Bhutan - Thunder Dragon Ride (12 days)

A complete bike traverse of the land of the Thunder Dragon ~ Challenging climbs and endless descents ~ Taktsang Monastery, the 'Tiger's Lair' ~ Bhutan's colourful people ~ One of the best cycle tours in the world

Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Delhi. Complimentary airport transfers are provided for clients arriving on this day. KE group package services begin with lunch.  
Day 2: We take the spectacular onward flight to Bhutan's only airport at Paro. After checking in to our hotel, we have time for a visit to the Taktsang Monastery.   
Day 3: An early start biking on the new road towards Thimpu but turning off over the Dochu La. A stunning 1700m/5578ft descent to the Punakha Valley. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong. 
Day 4: One of the most challenging biking days lies ahead as we climb over the Black Mountains that lead us to Gantey, the winter home of the Himalayan Black Neck Crane. 
Day 5: Our route today continues across the Chele La to Tongsa, overlooking the spectacular Dzong. We visit the Dzong in the afternoon and may even see some Bhutanese archery.  
Day 6: Another climb to the Yutong La (3400m/11,155ft) and a descent into Bumthang. There is a further short climb to the Kiki La, beyond which we coast down to Jakar.  
Day 7: The Ura La provides another major ascent, followed by a long swooping descent through pasture and farmed land to our camping place at Ura Village.  
Day 8: A long and gradual ascent to the Thumsing La (3800m/12,468ft), the last of the big climbs. Then an enjoyable, beautiful descent and a final climb to Mongar.
Day 9: A more modest climb to the Kori La, then another superb descent to the Sheri River and a final taxing climb up to our lodge in the town of Tashigang.
Day 10: Turning southwards towards India, we have two long days. We initailly climb to Kanglung and cross several passes to reach Khaling, famous for its weaving and handicraft.   
Day 11: We climb to another small pass at 2450m/8038ft, before descending and then following an undulating ridge-top road to Samdrup Jongkhar and the Indian Border.  
Day 12: Cross the border and drive to Gauhati airport. Fly to Delhi, transfer to hotel for showers and dinner before late evening complimentary transfers back to Delhi Airport.

Operated by KE Adventure

Departures: May, October & November