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MYSTICAL BHUTAN
Bhutan, known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is almost of fairytale quality. The country is unlike any other – completely extraordinary. It is engrossed in myths and hidden within a protective mountain chain from China and India.
"Druk Yul" or Land of the Thunder Dragon - named in 1907, by then king Wangchuck, from an auspicious occassion in 1189, when a mythical dragon thundered 3 times - and a teacher of Buddhism opened a monastery (Druk Ralung) and predicted his teachings would flourish to the extent the thunder was heard.
Folklore like this are are woven throughout this last remaining great Himalayan kingdom. Experience brilliant monasteries, unforgettable dzongs, and an undisturbed Tibetan-stylized culture that will give you a glimpse of how simple and relaxing life can really be.
The colorful tapestry that is Bhutan is woven of an opulent nature, rich heritage, and with a history where the main ingredient is the Himalayas.
Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of that lost world called Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon where…
“The birds fly without fear and flowers are yet to be named;
The songs have not been encumbered with too much music;
The prayers are given wings by the ubiquitous prayer flags;
The culture and traditions have not been eaten away by gold;
Its people still hope to be bestowed the ‘nectar of immortality’;
The music of the cymbals and melodious chants awake your spirit."
“Ten miles outside Thimphu you’re still practically in the Middle Ages," says a New York Times article in 1999. Yet, like any other nation, Bhutan is made of its own distinctive desire and fear; a desire to accomplish Gross National Happiness (country’s ideal of development) and a fear of being overwhelmed by modernization.
Innocence is still lingering around, the myths and legends have not been stripped, and the people are still nourished by transcendental values.
Happiness and peace are of such high importance that it is officially recognized by the king, and government, under the acronym of GNH (Gross National Happiness). In a December 2007, speech to all of Bhutan - the king reminded the people that the future of the country had been placed in their hands and its destiny was now their responsibility. The country is supposed to adopt a new constitutional monarchy in 2008, in celebration of 100 years as a kingdom.
The country has recognized that in order to maintain its culture and sovereignty, it must pursue a course different from that of the past. The current king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar, has pledged to bring varying degrees of modernization, technology, and most importantly democracy to the country.
However, democracy doesn't mean normalcy. You’ll find that cigarettes are illegal, the rice is not white but red, and chilies are far from being just a spice, but rather are consumed as an entire dish. It is a land rich in culture and is deeply Buddhist. Men wear tunics instead of jeans, where compassion wins over capitalism, and being happy and content is deemed more important than all else.
Bhutan is also one of the world’s best biodiversity hotspots. There are gorgeous flora and fauna covering almost the entire country. Everywhere you look you will see rainbows of colors across the entire spectrum.
Let your soul sail and feel the “sweet repose and rest" in an aura of sublime spirituality.
TRIP PROFILE
The majority of this trip is on good paved roads with only a slight percentage on dirt roads and trails. The more adventurous can take side excursion for more off-road if preferred. This distance traveled is a tad more than 550km (342 miles) spread-out over the 14 day period.
The surface accommodates most types of frame styles from MTB, Hybrid, and Road depending on your cycling style and the experiences you wish to gain.
You will travel through small towns and villages, as well as rural areas where it will be just you, the tour group, the fantastic scenery and the road for hours at a time. The tour allows you many chances to engage in your own self reflection and to absorb your new environment. There are also numerous opportunities for optional hikes and a bit of climbing.
There are some challenging climbs, with one in particular being more than 7 hours and taking you over 2 miles (3,400 meters) in the sky. Your journey and efforts will be well rewarded with a view and experience that you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world.
Riders should have an adequate level of fitness/stamina, and be secure with their cycling experience.
The tour is fully supported by a van that follows riders during the tour. This van allows riders the option to ride as little or as much as they desire.
| ITINERARY (14 days / 13 nights finishing in Paro.) | |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive from Bangkok, afternoon visit to Paro Museum and Dzong. |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Thimphu, ride to Dodina. |
| Day 3 | Ride to Dochula and continue to Punakha. |
| Day 4 | Ride from Khuruthang to Tashithang. |
| Day 5 | Explore Punakha and ride to Wangdue. |
| Day 6 | Ride from Punakha to Phobjikha. |
| Day 7 | Free day to explore Phobjikha valley. |
| Day 8 | Ride from Phobijkha to Trongsa. |
| Day 9 | Ride to Bumthang (Jakar). |
| Day 10 | Free day for Bumthang sightseeing. |
| Day 11 | Bumthang sightseeing and option hikes. |
| Day 12 | Transfer to Wangdue Phodrang. |
| Day 13 | Ride to Dochu La. |
| Day 14 | Transfer to airport for onward travel. |
| FACTS & FIGURES | |
|---|---|
| Tour Cost | USD $3500*, (Plus Gov Surcharge of 280 USD) Single supplement $450 (flight from Bangkok to Paro not included in price.) |
| Bike Rental | USD $185 |
| Total Distance | 550 Kilometres |
| Number of Days | 14 days / 13 nights |
| Number of Cycling Days | 8 full days / 1 half day |
| Road Surface | 94% on paved surfaces |
| Group Size | Minimum 2, maximum 16 |
| Vehicle Support (SAG) | This tour is fully supported by a dedicated support vehicle. |
| Staff Support | SpiceRoads cycling leader (for groups of 8 or more), plus a local cycling guide plus drivers and assistants for all groups. Groups of 2-7 will be led by our local guide and support team. |
| Accomodations | A variety of 3 star hotels are utilized on this tour. |
| Meals | All set meals are provided for on this tour, with the exception of the first day and last day. |
| Biking Grade |
(4 out of 5) Mostly due to the high altitudes of some of the rides.
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| Scenery and Culture |
(4 out of 5)
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