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Honolulu, Hawaii Oct,25,2007Thank you for making our trip to Bhutan a very memorable trip. ( Thank you for making our trip to Bhutan a very memorable trip.)5 " " Bhutan (Bumthang Trek) Oct 2007 Dear Ugen, Lloyd, Gayle and I returned to Honolulu yesterday from our trip to Bhutan. We went to Anghor Wat for a few days after our trip to Bhutan ended. At your suggestion, we went to Anghor Wat after rather than before the Bhutan trip. The weatherThank you for making our trip to Bhutan a very memorable trip. Bhutan (Bumthang Trek) Oct 2007 Dear Ugen, Lloyd, Gayle and I returned to Honolulu yesterday from our trip to Bhutan. We went
×Lily T
Bhutan (Bumthang Trek) Oct 2007
Dear Ugen, Lloyd, Gayle and I returned to Honolulu yesterday from our trip to Bhutan.
We went to Anghor Wat for a few days after our trip to Bhutan ended. At your suggestion, we went to Anghor Wat after rather than before the Bhutan trip. The weather in Siem Reap was perfect.
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you personally and your staff for a wonderful trip. Your work in the US (via e-mail and telephone) made it possible that the travel arrangements went very smoothly and efficiently.
Since we had not traveled to Bhutan before, we have no way to compare Windhorse with other companies but we were extremely happy with our trip to Bhutan. We felt that Pelden and his staff were very professional but by the end of the trip we also felt like they were also our friends and family. Pelden (our guide), Do-ji (driver), Ming-jeu (head cook and guide by necessity) and Nee-ma (assistant cook) were the personnel on our trip and they all did an outstanding job. Pelden was our encyclopedic guide to Bhutan, its history and culture. He answered all the questions we peppered him with and made alterations to our original itinerary to accommodate our desires. Lloyd got "Zhonged" out after a couple of days and asked Pelden to add more day hikes which he did with ease. I often sat in the front passenger seat as I am prone to motion sickness and I must say Doji must be the most skillful and safest car driver in all of Bhutan.
He also took wonderful care of the new Toyota minivan we were in. I can't give enough thanks to Ming-jeu who cooked very good meals for us on the trek but who also became our principal guide when Pelden suddenly became ill the night before we started on our trek in Bumthang. Pelden was very apologetic about his illness the morning of the trek but looking at him, we all agreed that he should stay back in Bumthang and recover.
Although, he sent Do-ji in his place and Doji tried to do everything he could, Do-ji was clearly not in his element. During the trek, we found out that Do-ji had never been on the trek before but that Mingjeu had done the trek many times. So, Ming-jeu not only cooked for us, he was our principal guide so we didn't take the wrong turn on the trail.
Since we were a small group of three and we had all trekked before (Nepal), I hope your staff felt that we helped make an unforeseen circumstance of Pelden's illness easier on them.
I think we either wrote or expressed to Chimi some suggestions about the trip but I do know that Lloyd felt that a trip to farm, school or something like that in present day Bhutan would have enhanced the trip. In the planning of this kind of trip to Bhutan particularly for a small group, you might ask the possible participants what they would like to do in Bhutan in addition or instead of the regular sightseeing ... day hiking, visiting present-day Bhutan such as a school or farm so that the guide does not have to improvise like Pelden had to do with us. One minor suggestion of mine would be to provide and place some sort of hand sanitizer (eg Purell) next to the toilet roll in "potty" tent so that you could wipe your hands easily even in the middle of the night.
Things beyond your control is the complete disregard for litter I saw among the Bhutanese. In the streets and on the trails, it was common to see empty plastic containers or wrap that people just left to litter the beautiful countryside.
Again, thank you for making our trip to Bhutan a very memorable trip. If you would like to use me as a referral, please feel free. If you have any questions of me, please just e-mail me.Finally, please extend my personal regards to Pelden, Doji, Mingjeu and Nema when you e-mail your staff in Thimphu.
With warmest regards,

- Mountain biking through low traffic areas and few along the off-roads to villages and farmhouses.
Crossing a few mountain passes with over 3000 m.
Challenging ride uphill and swashbuckling downhill ride
Colorful Weekend Markets - Hike to Takstang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery
- Attend Thimphu Tsechu Festival, one of the largest gathering.
- visit of villages with opportunity to meet with locals, including a stay in a village.
