9 days/ 8 nights · Private tour
Tour highlights
About this tour
The Tour of the Dragon is one of the hardest one-day mountain bike races on earth. Riders leave Bumthang in the dark, cross four mountain passes and finish in Thimphu about 268 kilometres later. On 5 September 2027, you can race it yourself or follow the riders by van, cheering from the passes.
This nine-day trip gets you to the start line rested and ready. You drive east across the country, ride short training sections, visit the temples of Bumthang, then race or follow the race back to the capital. Your guide, a mechanic and a support van stay with you throughout.
Very. The route climbs more than 3,000 metres in total and crosses Yotong La, Pele La and Dochula, with the highest point above 3,400 metres. The fastest riders finish in about nine hours, while most take 12 to 16. However, there are cut-off times, so you need serious endurance training.
Not a racer? Watching is a joy too. You leave Bumthang behind the riders, stop on the passes to cheer, and arrive in Thimphu for the finish and the celebrations.
Riders get help with race registration, bike checks, a mechanic and a support van carrying food, water and spare clothes. Meanwhile, supporters follow the race in comfort and see the same mountains and villages from the road.
Want a gentler ride first? Our Bhutan mountain biking tour covers the best of western Bhutan in eight days. Or browse every Bhutan adventure tour.
Your Tour of the Dragon trip starts from US$4,050 per person, and group discounts are available. The price covers a good mountain bike and helmet, a mechanic, a support van and driver, a licensed guide, the Sustainable Development Fee, hotels, all meals, taxes and entry fees. The race entry fee, flights, insurance and drinks are extra.
The Sustainable Development Fee is USD 100 per night right now, half the standard rate set by Bhutan’s official tourism site. However, this lower rate is confirmed only until 31 August 2027. We have been licensed since 2012 and have welcomed more than 2,000 travellers.
Race dates follow the official announcement each year. For visas and packing, read our Bhutan travel information guide.
It is planned for 5 September 2027. The race usually starts in Bumthang around 2 am.
Yes. Most racers do. Pack it well for the flight, and our mechanic will help you assemble it.
Yes. Shorter categories are sometimes offered on the same day. Ask us for the latest race options.
Day by day
This itinerary shows one way to enjoy this trip. We can change any day, add or remove places, change the pace or the hotels, and add a festival. Every journey we run is curated around you.
Paro to Thimphu · 55 km · about 1.5 hours · 2,300 m Your flight drops into the Paro Valley, and your guide greets you with a white scarf. You drive along the river to Thimphu, where you unpack your bike and let the mechanic check it. In the evening, you take an easy walk through the capital to stretch your legs after the flight. Overnight: Thimphu
Thimphu to Punakha · 72 km · training ride on the Dochula descent · Dochula 3,100 m You drive up to Dochula Pass, where 108 chortens stand against the Himalaya, then ride the long descent into Punakha. This is part of the race route, so you learn its bends in daylight. In the afternoon, you cross a wooden bridge into Punakha Dzong. Overnight: Punakha
Punakha to Trongsa · about 130 km · 5 to 6 hours · Pele La 3,420 m Today you travel east by van and ride a short section near Pele La, where yaks graze in the dwarf bamboo. Next, the road winds across steep hillsides until Trongsa Dzong appears across the gorge. In the evening, you rest with views over the valley. Overnight: Trongsa
Trongsa to Bumthang · 68 km · about 2.5 hours · Yotong La 3,425 m A short drive over Yotong La brings you into the wide Bumthang valley, home of the start line. After lunch, you visit Jambay Lhakhang, built in the 7th century. In the evening, you taste buckwheat pancakes and local cheese in Jakar. Overnight: Bumthang
Bumthang · easy day · 2,600 m In the morning, you take a short shakeout ride and visit Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. In the afternoon, riders collect race numbers and attend the briefing. Supporters can explore Jakar town. Everyone eats early and sleeps early tonight. Overnight: Bumthang
Bumthang to Thimphu · about 268 km · start around 2 am · four passes Riders roll out in the dark, with headlights flickering up the first climb. The van follows with food, water and warm clothes. Supporters stop on the passes to cheer as the sun rises over the mountains. Hours later, the riders cross Dochula and fly down to the finish line in Thimphu. Overnight: Thimphu
Thimphu to Paro · 55 km · about 1.5 hours You sleep in, enjoy a slow breakfast and share stories from the race. Later, you drive to Paro and wander the main street. In the evening, a hot stone bath in a farmhouse soothes tired legs. Overnight: Paro
Tiger's Nest hike · 4 to 6 hours return · 3,100 m If your legs allow, you hike to Tiger's Nest, the cliffside monastery above Paro. Steps lead past a waterfall to the temple itself, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on a tigress. If not, you rest and visit Rinpung Dzong instead. Overnight: Paro
Paro airport · short transfer After breakfast, your guide and driver take you to Paro airport and see you off with a farewell scarf. We hope to welcome you back soon, perhaps for a festival in another season.
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country or any insurance company of your choice.
Tell us your dates, and we will shape this trip around you.
