe trails. You’re looking for an active but relaxing mountain bike vacation; you’re not into jumps, drops, super steep trails, rock gardens, roots or taking big risks on your bike.
Intermediate:
You’ve got two plus years of experience mountain biking on single-track trails under your belt; you’ve gotten pretty confident behind the handlebars and are beginning to expand your mountain bike abilities. You like riding most types of terrain, and you’re comfortable both climbing and descending on single-track trails with smaller technical features such as rocky sections, small drops, and small steep sections. You aren’t trying to walk on most of the trail and are looking to take small risks with things like speed, jumps, rock gardens, and stair sets to improve your skills as a mountain biker.
Intermediate Tech:
You’ve got three plus years of riding on singletrack trails of all sorts with features such as rock gardens, steep sections, rolls and drops, roots, and small jumps. You are confident on the bike in most situations. You’re constantly looking to improve your riding skills and enjoy riding for extended periods of time climbing and descending in terrain of all sorts.
Advanced:
Ten plus years of experience riding single-track, freerides and biking of all sorts. You live for steeps, jumps, rock gardens, techy trails, long descents, big ascents and discovering new terrain. Mountain biking is one of your passions and you are ready and confident to do what you love in a new and challenging place. You can handle anything we throw at you — jumps, rock gardens, steps, technical descents, tough ascents, etc. Biking is a central part of your life. For you, the bigger the challenge, the more excited you get.
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Last November I went on the trip of a lifetime. A group of my closest childhood friends visited Peru on a 10-day mountain bike trip. It was nothing short of FUCKING AMAZING. Having grown up riding bikes, I love every aspect of the sport that consumes my personal life. But that wasn’t what I was most excited for, it was to experience a new culture, a new landscape, and take in the raw elements of Peru. And doing it with close friends while welcoming each and every person we crossed paths with along the way. The Ausangate adventure day did just that - It revealed the true heritage and culture of the country, in a setting that was not surrounded by tourism. The raw experience of Peru that I was seeking, came during those 3 days at 10,000+ elevation.
Bill and Nic are complete legends and accommodated all of our needs flawlessly.