- Historical Monuments, temples, monasteries.
Wind Horse biking tours will bring you to appreciate the country's natural beauty and cultural wealth. Primary feature that augment well to make an ideal biking experience is Bhutan’s mountainous topography, offering varying degree of natural gradients. From challenging uphill ride to adrenaline rushing down hills to gentle ride in the valley, be it amateur or seasoned biker, it has all for everyone. In addition, it covers medieval and contemporary attractions and sights, tranquil and quaint villages, intact ecology and other natural landscapes.
Traversing the places, sights and topography that lies along the west –east highway (Approx. 600 km), throws challenges in varied forms such as battling a new mountain passes over 3000m everyday, maneuvering the dirt roads to reach some rural villages and farmhouses with the varying degree of gradients. However it makes lot easier with support vehicles at standby to forgo it at some places, if you wish.
You can bring your own bikes, pre-order and buy your bikes in Bhutan, or rent from us. Wind Horse along with our Guides keep and maintain several bikes. is backed by a support vehicle and tour Guide.
Although, the biking run is on the low traffic main roads but as much as possible we will take you to off roads that leads you to villages. Discover Bhutan’s varied attributes on your biking pace.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Paro Fly to Paro and transfer to the hotel. This afternoon inspect/ready your bikes and take some short hikes and visit National Museum and Rinphung Dzong per available time. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Paro Valley Today, you will get ample opportunity to stretch your legs. We will mainly ride along the back road/ village road, which hardly see much vehicles. Visit the ruins of Drukyul Dzong, Kichu Temple, Dungtse Lhakhang and take up little challenges on the unpaved farm roads with some gradients to Dzongdrakha and so forth. Overnight in Paro.
Day 3: Hike to Takstang In the morning, hike to iconic Taktsang. Upon return from the hike, continue riding in the valley and explore. Overnight in Paro
Day 4: Thimphu After breakfast, 1hr drive takes us to capital Thimphu. Spend the morning visiting some of the main highlights and attractions of Thimphu. Thimphu has many short trails with great views. One option is to start from the Giant Buddha statue on Kuenselphodrang ridge and bike on the wide single path to Changangkha temple for 6-7km with view of Thimphu city. From here, we can continue uphill to Sangaygang View, Takin Preserve and bike downhill into the core city area. Overnight in hotel
Day 5: To Punakha & Wangduephodrang Spend the morning in Thimphu, where we continue with sightseeing, before driving up to spectacular Dochula pass, where we arrive in time for lunch. Some people may like to bike downhill and others don't like biking with motor vehicles speeding by. Visit Lamperi, a small natural Park below Dochula and drive/ride downhill into subtropical Punakha & Wangdue valley. Upon arrival, ride your bike to visit Chimi Lhakhang temple on the farm road, then bike for several miles along the road to your hotel.
Day 6: In Punakha & Wangdue Spend a full day taking on some exciting rides into villages. Visit Punakha Dzong and cycle up the Mochu valley. Afternoon take a challenging ride through high forest path from Shengana towards Limukha valley and then ride downhill following the road to Khuruthang. Limukha is a small village in the rice fields located 1000m above the valley floor. Instead of Limukha, we could drive up to Talo and Nobgang and then cycle down following the
Day 7: Punakha – Trongsa Drive till Pelala Pass (3220m). Then from the pass ride down hill, gradually loosing elevation past Rukubji village and then Nikachu (2700m). As you approach Chendebji at 2400m, the road become more level. You can continue riding bikes or just hop on the vehicle and drive to Trongsa (2000m). At Trongsa, visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong. Overnight in hotel.
Day 8: Trongsa – Jakar (Bumthang) Road make a steep climb up for 30km or so to Yutong La pass (3320m). For those wishing to challenge oneself, this is one such opportunity. Ride downhill loosing 750m to valley of Chumey valley. From Chumey, it is another half hour or more drive to Jakar. Overnight in hotel.
Day 9: Jakar There are many sights and attractions to visit in Jakar. Ride and visit these attractions like Tamsing Monastery, Jambay Lhakhang, Swiss Farm, nearby villages, local homes and many more. As it’s a flat valley there is hardly any varying gradient. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 10: Jakar to Ura Today, the ride uphill till Ura pass or Sertangla pass gains approx. 900m in about 40km. From here there are two options to reach Ura. One following off road though shorter but its steep and rough. Other is new road but winding through step field and grazing land. Overnight in Guest House.
