Mountain Biking in Bhutan
Farm roads, forest trails and high passes
From a day ride out of Thimphu to two weeks across the country, with a support vehicle and a guide trained in bike repairs.
Bike rental
US$10–15 a day
Trek & Giant bikes, helmets included
Ride lengths
A day to 17 days
Day rides, 2–3 day routes and full tours
Grade
Medium–hard
Long climbs and rough, rocky trails
Why ride with us
Why ride with Wind Horse
A decade of riding
We’ve been building up mountain biking in Bhutan for more than ten years.
Guides who ride
We helped our guides buy their own bikes and gear.
Trained mechanics
Professionals trained our team in bike maintenance and repairs.
Trails we’ve scouted
Our team explores new trails in the off-season.
Before you book
Plan your ride
What riding in Bhutan is likeQuiet roads and forest trails, not an extreme sport.
Our biking trips aren’t built as an extreme sport. They’re a way to stay active, cover more ground and reach villages few visitors see. Routes favour quiet roads, country paths, farm roads and walking trails through forests and villages.
Support vehicle
4WD, always close by
Carries bikes, gear, supplies, first aid, food and fuel
Your guide
Trained in bike repairs
Maintenance and fixes on the trail
Terrain
Roads, farm tracks, trails
Expect rocky and muddy stretches
All our rides are graded medium–hard: expect long climbs over passes above 3,000 m and rocky, muddy stretches. Routes such as Gangtey–Gogona need off-road experience and confidence on steep climbs and descents.
Bikes & rentalTrek and Giant bikes for US$10–15 a day, or bring your own.
Our bikes
- Trek and Giant mountain bikes
- Shimano gears and cable disc brakes
- US$10–15 a day
- Helmets included (required by law)
- Book ahead so we can reserve your frame size
Bringing your own
- Bring your own helmet if you can: we can’t vouch for a rental helmet’s crash history
- Your own bike is welcome; check your airline’s bike allowance
- Pack key spares, such as a saddle
- Bike shops in Thimphu and Paro sell and rent Trek, Giant and Kona bikes, spares and accessories
What to wear & bringProtective gear first, then water, snacks and layers.
Protective gear
- Helmet: full-face for downhill, open-face for cross-country
- Riding gloves
- Cycling glasses against wind, dust and sun
- Knee and elbow pads
- Padded, quick-drying cycling shorts
- Cycling shoes and good socks
- Body armour for chest and spine (optional)
On every ride
- Water bottles or a hydration pack
- Energy bars
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and lip balm
- Light windproof jacket
- Headlamp or bike light, with spare batteries
- Whistle for emergencies
- Personal first aid
Safety check before you rideSix quick checks: brakes, headset, cranks, wheels, bolts, frame.
Brakes
Pads shouldn’t rub the rim or tyre. Check the cables for fraying or damage.
Headset
Hold the front brake and rock the bike. Any play needs fixing before you ride.
Bottom bracket
Pull the cranks side to side. Tighten loose crank bolts with a 14 or 15 mm wrench.
Wheels & spokes
Wheels should feel solid and spokes evenly tight. Don’t ride with more than three loose spokes.
Bolts
Tighten every hex bolt on the bike, without over-tightening.
Frame
Look for cracked paint at the tube joints: it can mean the frame is damaged.
Your guide is trained in bike repairs, and the support vehicle carries gear and supplies.
Tour of the Dragon raceBhutan’s one-day, 268 km mountain bike race.
The Tour of the Dragon runs 268 km in a single day from Bumthang to Thimphu, over four passes: Kiki La, Yotong La (3,434 m), Pele La and Dochu La. The shorter Dragon’s Fury covers 60 km from Metshina over Dochu La (3,150 m) to Thimphu.
Arrive
2+ days early
To rest and acclimatise before the start
We can arrange your bike, gear and race-day support, plus a trip before or after the race.
Every ride we run
Bhutan biking trips
| Trip | Trip days | Grade | Best season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bhutan’s Nature, Village with Hikes & Cycling | 14 | Moderate | Nov–Mar |
| Mountain Biking across Bhutan | 15 | Moderate | Mar, Oct–Nov |
| Bhutan Multi Activity Adventure tour | 17 | Moderate | Mar–May, Oct–Nov |
No trips match both filters. Try another length or grade.
Showing 3 of 3 trips.
Want a half-day ride or a custom route? We can add one to any Bhutan trip.