 Chuck and Judy Nichols traveled through western Bhutan and found one of the most exotic bike rides in the world! Our route stretches from Paro to Bumthang and is filled with majestic mountain scenery, intriguing dzongs (Buddhist monasteries), lush valleys and friendly local people. The uncrowded road winds past smiling children and through small towns that seem to be of another century. Pastoral valleys filled with rice fields lead to forests of pine and rhododendron. The mountain passes are adorned with colorful prayer flags and stupas that frame the towering snow capped Himalayas in the distance.
Bhutan is known as Druk Yul, the “land of the peaceful dragon.” Nestled between Tibet and India, this small landlocked kingdom, is a magical region of breathtaking landscapes, unspoiled forests, picturesque valleys and extraordinary monasteries that cling to sheer cliff walls. Bhutan's peaceful folk and tradition-steeped lifestyle make this a wonderful cultural adventure and one of the Earth's most spectacular and unique destinations for bicycling.
For years Bhutan deliberately isolated itself from the outside world and has only recently opened its borders to visitors. In Bhutan the Buddhist culture is integrated into every aspect of daily life, and those fortunate enough to visit describe it as a unique, deeply spiritual and mystical experience. Here,  success is measured by Gross National Happiness, an extraordinary concept that seeks to improve the quality of life in Bhutan by promoting economic self-reliance, preservation of the environment and maintaining Bhutan's unique culture.
On this bike tour, we will be riding paved roads with support vehicles following the group so you can ride as much as you like. The altitude is moderate; our highest pass is 11,300 ft. and the hotels where we sleep are between 4000 - 9400 ft. In addition to biking, we will have time for hiking and visiting several important monasteries. This is the perfect blend of culture and adventure and we hope you will join us on this outstanding bike tour!
We will provide an itinerary for the exact number of days that you choose to be in Bhutan. Below is a sample itinerary to check out. Shorter itineraries can easily be arranged.
 Day 1: Morning flight – (flights can be arranged from Bangkok, New Delhi and Calcutta to Paro, Bhutan) Our early morning flight to Bhutan crosses the Himalayas and has spectacular views of Bhutan’s awesome peaks. Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to our hotel. In the afternoon you’ll visit the Dzong in Paro. Overnight in Paro, (7,600 ft.)
Day 2: Paro After breakfast you’ll hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery. Guru Rinpoche was said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. This picturesque monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff 3000 ft. above the Paro Valley. Overnight in Paro, (7,600 ft.)
Day 3: Paro – Thimpu (34 mi.) Todays ride is fairly level. Even though Thimpu is the capital of Bhutan, the population is under 50,000. Grab your camera and get ready for a smorgasbord of Bhutans sights and culture. Thimpu 7,600 ft.
Day 4: Thimphu Sightseeing (23 mi.) The day’s possibilities are many and your wishes will help dictate the itinerary from a grand list sights that includes the Textile Museum, a Folk Heritage Museum and a weaving center. There is also fun 23 mi. ride north of the city to a remote dzong. Overnight in the same hotel in Thimphu – 7600 ft.
Day 5: Thimphu to Wangdue (40 mi.)
We depart Thimphu in the morning and the choice is yours to either ride your bike or take a van transfer to the top of Dochu La Pass. On a clear day there are spectacular views of the Himalayas framed by white stupas on the pass. After lunch, the reward is a 26 mi. downhill to Wangdue. Keep your eyes open for monkeys perched in the trees! Hotel in Wangdue – 5500 ft.
Day 6: Wangdue to Trongsa (45 mi.) 
This is our longest day and we will be using the support vehicles for a portion of the road to the top of Pele La Pass (11,200 ft.). Our ride is a fun roller coaster route on a spectacular road where you might see herders with their yaks.
Hotel in Trongsa – 6950 ft.
Day 7: Trongsa to Bumthang (42 mi.)
After leaving Trongsa, the climb takes us to the highest point of the trip, Yotong La Pass (11,300 ft.). The choice is yours to either ride your bike or take a van transfer to the top of the pass. The afternoon is a roller coaster ride that is mostly downhill with a few short climbs before we reach Bumthang where we will spend the next 2 nights. Hotel in Bumthang – 8500 ft
 Days 8: Bumthang sightseeing
Today, the activities are up to you. There are a number of cultural sights within walking and riding distance or you can take a day to yourself and relax. Overnight in the same hotel in Bumthang – 8500 ft.
Day 9: Bumthang to Punakha (30 mi.)
We depart in the morning by van and retrace our route toward Pele La Pass. The bike ride begins after lunch and is almost all downhill to Punakha where we will visit the spectacular Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, a Buddhist saint who unified Bhutan in the 17th century. Hotel in Punakha – 4000 ft.
