Bhutan is situated in the Eastern Himalayas of southern Central Asia and is bordered on the north and Northwest by the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and to the west, southwest, south and east with Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh respectively. Bhutan is a landlocked mountain kingdom roughly the size of Switzerland, in the eastern Himalayas. With a population of 600,000 spread over 46,000 sq km.

Bhutan was united in the 17th century and then known as DRUK YUL, which means "The Land of Thunder Dragon". In Bhutan, most of the names are in Tibetan language. Bhutan regulates the number of tourists visiting its rich monasteries, museums and natural beauty. The Bhutanese monks who have lots of political influence in the country do not want the country westernised/modernised. The Kingdom shares with Nepal, the world's greatest concentration of mountains and living heritage of Buddhism. The 75 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Paro can truly be described as a flight into fantasy. During the flight, a first hand close-up view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other famous peaks become reality. Bi-weekly flights between these two Kingdoms have made travel easier for the travellers to the long isolated Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan.

Straining every muscle to gain the high mountain pass or sailing downhill with the wind in your face, one moment along the twists and turns of a deep ravine along narrow mountain trails and the next with the vista of the majestic Himalayan ranges stretching to the horizons before you, bicycling in Bhutan is a reminder of the ups and downs of life itself. The thrill of bicycling in the panoramic terrain of Bhutan is an adventure that beckons to every cyclist looking for something out of the ordinary. All along the route the interruption by picturesque and almost medieval, villages and towns rich in cultural spots make a welcome diversion.  

Depending on the choice of route, one can traverse long and winding roads passing through low lying foothills, the higher river valleys and the high Himalayas, the three zones that comprise the geographical variations of the country. The drama of magnificent scenes and sights unfolding with every turn of the wheel is something to fulfill a cyclist's dream.

BEST SEASON: The best times for making the most of cycling in Bhutan are the spring months of March, April and May, and the autumn months of September, October and November.

VISA & OTHER GOVERNMENT FORMALITIES
Tourists are admitted only in groups by pre-arrangement with the Tourism Authority of Bhutan. Entry is available only via India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Thailand. The border with China is closed. Visitors to Bhutan are required to book through a registered tour operator in Bhutan. This can be done directly or through a travel agent abroad. The minimum daily tariff is regulated and fixed by the Royal Government. The rate includes all accommodations, all meals, transportation, services of licensed guides and porters, and cultural programs where and when available.

A passport and visa are required for entry into and exit from Bhutan. All visitors must obtain visas prior to entering the country. There are no provisions for visas upon arrival.

BIKE HIRE: You need a mountain bike in a good working condition with helmet, both available for hire in Kathmandu. We have big stock of bikes with front suspension e.g. Trek 4400 with genuine parts.

BICYCLING CLOTHES :

• A 3-season sleeping bag rated to zero
• T-shirts (cotton and short sleeved)
• Long sleeve shirt or light pullover (polypropylene is recommended)
• Cycling shorts long/short both needed for the unexpected weather
• Waterproof windbreaker with a hood and wind trousers
  (make sure the material is breathable for exercise)
• Cycling socks
• Cycling shoes
• Cycling gloves full and half
• Hat - suitable for cycling and sun protection
• Micro - sensor Headband

EXTRA ITEMS

• Sun glasses
• Suntan block or lotion
• Personal medication
• Camera and films
• Flash light / torch
• Plastic bags for wet cloths
• Needle, thread, and safety pins
• Binoculars
• Mask for dust
• Water-bottle or Camel back
• Power bars & your choice of dry food