The Heart of Bhutan Bike Tour

Shangri-la, a land of secluded valleys and peaceful villages, hidden by towering snow capped mountains, ruled by a wise king and untouched by the outside world for centuries. Hollywood has presented this fantasy to us many a time, but this fabled land really does exist outside the world of Hollywood, in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Bhutan will enchant you with its wondrous landscapes, it's friendly peoples, it's delightful culture unscarred by outside influences. It's a country where the king led his people towards a greater GNH (Gross National Happiness) not a GNP.

Long isolated from the rest of the modern world by the Himalayas, the country preserves its traditions and values. Traditional dzongs (fortress like monasteries) dot the countryside, handing down centuries of Buddhist traditions. Thick primeval forests still cover much of the countryside, broken up by cascading rivers and small villages are surrounded by rice paddies and fruit orchards. Our ride through the Kingdom takes in all of this and more as we pedal part way across the country from the capital of Thimphu to Jakar in the central regions of Bhutan. Along the way we will explore the farming regions around Wangdue, the Black Mountains and a number of renowned dzongs.

From Jakar we will shuttle back to Thimphu for the second leg, a exclusive loop ride south along the country's main river system, then into the Haa Valley, an area only recently opened to tourist. We'll tackle Chelela Pass from where we enjoy a 36 kms descent a fitting finale to the cycling leg. Our last day in Bhutan, we will enjoy a hike to visit the fabled Tigers Nest Monastery, with permits to visit the monastery itself rather than just going to a nearby overlook like most tours do. Join us for a unique cycling tour through Shangri-la . . . . the Kingdom of Bhutan.