« Return to Normal Layout
Bhutan Multisport

Bhutan Multisport

Nestled between India and Tibet, the exquisite mountain kingdom of Bhutan is isolated and protected by mighty Himalayan peaks. Because few visitors are allowed to enter the country, daily rituals remain sacred and the landscape is relatively undeveloped. Tradition and Buddhism infuse every facet of life here, from the jingling brass bells of prayer wheels to ornate monasteries perched high above terraced rice paddies. To complement our skilled Backroads Trip Leaders, Namgay Tsering, one of the best guides we've met in Asia and a former National Assembly member, joins us to proudly share his country's cultural and religious wonders.

Days 1-2 paro valley

Meet in Bangkok, Thailand, and fly to Paro, Bhutan Bike to Drukgyel Dzong, a monastic fortress built to commemorate a 1644 victory over the Tibetans Investigate the massive fortress of Paro Dzong  On footpaths frequented by locals, hike to the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang temple.

Days 3-4 thimphu

In the capital city of Thimphu, experience vibrant Bhutanese painting, sculpture and textile arts Ride to the village of Dechencholing, and ascend on foot to Cheri Goemba Monastery Join a Buddhist historian for a lively discussion and hear about the significance of Buddhism in every aspect of daily life and politics.

Days 5-6 punakha

Shuttle over the Dochu La mountain pass and take in panoramic views of snowcapped Himalayan peaks Walk through pine forests to a unique Bhutanese fertility temple  Engage with monks in between their Buddhist meditations  Hike to Chorten Nebu, a 14th-century temple accessible only by foot and seldom visited by foreigners   Pedal past small villages and rice paddies on your return to Punakha.

Days 7-9 paro

Visit Punakha Dzong, the winter capital of Bhutan for more than 300 years  Explore the tiny mercantile shops of Paro Follow an ancient path to the Taktshang teahouse, situated at 9,200 feet and offering superb views of the surrounding valley and the otherworldly Taktshang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest  Fly to Bangkok.

big map

HIMALAYAN HOSPITALITY: Premiere Inns

Zhiwa Ling Hotel (2 nights): With impressive masonry and elaborate hand-carved cornices, this hotel on a verdant mountainside combines Bhutanese hospitality with modern conveniences, including a spa, fitness center and gourmet restaurant.

Tashi Taj Hotel (2 nights): Designed in Bhutanese dzong architectural style, and just steps away from cultural sites and the market.

Meri Puensum Resort (2 nights): With views across the rice fields and orange groves of the Punakha Valley, this traditional lodging is simple yet comfortable. 

Uma Paro (2 nights): This five-star hotel welcomes with luxurious guest rooms, gourmet dining and a spa with traditional hot stone and herbal treatments.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Trips 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
Insider Trips
Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more.
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Guest Trip Reviews

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.
Deborah Graves - Tres Piedras, NM

What can I say? Backroads does such a great job, great guides, good itineraries. I am so pleased and will plan on many more similar trips!!! Bhutan is especially wonderful. I would think folks would be flocking to your door!
Leland Larson - Portland, OR

Fabulous trip. This was more than a vacation; our Bhutan trip was an adventure, a cultural experience and a window on another world. It was made even more special by the other like-minded travellers, our superb Backroads leaders and our marvellous Bhutanese guide. Thank you so much!
Mark Madras - Toronto, ON

This was my first Backroads trips, and I was so impressed with the organization. Biking and hiking was an excellent way to see the people and be able to linger when we wanted. We were able to go at our own pace - perfect for those of us who wanted to take it all in: stop to chat with the locals, take pictures and just take in the beautiful views of nature and man. It was no ordinary trip. This was a spiritual and emotional experience.
Kathleen Volkmann - San Francisco, CA

This was without a doubt an exceptional adventure in a magical place.
Roberta Davis - Portland, OR

This was a life-changing experience. I expected beautiful scenery, but there was so much more.
Carol Melamed - Chevy Chase, MD