Mountain Bike Bhutan
Thunder Dragon
DEtails:
2026 DATES: March 22–31, 2026 | May 2-11, 2026 (SOLD OUT) | November 15-24, 2026
Duration: 9 Nights, 10 Days
Joining In: Paro, Bhutan
Land Cost: $ 3995 USD/person | Currency Conversion
Single room supplement: $675 USD
Activity Level: Advanced+ | more info »
Bhutan is unlike anywhere else on Earth. It’s the last Buddhist kingdom, where the 17th century often feels more present than the 21st. Its people are warm, gracious, and deeply connected to their traditions. You'll explore otherworldly monasteries, including the majestic Punakha Dzong and the iconic Paro Taktsang—better known as the Tiger’s Nest—clinging to a cliffside. Tourism here follows a “high-value, low-impact” model, for those able to afford the daily tariff Bhutan offers an experience that feels like a secret—peaceful, preserved, and profoundly special. There are no Western chain stores and you might go days without seeing another tourist. This journey is more than just a mountain bike trip—it's a path of self-discovery as you ride hidden historic trails known only to locals and pedal through remote and pristine forests and quiet valleys before reaching the famed Tiger’s Nest. Every stop is rich with culture and nature, leaving you with the feeling you’ve ridden through Bhutan’s soul. The riding is challenging yet rewarding—shuttles up winding roads lead to hike-a-bikes followed by thrilling and technical descents. It’s terrain that tests your body and lifts your spirit. Travel in Bhutan feels like one vast mental and physical retreat—a re-set like no other, free from the stress and noise of daily life.
Photo: Margus Riga
Trip Highlights:
- Bhutan measures success by happiness, not wealth. Policies prioritize harmony, sustainability, and quality of life—creating a more mindful society.
- Bhutan limits tourism to protect its culture and environment. No mass tourism, no big chains—just authentic, immersive experiences with few other travelers around.
- Visit dramatic sites like Tiger’s Nest and grand fortress-monasteries like Punakha Dzong, rich in history and beauty.
- With 70% forest cover and protected wilderness, Bhutan offers lush valleys, high passes, and unspoiled trails to explore.
- Bhutanese life is deeply spiritual, guided by Tibetan Buddhism. From prayer wheels and fluttering flags, the culture here isn’t staged—it’s lived.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Expert local leadership and support team.
- Nine nights hotel accommodation.
- All meals starting with dinner on Day 1, ending with breakfast on Day 10.
- Bhutan Tourism Levy ($100/day per per person)
- Visa Fees, permits, park fees & entrances to monuments & temples.
- Daily luggage transfers and support vehicle.
- Visit to traditional hot-stone bath.
- Detailed pre-departure information and trip extension assistance.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Drinks with dinner (wine, beer, etc) & ride snacks/nutrition.
- Your bike and equipment needed to ride.
- Airfare; airport taxes and extra baggage fees.
- Mandatory personal travel and medical insurance.
- Optional tipping to guides.
Bike and equipment
Just a few high-performance rental bikes are available on this trip. As it is on our trips it is recommended that riders bring their own bikes. A current full-suspension enduro bike with 150-160mm travel that’s capable up & down with a penchant for descending through rough terrain is suggested on this trip. Tires should be tubeless, 2.30” or above, aggressive tread designed for rocky terrain, one to two-ply casing for durability, puncture resistance and added control. Eye protection and knee pads that you can comfortably pedal in are highly recommended. Helmets are mandatory when on your bike. A 20L backpack is recommended.
Suggested Bike
Trek SLASH
Suggested pack
EVOC FR Trail 20
ACTIVITY LEVEL
The minimum technical ability required for Bhutan is Advanced+. This trip is suitable if you have been riding consistently for a decade or more and can navigate technical sections and conditions. Expect considerable hike-a-biking to access the descents. This trip is a Level 5/6 for fitness. The accumulation of multiple long days of riding will add up, as it is on all of our trips the fitter you are, the more fun you’ll have.
THE RIDING
Some of the rides are accessed by shuttle, then hike-a-bike or push -- there is considerable altitude to deal with so a high level of fitness is important. All trails are ancient hiking paths and feature some steep sections and fixed rock and loose rock, some compact dirt that can be slick when wet. Most trails are in the forest and trails are often overgrown and naturally technical.
LODGING AND CUISINE
In Bhutan you will stay in very comforatable and clean small hotels and family run inns. The cuisine is often simple, hearty, and prepared in one pot, with common preparations including stews, meat dishes with chilies, and potato-based meals like Kewa Datshi. Expect very healthy meals. Please notify Big Mountain Bike Adventures if you have any special dietary needs.
CLIMATE
The best time to visit Bhutan for pleasant, warm, and sunny weather is typically from March to May and again in October and November. Expect warm days but could encounter some rain showers. Riders must be prepared for all types of weather.
YOUR SAFETY
Our trips take place in remote regions with limited evacuation options available. Our guides have basic first aid training, if a serious injury is suspected they will call helicopter search and rescue at the cost of the participant. Personal medical travel insurance is mandatory for all riders. If you choose to participate in our trips it is up to you to ride well within your limits, to ride conservatively, to walk sections if needed and to be safe as mountain biking is a dangerous sport. There are always risks and hazards on all trails that we ride. It is your responsibility to inspect your bike or rental bike daily and keep it in excellent condition. Helmets are mandatory and alcohol and drugs are not permitted while riding your bike.
THE NEXT STEPS
Please read and understand our Terms and Conditions and our Waiver. Then, email or call us to make sure that your desired departure is confirmed and there’s still space available. We’ll then send you a short Rider Questionnaire to learn about your riding experience and ensure that you are suitable for the trip. The last step is to complete our secure online Registration Form and pay your 25% deposit, and we’ll send you detailed Trip Preparation Guide that includes steps on preparing for your adventure.
A Travel Protection Plan protects your travel investment, your belongings, and most importantly, you. We strongly advise travelers to enroll in a Travel Protection Plan in case an unexpected event causes you to cancel or leave your trip. Please review Big Mountain Bike Adventures’ Cancellation Policy:
A Travel Protection Plan should be purchased once a deposit or any payment is made for a trip. Insurance must provide coverage for personal accident, death, emergency remote evacuation including helicopter evacuation, medical expenses and emergency repatriation. We advise travellers to confirm that it covers trip cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You will be asked for proof of insurance in lead up to your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without it. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance coverage, Big Mountain will not be liable for any losses howsoever arising, in respect to insurance coverage that would have otherwise have been available.
“Bhutan was like visiting a secret country like nowhere else on the planet. What a special place. This was a trip that i will truly never forget.”
