Bicycle
Tour
13 Days |
|
| |
 |
DAY 01: KATHMANDU – PARO
Fly to Paro by Druck Air and transfer to hotel. O/N
( Over night ) at Druk Hotel.
DAY 02:  Morning:
Drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress 16 kms away from Paro
town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical
importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated
the invading Tibetans and drove them back. One a clear day one
can see Mount Jomolhari, Abode of the Goddess Jumo, rising 7,329
metres. On the way back you'll have an opportunity to visit
a typical Bhutanese farm house. The entire Paro valley is relatively
flat and is a great start to your first day of bicycling.
Lunch at the hotel.
Afternoon: Visit Ta Dzong,
the National Museum of Bhutan. This was the watch tower of the
Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted to the National Museum
in 1968, and is located on a hill above the Paro Dzong overlooking
the Paro valley.
Visit the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. This massive
fortress is located in Paro valley and is approached by a gently
sloping flagstone road and a beautiful covered wooden bridge.
Today the Dzong is the administrative seat of the district of
Paro, and it also contains a state monastic community of approximately
200 monks. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with its superb
wood work, is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. This Dzong
was built in 1645 AD. Overnight at the Gangtey Palace Hotel.
DAY 03:
After breakfast, either drive or ride bicycles to Thimphu, the
capital city. The drive meanders along the Paro and Thimphu
river and takes approximately 2 hours (65 kilometers). The gradient
of the road is excellent for bicycling as there are no steep
climbs or descents. Check into Hotel Druk Yul/other.
Lunch at the hotel
Afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten (huge
stupa) built in the memory of the third King of Bhutan, King
Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who reigned from 1952-1972. Visit the
National Library where ancient anuscripts are preserved. Dinner
at the hotel and a reception by your hosts.
DAY 04:
Morning: Bicycle to the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in
the country (built in 1629 AD). Opportunity to visit with some
of the monks and observe life within the monastery. In the old
days, the oldest son of every family was offered to a monastery
where the child grew up as a monk. Even now, it is not uncommon
for some families to continue the practice.
Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese
textiles and other handicrafts are displayed and can be purchased.
Lunch at the hotel
Afternoon, visit Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat
building. This massive structure houses part of the Ministries,
the offices of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses
the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief
Abbot.
Visit the Painting School where traditional
art is still practised through the instructions in the art of
painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist scrolls).
Bicycle to Pangri Zampa Monastery which is
just beyond Dechencholing (5 kms from Thimphu). This monastery
was the residence of the founder of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang
Namgyel when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 AD.
Dinner at the hotel and free evening
DAY 05:
After an early breakfast, set out for Punakha and Wangdi. On
the way, stop at Dochula Pass (10,00 ft) for a hot cup of tea/coffee
and to enjoy a spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan mountain
ranges (on a clear day). From Dochula, bicycle down into Wangdi
which is located 51 kms down. It is an exhilarating ride.
Check into hotel and have lunch
After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong which
houses the district administration offices. It is also the winter
residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot, the
Je Khenpo. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. The Dzong
lies between two rivers, the Pho Chhu (male river) and the Mo
Chhu (female river). This Dzong was built in 1637 AD.
Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong which is 13 kms
from Punakha. This Dzong and the town is perched on a hill,
between two rivers and has a spectacular view. The Dzong was
built in 1638 AD, a year after the Punakha Dzong was built.
A tour vehicle will follow the bicycle group
at all times in case of emergency or general weariness.
DAY 06:
Drive to Trongsa, and on the way guests can bicycle certain
stretches of the road. The terrain has steep ascents and descents
and has some spectacular scenery. Overnight at hotel in Trongsa.
DAY 07:
After breakfast visit the ancient Watch Tower in Trongsa. This
structure sits atop a hillock overlooking the Trongsa Dzong
and town. Ancient armors are displayed in the Watch Tower.
Visit the Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home
of the present Royal family of Bhutan. It was built in 1648
AD and is one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan. It is
presently the administrative seat of the Trongsa district and
the home of the monastic school. Built split levels on a narrow
spur, this Dzong is an architectural marvel. The view from the
Dzong is spectacular and one can see for many miles. In the
old days, it was the vigilance point for both the eastern and
western trade routes, thus a strategically important Dzong.
After a light refreshment at the hotel, drive
to Bumthang. After crossing a high pass, guests can bicycle
all the way to Bumthang. The road is broad and all downhill
after the pass. Check into hotel in Bumthang.
DAY 08:
After breakfast, bicycle around the most beautiful valley in
Bhutan. It is possible to bicycle a radius of 60 kms around
the valley.
DAY 09:
After breakfast bicycle to Ura valley some 69 kms from Bumthang.
Ura is another beautiful valley over 9,500 ft high. Sightsee
in Ura valley and drive back to Bumthang.
DAY 10:
Bumthang to Wangdi (197 kms). On the way as and when possible,
guests can bicycle certain stretches of the road. Overnight
at the hotel.
 DAY
11:
Drive to Thimphu. After crossing Dochula Pass guests can bicycle
all the way to Thimphu (26 kms downhill).
Sightseeing in Thimphu and if the day falls
on the weekend visit the famous week end market in Thimphu where
the local populace gathers for weekly shopping for produce.
Shopping opportunity.
DAY 12:
Guests can either drive to Paro or bicycle. Check into hotel
and have lunch. After lunch hike to the view point of the famous
Taktsang Monastery. The hike takes about 4 hours round trip.
Evening: Stroll around Paro town and interact
with the locals.
DAY 13:
Drive to airport for departure.
|
