Day 1
Arrival in The Land of Happiness
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.
Day 2
Thimphu – Capital of Happiness
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.
Day 3
Mega Madman
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.
Day 4
Punakha Discovery - 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.
Day 5
Say Hello to Talo
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 Limbukha have a mix of everything for every rider can enjoy.
