Big descents from 4,000 m peaks. The helicopter does the climbing.
Bhutan Rides has curated the first heli-bike trip in Bhutan, for mountain bikers who want big descents from the high peaks around the Thimphu valley, with the uplift on an Airbus H130 helicopter. Come fly with us.
Bhutan Heli-Bike is for those looking for a truly epic MTB tour, taking you on some of the best singletrack in western Bhutan combined with two heli-lifts in Thimphu to reach our favourite high-altitude trails. On heli day, an Airbus H130 drops you on 4,000 m ridgelines, from where we ride two of Thimphu’s best trails: 25 km of singletrack and nearly 4,000 m of descending in a single day.
The trip starts with an easy acclimatising ride in the capital, then a day of heli rides with two lifts to Thapsa Peak and Phajoding Ridge. Continue to the famous Madman trail, then head to Paro for some amazing rides, and end your MTB adventure at the famous Tiger’s Nest monastery.
Year-round
110 km
6 Days / 5 Nights
5 Ride Days
Advanced ride skills
Technical singletrack
Full-suspension enduro bike
2 – 10 Riders
Varies per heli ride
Tour Dates
Tour dates: any day you want. Tell us when you'd like to fly and we'll build the trip around it.
Tour Highlights
- Heli-lifts to Thapsa Peak and Phajoding Ridge
- The best singletrack trails of western Bhutan
- The legendary Madman trail
- Jela and Kila trails of Paro
- Local dumplings
- Paro's Tiger's Nest monastery
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 01 Welcome to Bhutan — arrival
If you arrive on a bright sunny day, your holiday begins with a panoramic view of the Himalaya from your Drukair seat: Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga, and our very own Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drakey. Sit on the left side of the plane for the best views (ask at the check-in counter).
On arrival our guide will meet you and settle you into your vehicle for the drive to the capital, Thimphu. On the way we stop at Tachogang Lhakhang to stretch the legs and walk over the iron-chain bridge, rebuilt with original links from the 15th-century Tibetan bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo.
If time permits, we'll go for a short ride on Thimphu's favourite XC trail, the Wangditse loop. In the evening, visit the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, then a welcome dinner of authentic Bhutanese cuisine with the tour briefing.
Overnight: 4-star Thimphu Tower
- Distance 5 km
- Hours on the Saddle 1 hrs
- Elevation Gain 20 m
- Elevation Loss 300 m
- Highest Elevation 2,400 m
- Hotel / Camp 2,200 m
Day 02 Best of Thimphu’s trails — acclimatise with enduro shuttles
Straight into riding: some of the best MTB trails in the country. A gentle 4 km climb takes us to Buddha Point, where the 169 ft Buddha statue overlooks the city. From the viewpoint we ride the capital's favourite trail, the 6 km KC Trail, exiting in Motithang. Shuttle back to the Buddha and ride the downhill trail to Babesa.
Then up to the Takin Reserve to see the national animal, and on to the Radio Tower where the Wangditse singletrack begins. Shred it down to Bebena, shuttle back up, and ride the purpose-built Takin trail, fast and flowy through the pine forest.
After a local lunch of dumplings, a 30-minute hike-a-bike to Chokhortse and another run down to the Radio Tower and the Takin trail. All singletrack, with great views over the capital and probably a few local riders on the trail. Dinner in town, and some very good Bhutanese craft beer.
Overnight: 4-star Thimphu Tower
- Distance 35 km
- Hours on the Saddle 5 hrs
- Elevation Gain 800 m
- Elevation Loss 1,300 m
- Highest Elevation 2,800 m
- Hotel / Camp 2,200 m
Day 03 Heli-biking in Thimphu
Today we take to the skies. The helicopter lifts you and your bike to Thapsa Peak at 4,000 m for a beautiful 15 km descent to Thimphu. After lunch, a second lift to Phajoding Ridge at 4,000 m and a 12 km downhill trail. A spectacular way to reach two amazing trails without hours of hike-a-bike.
Overnight: 4-star Thimphu Tower
- Distance 25 km
- Hours on the Saddle 5 hrs
- Elevation Gain 250 m
- Elevation Loss 3,900 m
- Highest Elevation 4,050 m
- Hotel / Camp 2,200 m
Day 04 Trans Bhutan Trail — 1,500 m of descending on one epic trail
Every rider we've taken here agrees this is one of the best trails in the world, and they have ridden a lot of the world. Drive to Trashigang Gonpa at 3,300 m, then an easy hour of hike-a-bike to Lungchutse Gonpa.
From the trailhead at 3,600 m the trail drops into rhododendron forest, wide and wild, for 3 km of pure descending in the mist. From Dochula pass we continue on the Trans Bhutan Trail, a heritage route full of the nation's history. A picnic lunch waits at Lamperi Botanical Park, then our favourite stretch of the famous Madman trail down to Menchuna and on to Chandana village.
Drive to Paro in the afternoon.
Overnight: 4-star Mandala Resort
- Distance 18 km
- Hours on the Saddle 4 hrs
- Elevation Gain 300 m
- Elevation Loss 1,500 m
- Highest Elevation 3,600 m
- Hotel / Camp 2,300 m
Day 05 World-class singletrack of Paro
After breakfast, a 45-minute shuttle to the trailhead and a 1.5-hour hike-a-bike on the Trans Bhutan Trail to Jela Dzong, then the famous Jela trail: a 15 km downhill on one of the best trails in Bhutan.
After lunch in Paro town, a 1.5-hour shuttle to the remote Kila Goenpa nunnery at 3,600 m and a long descent to the Paro valley. Loamy, fast and flowing through rhododendron and oak forest, then loose hardpack and rock gardens below Gorina monastery, close to 12 km of pure ecstasy.
