Cycling in Bhutan guide
Bhutan’s national sport is archery but – strange as it may seem given the country’s punishing hills and treacherous highland trails – cycling is popular, too. Bhutan’s former king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, regularly takes to the hills around Thimphu in his gho (traditional robes) and both the current king and prime minister have taken part in the annual Tour of the Dragon, a one-day bicycle race said to be the most challenging in the world.
Cycling is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Bhutan’s nature and culture, from following remote tracks through the mountains to experiencing cultural festivals. ![]()
You won't be racing here, but you will get the chance to pedal through vast landscapes and welcoming villages with minimal impact on the local environment in a country that’s celebrated for its commitment to sustainability. You’ll also stay in local-style accommodation that’s far more authentic than the country’s increasing number of luxury international chains.
Cycling in Bhutan is...
a rewarding and low-impact way to explore the country’s wild landscapes.
Cycling in Bhutan isn't...
for the inexperienced. Long hours and high altitudes are involved, so get some prep in before you head out.
Our top trip
Bhutan cycling holiday
Pedal, hike, and discover Bhutan’s soul firsthand
From
US $1600 to US $2160
8 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Best time to go cycling in Bhutan
Weather-wise, you only have a couple of smallish windows to squeeze through with October to November, when the climate is mild and the skies are clear, and March to April, when wildflowers bloom across the valleys, the best time for cycling in Bhutan.
June to August is the monsoon season, whereas December to February finds snow blocking many of the higher trails, although lowland trails can be much warmer and relatively unaffected. September signals the start of peak season, although conditions are still wet and muddy with cloud often obscuring blue skies and mountain peaks.
June to August is the monsoon season, whereas December to February finds snow blocking many of the higher trails, although lowland trails can be much warmer and relatively unaffected. September signals the start of peak season, although conditions are still wet and muddy with cloud often obscuring blue skies and mountain peaks.
Responsible cycling in Bhutan
The doors to Bhutan have opened slowly, and a Sustainable Development Fee for international tourists aims to safeguard the country’s pristine environment and independent culture. Even if the ‘high-value, low-impact’ model is successfully maintained, it doesn’t guarantee an authentic experience, particularly if you stick to luxury international chains, where the thread counts are high but meaningful cultural interaction is low and mostly restricted to nightly ‘traditional performances’.
By choosing to cycle, you’ll not only immerse yourself in the country’s immense natural beauty, you'll do so in a low-key way, with opportunities to visit local restaurants and guesthouses and have genuine chats with people you meet along the way, while keeping your footprint as light as possible.
More Bhutan cycling articles
When cycling in Bhutan you’ll reach the parts that walkers and drivers simply can't.
