About this trip.
Twice the size of Wales
Bhutan is roughly twice the size of Wales, a landlocked Himalayan kingdom where the Druk Air flight into Paro descends past alpine forests, small monasteries and flat-roofed farmhouses before touching down on a single willow-lined road. From there, this cycle tour crosses the country east to west on tarmac and patches of rougher surface, climbing over four of the highest passes in Bhutan and dropping into long, rewarding descents on the other side. Traffic is light. The air is thin and clean. The scenery does most of the work of making the hard days feel worthwhile.
The four passes
The cycling totals around 750km over nine days, with the full trip running to 14 days and roughly 460 miles in the saddle. The route ascends Dochula, Pelela, Yotongla and Thrumshingla in turn — the last of these, at 3,554 metres, is the highest pass in the country. Pedal Nation grade this as a moderately challenging mountain tour, and the climbs are properly strenuous: long, sustained Himalayan ascents at altitude. The reward is kilometre after kilometre of descent through forested valleys, with a finish at Paro that takes in Tiger's Nest Monastery, the cliffside temple complex that draws visitors from across the Buddhist world. Hard-tail mountain bikes with slick tyres are recommended — the surface varies, and you want something that handles both tarmac and the occasional unsealed stretch.
From Delhi to Paro and back
The tour begins and ends in Delhi rather than Bhutan itself. After arrival at the airport and a transfer to your hotel, there's an early morning return to the international terminal for the Druk Air flight east to Paro. From there, the cycling unfolds across the kingdom over nine riding days, with a support vehicle handling baggage and back-up. Accommodation is in small, characterful hotels chosen for variety of setting rather than uniform comfort — part of what Pedal Nation describes as showing the real Bhutan rather than a sanitised version. The trip is run in partnership with sister company High Places, with itineraries developed by Sunny Wattel and a local team who have been working across Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka for decades.
Bookings and who it suits
The price is £3,995 per person, with the 16 February to 1 March 2025 departure listed at £3,999. Included: accommodation, lunch on cycling days, a cycling guide, vehicle support, baggage transfer, bike hire and airport transfers. Not included: international flights, the domestic flight to Paro, evening meals (except where specified in the day-by-day plan), GPX files, travel insurance and visas. Flights are booked separately, though Pedal Nation will give advice or help arrange them. The trip suits cyclists who are comfortable on extended climbs, happy at altitude, and willing to accept that local conditions and weather can shift the day's plans. If that's you, the four passes and the long Himalayan descents are a serious piece of riding.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