Finish at a farmhouse with a traditional herbal hot-stone bath, known for easing aching joints and muscles.
Overnight: 4-star Mandala Resort
- Distance 27 km
- Hours on the Saddle 6 hrs
- Elevation Gain 500 m
- Elevation Loss 3,500 m
- Highest Elevation 3,600 m
- Hotel / Camp 2,300 m
Day 06 Tiger’s Nest hike — departure
No trip is complete without Tiger's Nest. We start early, hike up to the monastery (8 km, 900 m up and down) and return to town for lunch, then drop you at the airport for your late-afternoon flight.
- Highest Elevation 3,000 m
Day-by-Day Ride Stats
| Day | Hours on the Saddle | Distance Ridden | Elevation Gained | Elevation Lost | Highest Elevation | Hotel / Camp Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 hrs | 5 km | 20 m | 300 m | 2,400 m | 2,200 m |
| 2 | 5 hrs | 35 km | 800 m | 1,300 m | 2,800 m | 2,200 m |
| 3 | 5 hrs | 25 km | 250 m | 3,900 m | 4,050 m | 2,200 m |
| 4 | 4 hrs | 18 km | 300 m | 1,500 m | 3,600 m | 2,300 m |
| 5 | 6 hrs | 27 km | 500 m | 3,500 m | 3,600 m | 2,300 m |
| 6 | - | - | - | - | 3,000 m | - |
| Totals | 21 hrs | 110 km | 1,870 m | 10,500 m | 4,050 m | - |
Picture Yourself Here
Watch the film
Good to Know
The answers below apply to every Bhutan Rides trip — one honest FAQ, no small print.
What does the pricing include?
Our prices cover everything inside Bhutan: the government Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), your visa, all riding permits, twin-share accommodation, three meals a day, drinking water and trail snacks, a certified riding guide, a support vehicle with mechanic and driver, airport transfers, and all monument entry fees on the itinerary.
What is not included in the price?
International flights to and from Paro, travel insurance (mandatory — see the insurance question below), alcoholic drinks, personal shopping, tips for the crew, and single-room supplements. Bike or motorcycle hire is quoted separately so riders who bring their own machine never pay for one they don’t use.
Who is this tour for?
Each ride lists its own challenge level, but the honest rule is: if you ride regularly at home, there is a Bhutan ride for you. Cross-country trips suit anyone with moderate fitness; Enduro and expedition trips need confident technical descending; motorcycle tours need a valid licence and real-world riding experience. Not sure? Write to us — we’d rather match you to the right ride than sell you the wrong one.
Do I need to tip the guides?
Tipping is customary in Bhutan but entirely at your discretion. As a guideline, riders typically pool around US$8–12 per person per day, shared between the guide, driver and support crew at the end of the trip. It is a thank-you, never an obligation.
How many riders will there be in the group?
We keep groups small on purpose — most departures run with 4 to 12 riders plus crew. Small groups keep the singletrack flowing, the pace flexible and the evenings personal. Private groups of 2 or more can book any tour as a bespoke departure.
Can I do laundry during the trip?
Yes. Hotels in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha offer same-day or next-day laundry at a modest charge. On multi-day riding stretches between towns, plan for two to three days between laundry stops — quick-dry riding kit is your friend.
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
Hand-picked three and four-star hotels and heritage lodges in the towns, and the best available farmstays or camps in remote valleys. Every property is chosen for hot showers, good food and secure bike storage. On expedition itineraries like Chasing the Yeti, some nights are full-service camping with our crew.
How are the medical facilities in Bhutan during an emergency?
Every district town has a hospital and the national referral hospital is in Thimphu; healthcare for visitors is competent for first-line treatment. Our guides are wilderness-first-aid trained, every trip carries a comprehensive medical kit and oxygen on high routes, and the support vehicle is never far from the trail.
Is helicopter evacuation possible?
Yes. Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services operates medical evacuation flights nationwide, and our crews carry the communications to call one in from remote valleys. Heli-evacuation is exactly why we require travel insurance that covers helicopter rescue and riding activities.
What kind of food can I expect?
Hearty and plentiful. Expect Bhutanese staples like red rice, momos and the famous ema datshi (chillies and cheese) alongside Indian, Chinese and continental dishes. Breakfasts are big, ride days include packed lunches or hot roadside stops, and we cater happily for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free riders — just tell us when you book.
Insurance and safety
Travel insurance is mandatory for every rider and must cover the activity you’re booked on (mountain biking or motorcycling), emergency helicopter evacuation and repatriation. On the safety side: certified guides, radio-linked support vehicles, quality loan helmets and pads, daily bike checks by our mechanic, and conservative route calls when weather turns. We’ve run rides here for over fifteen years without losing our record — and we intend to keep it.
What should I pack for the trip?
Your riding kit (helmet, gloves, eyewear, padded shorts, quick-dry layers), a warm down jacket and beanie for high passes, rain shell, casual clothes for evenings, sunscreen, a personal medical kit, and your licence if motorcycling. We send every confirmed rider a detailed, tour-specific packing list — pedals, saddles and other personal contact points are welcome if you’re riding our bikes.
Want to Ride This as a Private Trip?
Please write to us today — any departure can run privately for two or more riders, on your dates and at your pace.
How to find us?
Ride past the garage, ping us on WhatsApp or drop us a line — either way, you'll be talking to someone who rides.
-
Visit usTangbi Building, Thori Lam,
Motithang, Thimphu, Bhutan - Call / WhatsApp+975 77 222 444
- Emailinfo@bhutanrides.com
A real rider replies within two working days — usually much sooner.