Day 10: Punakha to Paro (15 mi.)
We depart in the morning by van, retrace our route toward Dochu La Pass and finish with a ride down the pass to Thimphu. We drive to Paro. Farewell dinner and hotel in Paro – 7600 ft.
Day 11: Return flight to Bangkok, New Delhi or Calcutta
We say our goodbyes to the Bhutanese crew and your flight departs in the morning for Paro.
ITINERARY CHANGES MAY BE MADE DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL OR BY DISCRETION OF GROUP LEADERS. All the services described above are arranged weeks or months in advance of your trip. If airline schedule changes, unusual weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control prevent us from operating the services according to the schedule described above, we will attempt to substitute services of equivalent value. If we are unable to do so, passengers may be responsible for additional costs due to circumstances beyond our control.
 DATES: Year around dates are available for this tour. The best weather for cycling is March -June and Sept – Dec. Summer months can be rainy and winter months will be quite cool.
PRICE:$250 US /night double occupancy, $400 single supplement. There will be a surcharge of $30/day/pp for groups less than 4 people. Rental bike: $100 US. Round trip air from Bangkok is approx. $800 US and slightly less from New Delhi and Calcutta.
TRIP COST INCLUDES: All hotels and meals in Bhutan, sightseeing, all ground transportation in Bhutan, entrance fees, English-speaking local guide and driver.
TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: International flight to Asia, round trip flight Bangkok to Bhutan (approx. $800 US), travel Insurance, excess baggage charges, beverages (alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water), optional gratuities for guide and drivers, Bhutan visa fee – $20, Paro airport tax – $20
RENTAL BIKES: The roads are mostly paved, but a bit rough in places. We will be supplying you with a Trek mountain bike that has a front shock, road tires and adjustable handlebars.
IF YOU WANT TO BRING YOUR OWN BIKE: You can bring a road, hybrid or mountain bike with new 32-35c road tires, triple front chain rings suggested, 26 x 32 low gear recommended for the mountain passes. There are no bike shops that sell bike parts in the region where we will be riding, so you will need to be sure your bike is in excellent condition and that you bring any spare parts that might be needed.
THE GUIDES: Our Bhutan staff includes an experienced bilingual guide and a driver who will be with the group throughout the tour.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY ON THE RIDE: You have the choice to make the ride as difficult or easy as you like. There will be opportunity to climb many of the passes and you may also choose to take a ride to the top of the passes and make this a mostly downhill cruise. We welcome intermediate and advanced riders.
WHAT ABOUT THE BIKES: A bike rental is included in the tour cost. In Bhutan, we have a fleet of Trek 3900 mountain bikes with disc brakes. The bikes have straight handlebars, comfortable seats, low gears, 1.5" road tires for a smooth ride and flat pedals without toe cages. Bring your own pedals with toe cages or clipless pedals if you would like. The smaller bikes have 1 water bottle holder and the larger bikes have 2 holders.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
PASSPORT: You must have a current Passport and MAKE SURE IT DOES NOT EXPIRE WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF THE COMPLETION OF YOUR TRIP. If you need to renew your passport, please do so ASAP as delays can happen.
VISAS: All travelers to Bhutan must have a Visa (cost is $20 US). We will arrange the Visas for you. Once we receive your final trip payment we will submit your Visa Application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. When you arrive in Bhutan the Visa will be stamped in your passport and will be valid for 15 days.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
CROSSING THE INTERNATIONAL DATELINE - PLEASE NOTE: You will be crossing the International Date Line and lose a day on your flight to Asia. Please double check with the airlines to make sure that your flight will arrive on time for the tour meeting.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT FROM THE USA FROM TO BANGKOK, NEW DELHI OR CALCUTTA: You must arrive in Bangkok, New Delhi or Calcutta by the early evening the day prior to the flight to Bhutan Your lodging on this night will not be included in the trip cost. However, WE STRONGLY SUGGEST arriving a day early. This will give you time to get over jet lag and deal with any flight or baggage delays. PLEASE NOTE: You will be crossing the International Date Line and lose a day on your flight to Asia. Please check with the airlines to make sure that your flight will arrive on time..
FLIGHTS TO BHUTAN: PLEASE NOTE: We will make your airline reservations on Druk Air from Bangkok, New Delhi or Calcutta to Paro and invoice you after the current airfares are announced. Bangkok – Bhutan roundtrip airfare is approximately $800.
