Bhutan is one of the truly special places of the world. Tucked away in a corner of the Himalayas, nestled between India and Tibet, Bhutan has made a conscience decision to join to the modern world, but on their terms.
The Land of Happiness
Bhutan is a place where time stands still, happiness is considered a higher priority than GDP, where legend is history and mountains reign supreme. The Bhutanese Himalayas are truly awe-inspiring; crisp, clear, empty and clean.
This raw, untouched wilderness is one of our favourite places to cycle and travel. With its ancient living culture, Himalayan vistas, and quiet roads that bring incredible views around every corner there really are few places that can beat Bhutan for cycle touring.
There are a lot of myths about the difficulty of travel to Bhutan. Let’s tell it how it really is.
Isn't it really hilly?
Not every bit of road is on a mountain in Bhutan, but we can't deny there are a lot of hills. And of course not everyone loves riding up long climbs so the number of people who would ever be interested in riding Bhutan has been limited. Until now!
We are pleased to have sourced e-bikes locally so Bhutan can now truly be a tour that everyone can do. If Bhutan has long been on your bike bucket list but forever seemed out of reach, you can now ride up those big climbs knowing you will be able to make it. Some of the climbs in Bhutan may be long but they are not steep, usually 4-5% gradients, so the e-bikes are perfect to assist you up these ascents.
It’s hard to get a visa or entry?
Not at all! You need a visa and must travel on a package tour in order to visit Bhutan but there are no restrictions on the numbers of people who can visit each year.
If you travel with Pedal Pedal we will process your Bhutan visa application and the cost is included in the tour, so this is one more task you don't have to worry about.
Bhutan is expensive?
Bhutan has made a conscience decision to try to preserve its culture and heritage. A part of this is their decision to control tourism numbers by charging the world's highest tourist tax.
The country does not put a limit on the numbers of people who visit Bhutan, the tourist tax is a simple mechanism which simply removes mass tourism. So the people who do visit Bhutan are those willing and able to pay the premium.
Bhutan is one of the poorest countries in the world and the tourist tax is an important part of national income that helps enure that social programs such as free education and healthcare for all is possible. Just by visiting Bhutan you contribute to the good of all people rather than the money only ending up in the hands of the tour operators.
The tourist tax is included in tour prices so there is nothing more to pay in country.
If you take an overall view of what international travel can cost, the uniqueness of visiting Bhutan, the lack of crowds of tourists clouding the experience, and the all-inclusive nature of a tour, it really does add up to great value.
The cost of a Pedal Pedal tour includes everything from the moment you land in Bhutan until you get back on the plane to head home. This includes:
Delicious meals throughout: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Snacks and water while cycling
Mountain bike hire (e-bikes incur a surcharge)
Accommodation in 3 star hotels
Local cycling guides plus Jason from Pedal Pedal
Backup vehicle support
All sightseeing entries
Your Bhutan visa
Tourist Tax of US$65/person/night
A unique once in a lifetime experience
There’s really not much else to spend money on apart from limited shopping opportunities and any alcoholic drinks.
Is altitude an issue?
Flying into Paro, the location of the international airport, you will find yourself at 2200m above sea level so you will find yourself a little short of breath but nothing to worry about.
The highest point on the Pedal Pedal tour comes a week later at Yutong La Pass which sits at 3425m. It is rare that people are adversely affected at this altitude, but since we are simply climbing to this point and then immediately descending there is no risk of altitude sickness because you descend and sleep at a much lower altitude.
There are treks that do climb high into the mountains but on a bike tour you don’t have to worry about any affects of altitude.
Pedal Pedal will be heading to Bhutan in October 2020 and April 2021 for two special trips cycling across Bhutan. To find out more or make a booking, click on the link below.
US$400 early bird discounts now apply
BHUTAN
Cycle the Land of Happiness
19-30 Oct 2020
1-12 Apr 2021
If you have any questions about Bhutan, cycling, or the Pedal Pedal tours feel free to get in touch via our contact form.