Mountain Kingdom of Bhutan

The Himalayan scenery is stunning and the fresh crisp mountain air, combined with the very light traffic conditions make Bhutan a very appealing destination for cyclists of all denominations.

We find the best bicycle for this tour is a hard-tail mountain bike, equipped with slick tyres. As you would expect in the Himalayas there are some strenuous climbs but these are ameliorated for by the beauty of this landlocked diminutive kingdom which measures just twice the size of Wales.

You will remember for many years to come the rice terraces that cling limpet-like to the hillside and valleys carpeted with patchwork of various shades of green cultivated by generations of Bhutanese subsistence farmers. Beyond the cycling there are some amazing cultural sights that we will be visiting including the world famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Lair). Although visitors are actively encouraged to this Buddhist kingdom, the numbers of tourists are strictly limited by the government which takes the time to measure the Gross National Happiness of its people.

Over the course of the tour we will be ascending some of the most famous mountain passes in Bhutan including Dochula, Pelela, Yotongla and Thrumshingla and for every climb you will be enjoying kilometre after kilometre of exuberant descent. At the end of this cycle tour you will have a lifetime to ponder on the nature of Bhutan, is it a modern day 'Shangri La' ? Come on this tour and you may come closer to the answer.