As I'm sure you know by now, I sucessfully completed the tour across Bhutan, cycling 100% of the way, which made me very satisfied. Thanks again for setting up the trip, you made it all so easy (well, not Thrumshing La, but that was up to me) read more

Day 1: Arrive in Paro
During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the evening you can stroll through the Paro market and town. Overnight in Paro.

Day 2: Paro
After breakfast in Paro, you'll go on a hike to Taktsang Monastery, which is perched on a cliff 900 meters above Paro valley. It is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rinpoche flew to the site of this monastery on the back of a tigress and meditated there for three months. You will stop for lunch at a restaurant that affords a great view of Taktsang. In the afternoon you can
visit Drugyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight in Paro.

Day 3: Paro - Thimphu
After breakfast, you will proceed to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. En route you'll stop at the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers. Nearby Thimphu, you'll visit the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in the kingdom. You'll spend the afternoon in Thimphu, visiting the King's Memorial Chorten and the majestic Tashichodzong, touring the Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum, and exploring the interesting handicraft shops. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha
The morning will be spent sightseeing in Thimphu, including visits to the National Library, the School of Arts and Crafts, and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. After lunch you will ride to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. In the evening you will visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. Later you can take a stroll around the market area in Punakha town. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 5: Punakha - Trongsa
After breakfast you'll begin your ride to Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La, and at certain times of year it's possible to see yaks. You can browse through the Trongsa shops and town in the afternoon. Overnight in Trongsa.

Day 6: Trongsa - Bumthang
In the morning you'll visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, and you'll also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this dzong. After lunch, you'll proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation, with lush valleys and hilly forests. The evening will be spent exploring the area. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 7: Bumthang
Bumthang consists of four valleys--Chumey, Choekhar, Tang, and Ura--with altitudes varying from 2,600 to 4,000 meters. It is home to many prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. You will tour Tamshing Lhakhang, a treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Then you'll visit Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley. In the afternoon you'll see Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places, and Jambey Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries, dating from the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. In the evening you can visit local shops. Bumthang is a good place to buy woven textiles (yethra), which are designed with patterns unique to the region, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 8: Bumthang
Day excursion to Ura Valley. The road to Ura Valley, off the main road, is well-suited for biking, and this enjoyable excursion will provide a nice view of the Jakar Dzong. You'll make a stop in Ura village for lunch and will have a chance to visit the main temple and explore the village. Ura Village has a medieval look to it because of the cobblestone streets, and the typical clothing of the women includes a sheepskin shawl. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 9: Bumthang
Day hike to Tharpaling Monastery. You'll begin the hike to Tharpaling in the morning, since this is a fairly lengthy hike--about three hours to the monastery. It's a picturesque trail through the forest. The monastery itself is somewhat large, with several temples, and about 100 monks live in the nearby huts. You'll have a spectacular view of Bumthang Valley while you eat your packed lunch. Overnight Bumthang.

Day 10: Bumthang - Wangduephodrang
You'll begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then ride to Wangduephodrang, where you can stroll through the town and visit the shops. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings and bamboo work. Overnight in Wangduephodrang.

Day 11: Wangduephodrang – Thimphu
After breakfast you'll ride to Thimphu. In the afternoon you can hike to Tango Monastery, which was built by the "Divine Madman" in the 15th century. It's a center of study for monks, and it affords a great view of the Thimphu Valley. On the grounds of the monastery is a "sin-testing" tunnel--it is said that if you have sinned, you will get stuck in the tunnel, and if you are without sin, you will go through with ease! Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 12: Thimphu - Paro
In the morning, you will ride to Paro, and in the afternoon you will visit the Paro Dzong and then tour the National Museum, formerly the watchtower for the dzong. It now houses a collection of fine arts, paintings, thankas, statues, and antiques. Overnight in Paro.

Day 13: Depart Paro