Exploring the Himalaya's exclusive kingdom
Dates: October 2024
Bhutan is a unique Himalayan Kingdom where success is measured not in Gross National Product, but in Gross National Happiness.
With a desire to maintain an unspoilt environment and guard the beauty and purity of the land, industry is carefully controlled, tourism is the main contributor to foreign income, and the government takes a unique approach to foreign visitors. Rather than encourage tourism en-mass, the emphasis is on high quality and low environmental impact. To achieve this, a daily Social Development Fund is levied on each and every tourist, along with a mandate for tour operators to reach a high standard of quality and comfort for visitors, whilst minimising the negative effects tourism may have on Bhutan. The result is that tourists are respected and treated with friendly, cheerful courtesy in a nation that, whilst costly to visit, is perhaps the world's safest and most peaceful destination.
As one must expect, the Himalayas present the cyclist with long climbs and descents. The longest downhill continues for sixty kilometres, and, as things must first go up, there are climbs to match. However, the gradients are gentle and as kind as any hill can be to a cyclist, leaving riders both satisfied and exhilarated as we settle in and enjoy some of Asia's most spectacular scenery and gorgeous cycling terrain. Riding a bicycle here allows an up close and personal experience as we pass through this land of magificent monasteries, rustic villages, mountains high and forests thick, meet fascinating English-speaking people (education is English medium) and witness beautiful wildlife in a land where killing an animal is an offence.
Bhutan is special, unique - the ride of a lifetime.
Total Days: 12 | Cycling Days: 7 | Difficulty: 8/10 | Daily Average: 97km | See more information, dates & prices »