RETURN FLIGHT FROM BHUTAN: You will return to Bangkok, Calcutta or New Delhi in the late afternoon of the last day of the tour. Please do not schedule any afternoon or early evening flights. NOTE: Hotel lodging is not included in this night.
THE SECRET TO STRESS FREE TRAVEL: Simply put, arrive at the starting point of your trip a day or two early. Many have told us this was one of the most important things they did to get ready for their trip. They felt rested and over their jet lag.
TRAVEL DELAYS: Nichols Expeditions is not responsible for any costs you may incur due to delays with transportation (airline or other), weather, road conditions, government intervention, sickness or other contingencies for which we are unable to control. For international flights, it is necessary to arrive 2-3 hours prior to departure (check with your carrier). If you miss your flight and we need to provide a special shuttle for you to meet up with the group, you will be responsible to pay for all extra costs.
BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT BHUTAN
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR CLOTHING IN BHUTAN: In general, the Bhutanese dress modestly, so anything revealing is discouraged and men should not go shirtless. On the bike ride and while hiking, it is OK for men and women to wear shorts and T-shirts, but while walking around in the towns you should wear long pants or a skirt. In the dzongs and temples, the legs and arms must be covered, and even three-quarter-length capri pants are not acceptable.
HOTELS: All hotels in Bhutan are approved by the Bhutan Department of Tourism. They are clean and comfortable 2-3 star with restaurants on the premises.
ELECTRICITY: In Bhutan, the electricity is 220 Volts and outlets require EU-style 2-round pin plugs. If you bring electrical appliances and battery chargers, make sure they will operate on 220 volts (usually written on the item) and bring several EU-style 2-round pin adapter plugs.
FOOD: The restaurants serve a pleasant variety of dishes. It is no problem if you are a vegetarian or if you have food allergies. Just let your guide know and they will instruct the chefs on what type of food to prepare for you.
WEATHER: Mountain weather is changeable! Daytime temps are 50 – 80 F and nighttime temps can be around 40 F. Rain is always a possibility, so be sure to bring good raingear that includes BOTH a rain jacket with a hood that fits over your bike helmet and rain pants.
LANGUAGE: Dzongkha is the official language and there are a large number of local dialects. English is widely spoken, and our guide is bi-lingual.
SHOPPING: There will be numerous shopping opportunities to buy local clothing, handcrafts and jewelry. In Bhutan, you will often be purchasing from the person who made the item.
CELL PHONES: Bhutan has GSM 900MHz cell phone service, so you will need a multi-band GSM phone with international coverage. There is network available throughout our tour, and we were able to use our Blackberry phone with AT&T international service everywhere. Contact your service provider for the right international plan.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS AND ATM’S: There are no ATM machines in Bhutan and there are very few places that will accept credit cards.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE: The currency of Bhutan is the Bhat. You can exchange USA traveler’s checks or dollars in the airport in Bangkok, Paro and in some of the hotels in Bhutan. Be sure to bring only NEW BILLS IN GOOD CONDITION with no rips, tears or pieces missing from the bills. Contact your bank in advance so they will have new bills for you.
MONEY NEEDS: The traveling money you will need on the tour is for beverages, shopping and tipping of the local staff in Bhutan. $300 US should cover these expenses, but bring more if you really like to shop.
HEALTH INFORMATION
IMMUNIZATIONS: For all travelers, we suggest keeping your tetanus immunization up to date (every 10 years), and we suggest a Hepatitis A immunization, too. You can check your state health department, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or the online traveler’s data base http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/asia/bhutan.html for the most current information.
COLDS & FLU: Check with your doctor so see if any of your current medications lower your immunity. Airplane flights, different cities or your neighbor’s kids could all be a source of germs, and no one wants to be sick on vacation! To keep yourself healthy ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE EATING. We also recommend using HAND SANITIZER.
ALTITUDE: The altitudes we will encounter on the tour are between 4000 to 11,300 ft. This is similar to skiing in the western US where you exercise high during the day and sleep lower at night. At the beginning of the tour we will spend several days acclimatizing at 7-8000 ft. before we ride any of the passes. At first you might experience a mild shortness of breath, but your body should adapt in a day or two. To aid acclimatization, slow your pace a bit the first day at altitude, drink plenty of fluids, eat mostly carbohydrates, do not smoke and reduce your alcoholic beverage consumption.
THE KEY TO COMFORTABLE TRAVEL is simple - PACK LIGHT and FOLLOW THE EQUIPMENT LIST. Purchasing quality clothing and good rain gear will prepare you for any weather you might encounter on the tour. We strongly suggest synthetic clothing for its ability to keep you comfortable, pack compactly in your suitcase and launder easily by hand in your hotel room. Please follow the equipment list and only bring what is necessary.
