Tour of the Dragon

Overview

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 By this time much of the trees have been replaced by pastures and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.