Bhutan Multisport
Biking & Hiking the Himalayan Kingdom
You'll never tell anyone about Bhutan. You'll never speak so little while on vacation. It has a purity to it that's indescribable. It's just so perfect the way it is. Let's tread gently and leave it the way we found it. The quiet smiles. The ease of life. The temples that seem to challenge the Himalayas. Homes that match ancient designs. The mystery of Buddhism. The crisp air. The striking mountains always looming, protecting. This hidden jewel of a place, you never forget. And never mention.
- Immersion into an ancient landscape where life's daily rituals remain sacred
- Namgay, our local guide and longtime friend, opens doors normally closed to foreign travelers
- Bike through Bhutan's culturally and scenically rich valleys - you'll be one of the few!
- Hike to secluded Buddhist temples and monasteries, including the famed Tiger's Nest
- Exchange ideas with Buddhist monks and receive a blessing
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Namgay, our local guide, longtime friend and former National Assembly member, opens doors normally closed to foreigners 
Ride above Paro Dzong, a massive monastic fortress built to commemorate a 1644 victory over the Tibetans, then see what lies within Peruse handicrafts in Paro's tiny mercantile shops.
Days 2-3 Bike through Bhutan's culturally and scenically rich valleys - you'll be one of the few! Dochu La pass dazzles with panoramas of snowcapped Himalayan peaks Ethereal villages and rice paddies enliven your ride to Punakha Valley Engage with monks in between their meditations Hike to Chorten Nebu, a remote 14th-century temple accessible only by foot and seldom visited by international travelers.
Days 4-5 Immersion into an ancient landscape where life's daily rituals remain sacred After visiting Punakha Dzong, feast your eyes on vibrant Bhutanese painting, sculpture and textile arts in Thimphu, the capital city Curious about Buddhism and how it defines life here? Our historian will enlighten you Tackle the steep but rewarding walk from Dodina village to Cheri Goemba Monastery.
Days 6-8 Hike to secluded Buddhist monasteries and temples, including the famed Tiger's Nest Climb an ancient path to the Taktshang teahouse, situated at 9,200 feet and offering superb views of the valley and otherworldly Taktshang Monastery.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This was a trip of a lifetime; the beautiful country of Bhutan, the hiking/biking adventure, the guides and the group with whom we traveled. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to see Bhutan at this time, while it is unaffected. I was unprepared to fall so in love with the people and the land.- Tres Piedras, NM More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our multisport tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here.
Bhutan Multisport
Premiere Inns
Uma Paro
Paro (1 night) An upscale hillside retreat with luxurious guest rooms; the main building was formerly a Bhutanese nobleman's home. (spa)
Meri Puensum Resort
Punahka (2 nights) Traditional lodging with views across the rice fields and orange groves of the Punakha Valley.
Tashi Taj Hotel
Thimphu (2 nights) Designed in Bhutanese dzong architectural style, and just steps away from cultural sites and the market.
Zhiwa Ling
Upper Paro Valley (2 nights) With impressive masonry and elaborate hand-carved cornices, this hotel is set on a verdant mountainside and combines Bhutanese hospitality with modern conveniences.
Bhutan Multisport
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1
2 Route Options Available
- Biking 10 miles
- 600 feet elevation gain
- Walking 1 mile
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 15 miles
- 450 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 2.5 miles
- 400 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 3.3, 4.7 miles
- 1200 - 1400 feet elevation gain
- Biking 11 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 1 to 2 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 3.7 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Cultural Walk 1 hour
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2 4 Route Options Available
- Hiking 2 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Walking 3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Optional Biking 11, 23 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Hiking 3.5 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 3.3, 6.1 miles
- 1700 - 2200 feet elevation gain
- Biking 8 miles
- 700 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Conclusion of Trip