MEDIA FACT SHEET
Bike Across Bhutan
Crossing Bhutan East to West by Bicycle
A 12-day cycling journey across Bhutan, beginning with Paro and Thimphu before flying east to Trashigang and riding west through remote valleys, high mountain passes, Bumthang, Trongsa, Gangtey and Punakha.
Main riding days range from 55 to 100 km. The route is defined by long climbs and descents rather than flat terrain, using paved national highways with generally light traffic and a support van available throughout the cycling days.
Fast Facts
Destination: Bhutan
Activity: Guided bicycle touring
Duration: 12 days
Start/finish: Paro
Main riding: 55-100 km per day
Level: Moderate
Terrain: Long mountain climbs, high passes & extended descents
Roads: Paved two-lane national highways; generally light traffic
Season: March to November
Lodging: Boutique hotels, mountain resorts & village farmstay
Support: Guide team + support van
Price: From $7495
What Makes the Journey Different
Most visitors see western Bhutan. This route first flies across the country to the eastern highlands near Trashigang, then crosses Bhutan by bicycle from east to west, linking regions that differ markedly in landscape, architecture and daily life.
The riding is unmistakably Himalayan: long steady climbs, passes above 3,000 meters, dramatic descents and roads that move from semi-tropical valleys through broadleaf forest, conifers and rhododendron country. Cultural days and village stops keep the journey from becoming simply a sequence of mountain passes.
Editorial Angles
Bhutan Beyond the Western Valleys
Flying to Yonphula and beginning the crossing near Trashigang opens a less-visited side of Bhutan before the route works west through Mongar, Ura, Bumthang and Trongsa.
A Himalayan Road Where Every Pass Changes the Landscape
Climbs to Korila, Thrumshing La, Sheytang La, Yotong La, Pele La, Lawala and Dochula move riders through striking changes in altitude, vegetation and valley character.
Monasteries and Village Life Between the Big Climbs
Tiger's Nest, Bumthang temples, dzongs, Yathra weaving, village farms and small eastern towns make Bhutanese culture part of the route rather than an add-on to the cycling.
Across Bhutan from East to West
- Paro & Thimphu: Arrive in Paro, fit bikes in Thimphu and hike to Paro Taktsang before the cycling crossing begins.
- Trashigang to Mongar - 77 km: Fly east to Yonphula, then begin the main ride with river-valley cycling, a climb to Korila Pass and the descent to Mongar.
- Mongar to Ura - 100 km: Descend to Lingmethang, climb toward Thrumshing La and ride one of the most dramatic sections of Bhutan's east-west road.
- Ura, Bumthang & Trongsa - 55-67 km stages: Cross Sheytang La and Yotong La, with a non-riding day among Bumthang's temples and historic sites.
- Trongsa to Gangtey - 78 km: Ride past Chendebji Chorten, climb Pele La and continue toward the high valleys around Gangtey and Phobjikha.
- Punakha to Thimphu - 75 km: Finish the cycling with the long climb to Dochula Pass and a forested descent back toward the capital.
How Pedalers Runs the Trip
Guides: The Pedalers guide team manages navigation, mountain-road logistics, cultural visits and daily riding support throughout the crossing.
Bicycles: Quality bicycles are provided and fitted with wider tires to better handle Bhutan's paved but sometimes coarse road surfaces.
Support: The support van carries luggage and drinking water and leapfrogs ahead to practical stopping points rather than following directly behind riders on narrow mountain roads. The guide team stays in contact so the van can return when a rider wants a lift or a break from climbing.
Accommodation: The route mixes Bhutanese-style hotels and mountain resorts with a village farmstay in Ura. Current properties include Terma Linca, Druk Deothjung Resort, Hotel Ugyen Ling, Taj Gangtey and Dhensa Boutique Resort.
Food: Meals combine Bhutanese cooking with Indian and international choices. Rice, vegetables, soups, curries and local dishes are common, with guides helping guests navigate Bhutan's enthusiasm for chilies.
About Pedalers
Pedalers has operated small-group active journeys since 1987, specializing in cycling, walking and canoe trips built around local knowledge, thoughtfully designed routes, regional food and distinctive accommodations.
The company focuses on destinations its team knows firsthand rather than maintaining a large global catalog.