Bhutan Multisport
Biking & Hiking the Himalayan Kingdom
Nestled between India and Tibet, the exquisite mountain kingdom of Bhutan is isolated and protected by mighty Himalayan peaks. Because few visitors are allowed to enter the country, daily rituals remain sacred and the landscape is relatively undeveloped. Tradition and Buddhism infuse every facet of life here, from the jingling brass bells of prayer wheels to ornate monasteries perched high above terraced rice paddies. To complement our skilled Backroads Trip Leaders, Namgay Tsering, one of the best guides we've met in Asia and a former National Assembly member, joins us to proudly share his country's cultural and religious wonders.
Trip Planning Links
- Immersion into an ancient landscape where life's daily rituals remain sacred
- Namgay, our local guide and longtime friend, opens doors normally closed to foreign travelers
- Bike through Bhutan's culturally and scenically rich valleys - you'll be one of the few!
- Hike to secluded Buddhist temples and monasteries, including the famed Tiger's Nest
- Exchange ideas with Buddhist monks and receive a blessing
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 paro valley
Meet in Bangkok, Thailand, and fly to Paro, Bhutan 
Bike to Drukgyel Dzong, a monastic fortress built to commemorate a 1644 victory over the Tibetans Investigate the massive fortress of Paro Dzong On footpaths frequented by locals, hike to the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang temple.
Days 3-4 thimphu
In the capital city of Thimphu, experience vibrant Bhutanese painting, sculpture and textile arts Ride to the village of Dechencholing, and ascend on foot to Cheri Goemba Monastery Join a Buddhist historian for a lively discussion and hear about the significance of Buddhism in every aspect of daily life and politics.
Days 5-6 punakha
Shuttle over the Dochu La mountain pass and take in panoramic views of snowcapped Himalayan peaks Walk through pine forests to a unique Bhutanese fertility temple Engage with monks in between their Buddhist meditations Hike to Chorten Nebu, a 14th-century temple accessible only by foot and seldom visited by foreigners Pedal past small villages and rice paddies on your return to Punakha.
Days 7-9 paro
Visit Punakha Dzong, the winter capital of Bhutan for more than 300 years Explore the tiny mercantile shops of Paro Follow an ancient path to the Taktshang teahouse, situated at 9,200 feet and offering superb views of the surrounding valley and the otherworldly Taktshang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest Fly to Bangkok.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This was a trip of a lifetime; the beautiful country of Bhutan, the hiking/biking adventure, the guides and the group with whom we traveled. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to see Bhutan at this time, while it is unaffected. I was unprepared to fall so in love with the people and the land.- Tres Piedras, NM More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Bhutan tour experts. For multisport tours in Asia & the Pacific, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Asia & the Pacific multisport tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Asia & the Pacific biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Asia & the Pacific walking and hiking tours click here.
Bhutan Multisport
HIMALAYAN HOSPITALITY: Premiere Inns*
Zhiwa Ling Hotel
Paro Valley (2 nights) With impressive masonry and elaborate hand-carved cornices, this hotel on a verdant mountainside combines Bhutanese hospitality with modern conveniences, including a spa, fitness center and gourmet restaurant.
Tashi Taj Hotel
Thimphu (2 nights) Designed in Bhutanese dzong architectural style, and just steps away from cultural sites and the market.
Meri Puensum Resort
Punakha (2 nights) With views across the rice fields and orange groves of the Punakha Valley, this traditional lodging is simple yet comfortable.
* Casual Inn
Uma Paro
Paro (2 nights) This five-star hotel welcomes with luxurious guest rooms, gourmet dining and a spa with traditional hot stone and herbal treatments.
Bhutan Multisport
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 11, 20 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 1 mile
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 3.7 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 1 to 2 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 1 hour
- Hiking 4 Miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Cultural Activities
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 4 Route Options Available
- Walking 3.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 2 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Optional Biking 11, 23 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 10 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 2.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 3.3, 5 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 11 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Levels 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 2 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 3.5, 6.1 miles
- 1500 - 2500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 7.5 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 9
- Conclusion of Trip