Day 11: Ura to Mongar After a short descent, begin the climb to Thumsing La (3700m). The last ascent of about 9 kilometres is quite gradual and the scenery is stunning, as we pass through dense forest of conifer and rhododendron. This is our last high altitude pass. From the pass, we make a long descent on one of the most enjoyable and breathtakingly beautiful biking road in the world. The road plunges over 3000 metres to the valley floor at 600 metres. This descent is over 85KM and goes through dark conifers forests, and then a mixture of deciduous and conifer before entering the semi-tropical zone at an altitude of around 1500m. In some places the road is hewn out of the side of a cliff, and above a vertiginous drop. By the time you reach you reach Limithang, it would feel like you are in tropics. Then it is final 20kms uphill to Mongar, in the heat, that'll sting you. But you can hop in the vehicle. (Most section will be covered by driving but you will ride about 4-5hrs today)
Day 12: Mongar to Trashigang With a gradual climb up to the Kori La 2390 M (Gradient 4-6%). From here a stiff descent through long winding road takes us to the Sheri river. From here we further ride to Tashigang along side the Gamri River (4-5hrs ride and 1-2hr drive) Overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Day Excursion to Trashiyangtsi The ride will be quite interesting as it passes through many local roadside villages and small settlements. En- route, visit Gom Kora Monastery and the village of Duksum. We will ride about 4hrs and cover rest by vehicle. From Yangtshi, drive back to Tashigang. Overnight in Tashigang Guest House.
Day 14: Trashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar (180kms) For the most part today, we will be driving to cover the long distance but we will ride some interesting sections on the way. Overnight in best available hotel.
Day 15: Depart for Guwahati, Assam Transfer to Guwahati airport, which takes about 3 hours. Wind Horse can also arrange interesting North East tour.
At Wind Horse , our Guides ride and maintain few bikes in the office that is available for hire at a negligible low cost. Our bikes are primarily Trek and Giant with Bike in varying heights. They all have 7 or more Shimino gears, adjustable shocks. Brand new bikes can be ordered and made available for pickup when you arrive. However for long distance ride like this one, we suggest bringing your own saddle, helmets and other gears. The itinerary provided is just a sample and outline.Group SizeAny group size
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MealsFull board
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RouteParo, Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, Jakar, Ura, Mongar, Trashigang, Samdrup Jongkhar (The route can be done in reverse order as well
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Trip Type Cycling Trip
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Trip SeasonsSpring (late Feb - April) and Fall (Sept - Nov). These are ideal month in term of weather. It can get wet and hot especially during summer in sub tropical east.
Best MonthsMarch, October, November
Good MonthsJanuary, February, April, December
Lean MonthsMay, September
Not RecommendJune, July, August
Prices & Dates
Cost Information
Starting USD 3200 is based on low season and also travel date and group size factor in. Please contact us for cost details
Trip Dates:
Private Journeys for independent travel with your own dates.
Included
- Bhutan Royalties, tourists fees, Visa fees.
- Accommodations in listed or similar hotels.
- All meals in Bhutan.
- All transfers and sightseeing with entrance fees.
- Local English Speaking Tour leader/Guide.
- Bottled water on drives
- Support transport for carrying bikes and luggage.
Not included
- Flights into Bhutan and out of Guwahati.
- Indian Visa
- any aspect not listed in included section.
Accommodations
There are wide varieties of accommodations. In west hotel infrastructure are more well established such as 4* deluxe in Thimphu, to top notch tourists standard hotel,but it tend to get basic as we move further in east. So in east we use best categories available and also in some places guest houses. If you wish, farm house stay can be arranged to give extra zing to your experience.
Hotels in Thimphu
Hotel Druk
Hotel Druk a luxury four-star hotel is a part of the Tashi Group and has been in operation since 1985. Over the years, it has been renovated to give it a chic and modern edge that is powerfully felt in uncluttered spaces. Each floor, differently insp...Osel
Situated within the heart of the Thimphu valley but just off the main road, Osel is a 35 room 4 star property. We are proud to feature among the largest in-class rooms and be among the only few properties within the city limits to still have amazing ...