The mountain weather in Bhutan is changeable! Daytime temps are 50 – 80 F and nighttime temps can be around 40 F. Rain is always a possibility.
This equipment list is based on what we personally used on this tour and from the feedback we received from guests who joined us.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
__ PASSPORT - MAKE SURE YOUR PASSPORT DOES NOT EXPIRE WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF THE COMPLETION OF YOUR TOUR! Make a copy of the first 2 pages of your Passport and carry it separate form your Passport in case your documents are lost or stolen.
__ Airlines tickets and a copy of your itinerary
__ Travelers checks &/or cash
__ Pouch for carrying passport and money around your neck or on a belt
CLOTHING
For Travel:
__ Comfortable travel clothing - for flights to/from Asia, these clothes as well as anything else that you will not need for the Bhutan Bike Tour can be left Bankok at our hotel near the airport.
For Tour:
__ Sunglasses with strap - if prescription, bring a spare pair
__ Prescription glasses or contacts - bring spares
__ Brimmed hat or baseball cap - for sun protection
__ Wool or synthetic ski hat - thin enough to fit under bike helmet for warmth
__ Bike helmet - all riders are required to wear one while riding
__ Bike jerseys - 2 brightly colored for visibility
__ Short sleeved t-shirts - 4 quick drying synthetic
__ Long-sleeved shirts - quick drying synthetic, for evenings
__ Long-sleeved t-neck or bike jerseys - 2 mid-weight synthetic
__ Pile shirt or wool sweater - windproof pile works great
__ Warm jacket - quilted synthetic or down, easy to compress into a small stuff sack
__ Underwear, sports bras
__ Bike shorts - 2 padded lycra cycling shorts to prevent chafing
__ Bike tights or long underwear - synthetic, for cold descents on the bike
__ Long pants - 2 quick drying synthetic, zip-off leg convertible pants also double as shorts
__ Shorts for hiking - quick drying synthetic, or zip-off the legs of your convertible pants!
__ Rain gear - YOU NEED BOTH A JACKET W/ HOOD & PANTS, waterproof-breathable fabric, a jacket with a hood that fits over your bike helmet will keep you drier and warmer, rain pants will make you impervious to the weather!
__ Bike gloves
__ Long finger gloves - windproof, size to fit over bike gloves, for cold descents
__ Socks - 2-3 pr. for cycling & walking, synthetic or wool
__ Comfortable shoes for walking - all walks are in towns or on good trails
__ Bike shoes - STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to help increase pedaling efficiency & reduce foot fatigue
__ Bandana – many uses
TOILETRIES
__ Toilet kit - shampoo, skin lotion, toothpaste, etc., put all liquids in ziplocs to prevent spills
__ Small toilet kit - for your carry-on bag, pack sample size products in a quart-size ziploc for TSA security
__ Earplugs - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for a good night's sleep
__ Waterless hand sanitizer - 1 oz. bottle for quick hand washing before eating
__ Sun screen & lip screen - essential for the high altitude, waterproof, SPF 30 minimum
PERSONAL ITEMS
__ Small insect repellent
__ Headlamp or flashlight – install new batteries & bring spare batteries, power outages can occure anywhere
__ Small roll of toilet paper & a few extra ziplocs (for used paper) packed in qt. ziploc bag
__ Travel alarm
__ Extra ziploc bags - bring a few extras in assorted sizes
__ Water bottles - 2 bike bottles or a 2 qt. hydration system
SMALL PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT - pack in a ziploc or small zippered bag
Bring items to prevent/treat each of the following potential problems:
__ (travelers diarrhea) – Ciprofloxacin antibiotic, Imodium, anti-acid, Pepto-Bismol tablets
__ (pain relief) - aspirin/ibuprofen/Tylenol/Aleve
__ (colds & allergy) - cold-symptom relief tablets, antihistamines, cough drops
__ (motion sickness) - Dramamine - less drowsy or Bonine (if you get carsick on curvy roads)
__ (wounds & blisters) - antibiotic cream, Hydrocortisone cream, cloth band-aids, 1" first aid
tape, moleskin, sm. roll of duct tape for blister prevention, 2nd skin, small scissors
NOTE: MAKE SURE ALL PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS ARE IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITH YOUR NAME ON THEM!
