The Dragon Route: Bumthang to Thimphu
Ride the route of the Tour of the Dragon, one of the world's toughest one-day bike races, over four high passes spread across five unforgettable days.
The Tour of the Dragon covers roughly 268 km from Bumthang to Thimphu in a single day. We ride the same route over five days, crossing Kiki La, Yotong La, Pele La and Dochula with time to enjoy the dzongs and villages in between.
It's a serious ride with big climbs, suited to fit cyclists. The support vehicle is always close by.
Highlights
- Four high passes in five riding days
- Trongsa Dzong from the saddle
- The descent from Pele La
- Finishing in the capital, as the racers do
Day by day
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Day 1
Arrive in Paro
Meet your guide and settle in.
Paro valley · Photo: Abhijit Kar Gupta from Kolkata, India, CC BY 2.0 -
Day 2
Fly to Bumthang
A domestic flight to Bumthang (schedule permitting); bike fitting and an easy spin around Jakar.
Jakar Dzong · Photo: Arian Zwegers from Brussels, Belgium, CC BY 2.0 -
Day 3
Bumthang valley ride
Loop between the temples of the Bumthang valleys to warm up.
Bumthang valley · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 4
Bumthang to Trongsa
Over Kiki La and Yotong La (3,425 m), then down to Trongsa.
Trongsa · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 5
Trongsa to Gangtey
Climb to Pele La (3,390 m) past Chendebji Chorten, then descend into the Phobjikha valley.
Pele La · Photo: David Broad, CC BY 3.0 -
Day 6
Gangtey to Punakha
A long descent toward Wangdue and on to Punakha.
Punakha valley · Photo: David Broad, CC BY 3.0 -
Day 7
Punakha
A rest day, with an easy ride to Punakha Dzong.
Punakha Dzong · Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 8
Punakha to Thimphu
The final climb to Dochula and a roll down into the capital.
Dochula · Photo: David Broad, CC BY 3.0 -
Day 9
Thimphu to Paro
A relaxed transfer and a well-earned hot stone bath.
National Memorial Chorten · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 10
Depart
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight.
Paro International Airport · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0
Included on this journey
More journeys
Western Valleys by Bike
Ride Bhutan's classic western loop with a support vehicle: the long climb to Dochula and a glorious descent to Punakha.
Chele La & the Haa Valley
A short, sharp adventure: climb to Chele La, the great prayer-flag pass, and freewheel into the hidden Haa valley.
Wild East by Bike
For riders who want the road less travelled: Thrumshing La, cloud forest and the villages of Bhutan's far east.
Make it yours.
Tell us your dates and wishes, and we'll tailor this journey around you.
- Private & tailor-made
- Licensed by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism
- Every enquiry answered personally