Hotels in Paro
Olathang Hotel
Hotel Olathang was established in 1974 for guests invited to the coronation of the 4th King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The 23 acre property set amidst pine trees is located 5 kms from Paro International Airport, overlooking the be...Tashi Namgay Resort
The resort is a 5 acre property,located conveniently in the heart of Paro but away from the distractions of the main town, Tashi Namgay Resort offers you a calm and peaceful environment within a five-acre compound. A unique blend of traditional Bhuta...
Hotels in Punakha
Meri Phuensum Resort
Meri Puensum, established in 1999, is one of the first resorts to come up in the serene and culture-rich valley of Punakha. Run by a family, the resort takes special care to attend to the needs of its guests in the true tradition of Bhutanese hospita...Zhingkham Resort
Zhingkham Resort in Punakha is the newest unit of Bhutan Hotels & Restaurants. With one of the most beautiful breathtaking scenic views of the Punakha valley, the resort is located on a mountain high above the valley. Wellbeing at the resort is enha...
Hotels in Trongsa
Yangkhil Resort
This relatively new hotel is built on a steep hillside next to the paddy field with wonderful views overlooking the gorge, Mangde Chu, and also provides picturesque view of Trongsa Dzong. All 21 spacious rooms are built with modern design combined w...Tashi Ninjay Guest House
Tashi Ninjey Hotel in Trongsa is a family business which will provide you with one of the best option in Trongsa Town with an amazing view of Trongsa dzong, Mangdue chu Dam, Black Mountain and valley of Mangdue. It has a terrace with a bar and restau...
Hotels in Jakar
Mountain Resort
Mountain lodge is located about one km north of Jakar town, on the way to Kurjey temple, overlooking Wangdicholing. It is one of the oldest hotel in Bumthang, owned and operated by the family. The eldest son was trained in Austria in hotel management...Yu - Gharling Resort & Spa
Yugharling Resort has been in full operation since our opening in 2009. With years of experience behind us we are the only 4 star resort in Bumthang with modern amenities while still maintaining the authenticity of the valley. The resort has been bui...
Hotels in Mongar
Shongar Lodge
One of few tourist standard accommodations in Mongar. It is the first hotel in Mongar owned by Tourism and now by BTCL. It is located near the Dzong. There are plans for renovation. Rooms are currently basic and most have attached bath. ...Wangchuk Hotel
One of the newest addition in Mongar, it belongs to Wangchuk group of hotels, who has two properties in Thimphu. It is located on the hillock overlooking the Mongar town and also have good view of the Dzong. It is well furnished with 32 rooms, privat...
Hotels in Trashigang
Druk Doethjung Hotel
Druk Deothjung resort that is on top of a hill a little before Trashigang. Established in 2008, Druk Deothjung remains as a special welcome gate for enchanting eastern Bhutan. Equipped with modern amenities with touch of Bhutanese architectural patte...Lingkhar Lodge
Lingkhar Lodge is well placed on the side of the hill providing a beautiful view over the valley. Its enormous guest rooms are perfect mix of traditional design and modern comfort also offering large sitting area and attached with a verandah to enjoy...
Hotels in Samdrup Jongkhar
Druk Mountain Hotel
Mountain is simple but clean accommodation establishment in heart of Samdrup Jonker. Rooms here are clean, spacious, appropriately furnished and equipped with air condition while the bathrooms are simple but clean and adequate. The hotel also has a r...Tashi Gasel Lodge
Tashi Gesal Lodge in Samdrup Jhonkhar is 3 Kms away from the main town along the highway to Tashigang. Rooms are basic with air conditioning attached bathroom with European toilet hot and cold shower. Multi cuisine restaurant is the highlight serving...
Trip Guide/Leader
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Sonam Pelden
×Sonam Pelden
Sonam Palden is smitten by games most notably national sports of Bhutan- Archery.While growing up in beautiful Ura valley in Bumthang, unlike other kid, he played with traditional traditional bows and arrows. He completed his class 12 from Punakha in 2003. Subsequently he pursued his passion for five years that took him to national limelight. But he missed by whisker to qualify for international.
Slightly disheartened, he refocussed with same intensity and passion to make a mark as a travel guide. In 2008, brandishing his guide license and dream in his eyes he joined Wind Horse , the rest as they is history…
One of the guest said, ” If not a travel guide, Sonam could be Buddhist scholar and his command over english concedes to be an Oxford educated”.