OPTIONAL PERSONAL ITEMS
__ Collapsible hiking poles - essential for walking downhill if you have knee problems, we have one long hike and several shorter hikes, we recommend 2 poles instead of just one
__ Camera - soft case, spare batteries, charger & plug adaptor, extra memory cards, small tabletop tripod, lens cleaner, lens tissue, soft lens brush
__ Binoculars, book, journal, pocket knife (pack properly for airport security)
__ Energy bars/snacks – 1-2 per day, WE SUGGEST bring your favorites from home
__ Laundry kit - 1 cup powdered laundry detergent (pack in seperate ziploc), 8-10 clothespins, 25 ft. of 1/8" nylon rope for a clothesline, pack everything in a 1 qt. ziploc or sm. zipper bag
OPTIONAL BIKE ITEMS - a rental bike is included in the tour cost
__ Your own bike seat (rental bikes have comfortable seats)
__ Your own pedals with either toe cages or clipless pedals
__ Bike shoes with cleats for your clipless pedals
__ Your own bike - Road or hybrid bike with NEW 28-35c tires, a triple front chainring, 26 x 32 low gear for the hills & altitude NOTE: YOUR BIKE MUST BE IN GOOD REPAIR WITH NEW TIRES & TUBES! We carry tools for minor adjustments and there are no bike shops in Bhutan.
__ Bike case - a plastic bike case (best) or cardboard bike box, pad & pack bike securely (with help from your bike shop if it is your first time), you can pack clothing & shoes in the case along with the bike, the case will be stored in Paro during the tour
__ 2 spare inner tubes to fit your tire & wheel size, inner tube patch kit
__ Tools to build up your bike
__ Rear carrier with bike bag, handlebar bag, pannier or small daypack to carry snacks, rain gear, camera and sunscreen as needed during the day
BAGS & PACKS
__ Medium-size suitcase or duffel - for your checked bag
__ Daypack - for your carry-on bag, also for your camera and rain gear while riding or walking
__ Small duffel - if you want to leave traveling clothes and any other items at the hotel in Bangkok
__ TSA approved padlocks - to lock zippers on all bags
__ Ziploc bags - assorted sizes, for small items like liquids, books, camera, etc.
PLEASE NOTE: Baggage weight limits for the flight from Bangkok to Bhutan - Checked Bag 44 lbs., and Carry-on Bag 11 lbs.
NOTES ON PERSONAL BICYCLE EQUIPMENT
BIKE HELMET – The pros wear them and so should you! A good helmet, along with your own common sense, is your best protection against the lifelong debilitation a head injury can cause. Replace your old helmet with a new one at the first sign of cracks, frayed straps or broken buckles. During the tour, all riders are required to wear a helmet.
SUNGLASSES – A good pair of sunglasses is all it takes to prevent an eye injury from road debris or an insect. Make sure they fit properly with your helmet. Consider replaceable or photochromatic lenses for different light levels, and bring a spare pair just in case.
TOE CAGES & STRAPS – (optional) Rental bikes come with flat pedals. If you want toe cages and straps, please bring your own pedals with the toe clips and straps. Also, shoes without heavily lugged soles make it easier to pull your foot out of the toe cage.
CLIPLESS PEDALS – (optional) Clipless pedals and bike shoes with a cleat offer more pedal power. Make sure you are completely comfortable riding, stopping and starting with them before you bring them on a tour. For bike touring, pedals with recessed cleats make it easier and safer to walk. We suggest either Shimano SPD pedals (they are adjustable) or Crank Brothers Egg Beater pedals (they are lighter).
BIKE SHOES – (optional) Simply put, a properly fit bike shoe will increase your pedaling efficiency and reduce foot fatigue. For bicycle touring, we recommend either a mountain bike or touring style shoe rather than a racing shoe. These styles flex a bit to make walking easier, and if you use clipless pedals, your cleat will be recessed for safer walking. If you have custom footbeds or orthotics, consider trying them in your bike shoes.
Packing Hint #1: Limit your luggage to a carry-on daypack and a checked suitcase/duffel bag with a sm. duffel packed inside. The small duffel can be used to leave items in Bangkok or for any souvenirs that you buy in Bhutan.
Packing Hint #2: Freezer-weight Ziploc plastic bags are strongest and see-through. They are indispensable for packing small items like books, camera, toilet kit, and lotions in your baggage.
Packing Hint #3: Travel-size samples save space and weight! Visit the "samples section" of your drugstore or supermarket and see if your favorite shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion, toothpaste and deodorant are available in travel-size samples. If not, transfer some to smaller plastic bottles in the size you need. Remember to plastic bag all lotions!
Packing Hint #4: Think multiple use garments. Convertible pants with zip-off legs save bringing an extra pair of shorts. Be creative and keep that baggage light!
Packing Hint #5: Packing Hint #5: Do your own laundry. If you bring synthetic clothing, you can easily wash it and hang it to dry.
RESERVATIONS:
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