The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan tops many travel bucket lists. Once an isolated region shrouded in mystery, it is now a global leader in sustainable tourism, prioritizing the protection of its cultural and natural heritage. This tour introduces you to Bhutan's culture, landscapes, and proud people, combining excursions to historic sites and heritage institutions with a remarkable cycling route through picturesque valleys.
SpiceRoads CyclingYou'll begin in Paro, where you'll visit the National Museum and the city’s grand dzong, a fortified medieval Buddhist monastery. Then, you'll drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, where you'll learn about the country’s spirituality, crafts, and elusive national animal (the takin), before embarking on your inaugural ride into the woodlands north of town. Day 3 marks a rite of passage for cyclists in Bhutan as you conquer the formidable Dochula Pass, rewarded with a long, winding descent into the Punakha Valley, where you’ll spend two nights. Here, you can visit the country’s most photogenic dzong and bike across a long suspension bridge to enter an agrarian world of rice terraces.
Before returning to Paro, you'll treat (and challenge!) yourself with one final ride into Punakha’s hinterland, riding up and down densely forested hillslopes. Bhutan’s most iconic attraction — the Tiger’s Nest Monastery — is saved for last as you'll hike up to this fabled temple perched atop a cliff. The tour ends in Paro.