There is hardly any prize for guessing for what he does during his free time, 145 m (476 ft) between 2 wooden targets in archery ground still rules his passion with frenzy.
Love for sport is inherent in him, when Wind Horse started specialised tour like mountain Biking, he jumped into bandwagon happily, although he was doing mountain biking before but in bits and pieces, an opportunity was served on platter, it largely assisted him to hone his skill as well to live to his sporting adrenaline rushes. Whenever free he does a recce of region lying in Thimphu and leads the tour across country. The most audacious biking trip till date along with Sonam Loday, Sonam Palden was from Haa to Phuentsholing via narrow trail, through untamed vegetation and uncharted territory.
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Yonten Phuntsho
×Yonten Phuntsho
Yonten Phuntsho may give way to being shy guy bordering with man of a few words. But he is man who loves to be in thick of action . He leads from the front whilst on the tour. Behind his facade lies the guide whose knowledge and passion runs deep for the love of his works. His aptly quote Barbara Kingsolver “I do my best work if I think about what it is I have to offer”.
From the outset, he knew what he wants to do in his life. Right after finishing his Class 12, he enrolled for guide course for culture initially then extended few more month to complete course on Trekking as well in 2008. After doing free lancing for a while, he joined Wind Horse Tours in 2010.
For most Bhutanese, appeals that mountainous terrains throw in for an out door adventures are native. In the case of Yonten, it was no exception. He easily gave in to the temptation of Mountain biking with its advent. He explored and lead tours in his bike but his allegiance is more inclined to off road biking trips that leads to quaint villages. To explore the unknown and love for nature, these attributes that he cultivated while trekking the alpine highlands and wilderness in remote corner of country was what prompt him to readily agree to embark on audacious Haa to Phuentsholing on mountain bike, overcoming challenges of carrying bike in tough terrains, untamed vegetations and unexplored areas.
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Sonam Loday
×Sonam Loday
A good sense of humour is the currency that prevail everywhere regardless of the time or circumstances. An asset that that has potential to make even the ordinary trip into extraordinary. Sonam Loday has this traits in abundance. This is intrinsic and come as naturally as bees to the flower. He wears it in his sleeve in every tours that he conducts and this is one aspects that steal the limelight when we receive the feedbacks from the guests.
He finished his higher secondary school in 2005. Subsequently, he was at loose end trying to find meaning to his life and career, a chance meeting with a group of tourists resurrected his passion for the trade. He did his cultural guide course in 2005 and trekking in 2007. He burn the midnight oils to complete his senior guide course in 2008. He joined Wind Horse Tours in 2009 and has led countless tours with flair and his brand of humour.
Along with great sense of humour, he is well versed on both aspects cultural as well as trek. The Horse riding course refuelled his passion for horses to a new height in 2010. He is the coordinator and manager of Wind Horse Ranch and Riding Club – a low carbon footprint product.
When it comes to giving air to his interests and passion, he has varied propensities, it ranges from being cultural and trek guide to horse manager to his new found passion – mountain biking, his new best friend. On weekend, perhaps he will be one among the many guys to come across in Thimphu biking zone. And also among the few to volunteer first for audacious Haa to Phuentsholing Trip.
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Pema Dhendup
×Pema Dhendup
Pema Dhendup is the one among the few young guns at Wind Horse Tour, Bhutan. He possess an infectious smile and exuberance that rub off to child and old alike. Unwarily, he has a mature head on his young shoulder and it is most conspicuous when he is among guests, untying knots of religion and its intricate iconography with ease and dexterity.
It took him to many different regions in the country to finish his school as his father’s job demanded. This helped to pick up different local dialects of the region. Currently, this stand in good stead for him. In 2011, he completed his Degree in Arts with history as major from Darjeeling, a hill station in India. He knew what he wanted and it was such a easy choice to opt for guide training. He led his first group 2013 at Wind Horse Tours and the rest the guests’ feedbacks and testimonial itself speak volumes.He harbours a new found passion for birds, which was ignited when he was doing a tour with bird enthusiast.
Reviews / Testimonials
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Honolulu, Hawaii Oct,25,2007Thank you for making our trip to Bhutan a very memorable trip. Bhutan (Bumthang Trek) Oct 2007 Dear Ugen, Lloyd, Gayle and I returned to Honolulu yesterday from our trip to Bhutan. We went
Trip Photos