Duration
Duration
Tour Activity
The races start in Bumthang, central Bhutan (2610m, 8560 ft). The riders follow the Bumthang chhu (river in Dzongkha) for a couple of kilometers and then climb 6km through blue pine forest to Kiki La at 2870m (9420 ft). From there it is down to Nangar. Through more blue pine forest and agricultural land you follow a gentle road through Chumey and up to Gaytsha (2950m, 9680ft).
The road then climbs 7km up through blue pine forest to Bong Bridge and then gets a little steeper for about 5km through mixed conifer and rhododendron forests and pastures till you reach Yotongla at 3430m (11250 ft). From Yotongla it is a 29 km downhill ride to Trongsa. The pass is dominated by fir and rhododendron forest, open pastures and rock outcrops. As you go down to Dorji Gonpa, which is almost halfway, firs give way to spruce and hemlock and mixed broad leaved forest dominated by birch and oaks and rhododendrons. Below Dorji Gonpa, the road passes though broad leaved forests and agricultural fields. There are some excellent viewpoints to see Trongsa, the Dzong and the extensive forests and agricultural fields beyond. Just before reaching Trongsa (2150m, 7050ft) you pass right below the Ta Dzong (a watchtower to guard the dzong from enemies).
From Trongsa the road descents gently for 7km to the Bjee Zam bridge at 1900m (6230 ft) and then climbs 6km through broad leaved forests to a view point from where the Trongsa Dzong seems just a stone throw away. The road continues climbing for another 10km along cliffs and through broad leaved forests and agricultural settlements. At Tshangkha it passes the headquarters of the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park. After reaching Tashiling, a few km further, most of the climbing is done. For the last 20km you will only climb some 150m (500 ft), but there are some ups and downs. As you near Chendebji, hemlock replaces broad leaved species on some of the ridges and in the valley. You pass Chendebji chorten and a little later will reach Chendebji village (2430m, 7970 ft).
The road climbs through mixed conifer forest past Nikachu Bridge at Chazam and Rukubji to the small settlement of Longte. By this time much of the trees have been replaced by pastures and agricultural fields. Through these pastures dominated by dwarf bamboo you reach Pelela (3430m, 11250 ft). You then continue your long descent through fir, birch, rhododendron forest and many small waterfalls to Wangdue Phodrang. After passing the village of Nobding, 12km down, there is a single restaurant a further 12 km down and then a few shops at Teki Zampa another 15km further. Just past here a new Japanese bridge spans the Dang Chhu. After a long almost flat stretch you reach Wangdue Phodrang.
From Wangdue Phodrang, you continue to Metshina, at an altitude of 1410m (4625 ft). From Metshina, the distance to Dochula at 3150m (10,330 ft) is 38.3km and the race is all uphill with an average slope of 5% and a few short sections of up to 10%. You will pass Thinleygang (11 km), Lumitsawa (15km), Lampiri (28km) and a memorial chorten for traffic accident victims (32km). Thinleygang is the only place recognizable as a village, having a couple of shops and a BHU (Basic Health Unit). Racing 1700m (5575 ft) uphill is as breathtaking as the views. After Dochula, it is all downhill to Thimphu at 2330m (7640 ft) with a small climb only at the end to the clock tower at Thimphu city square.
Day 1 : Arrival and Preparation in Paro
Fly into Paro, Bhutan, and transfer to hotel where the rest of the day can be spent
preparing the bikes and an option to take a ride in the secluded valley by our hotel.
Day 2 : Takstang Monastery Hike and Arrival in Thimphu
Hike up to the famous Takstang Monastary before making our way to the capitol
Thimphu (bike or vehicle options).
Day 3 : Over Docha La Pass to Punakha Valley
Drive / Bike over the Docha La pass with a 2000m descent down to the Punakha valley
and back to our hotel.
Day 4 : From Punakha to Phobjika, Home of Black Cranes
Drive / Bike from Punakha to Phobjika, a stunning hidden valley area of Bhutan famous
for its Black cranes.
Day 5 : Journey to Bumthang, Starting Point of Tour of the Dragon
Drive / Bike to Bumthang – the start location for the Tour of the Dragon.
Day 6 : Rest Day and Sightseeing in Bumthang
Rest Day and sightseeing in Bumthang with bike options for those that wish to ride this
day. For race participants, the pre-race briefing will take place on this day..
Day 7 : Tour of the Dragon Bike Race
Race day! Options to take part in the Tour of the Dragon Bike Race (268km). Overnight
in Thimphu after race closing ceremony.
Day 8 : Recovery and Sightseeing in Paro
Recover day and sightseeing –overnight in Paro.
Day 9 : Departure from Bhutan