Bhutan Mountain Biking tour

The TL;DR version of this review: Mountain biking with Bhutan Rides is an adventure like no other! If you're reading this, you should just do it! The trails are epic, the scenery is unreal, and the team is absolutely top-notch. Pelden and his crew know all sorts of hidden gems in Bhutan, from untouched routes to adrenaline-pumping descents. Whether you’re an intermediate or a more seasoned rider, they’ll craft a ride that’s as challenging as it is unforgettable. The guides—Pelden, SP, and ST—are legends. Amazing riders, full of cultural insights, and just plain fun to be around. SP had us cracking up one moment and enthralled with Bhutanese history the next. And the drivers who shuttled us around were great too. Pelden is so full of grace and kindness—he truly is an incredible ambassador for his country, which they are all so proud of (and they should be!). Our 12-day trip had it all: challenging climbs, incredible descents, and plenty of chances to soak in the absolutely breathtaking scenery. Off the bike, it’s all about excellent accommodation and great food that fuels the adventure. We even got the chance to sneak in some white-water rafting! Riding with Bhutan Rides is the kind of experience that I know will stick with me forever. If you get the chance, I couldn't recommend it more! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime ride you’ll never forget.

A last minute, 12 day trip with Bhutan rides left me wondering could I organise in time. Pelden and team made it completely hassle free, super-well organized and didn’t need much planning on my part other than pack bike & gear. Even that we had solid recommendations based around terrain, experience and weather. Pelden was outstanding to communicate with and from the off he and team made the Bhutan experience top class until we had to return to the stunning Paro airport. The trails were natural, interesting and on the whole bone-dry. From enduro style singletrack, technical rocks, roots and drops, to riding through endless switchbacks or rock wall canyons. Then there’s belting down loamy forest floors drifting bikes around the corners. So much variety and fun and some epic, epic descents. The team on arrival until we departed made the fullest and most considerate use of our time. Always moving to suit our pace, occasionally reminding of the sunset’s pace! From traveling to the next hand-picked hotel; never sterile, always a location and cultural delight, to a bike pickup or shuttle and on occasion an ice cold beer or coke at the ride end. We were a well-matched, mixed group and made to feel part of the family. The guides/mechanics became friends and very skilled taking care of riders and bikes, planning, unexpected trails or evening maintenance. Their riding standard both up and down and around the trail was fantastic with all our strong-riding group learning new skills. Food and variety of hotels was inspiring, with many local cuisine places managing to serve local dishes in a never-ending variety of flavors. There were some requirements from my side to alter plans during the trip. It was all done seamlessly with care and we continued to have an amazing adventure even with off-the cuff planning. Couldn’t ask for more. I’m figuring out how to go back and explore more with the team! Wholeheartedly recommended. There is no debate these guys are a world-class team supporting your trip of a lifetime. Don’t hesitate, just experience it with Bhutan rides.

This was truly an incredible mountain biking adventure and I recommend it to anyone who loves steep, technical, beautiful bike adventures. Pelden organized an incredible itinerary with lot of climbing and even more descending. Every day was fun, hard, and exhilarating. I am a solid intermediate rider and this was mostly advanced riding that I was able to tackle most of, albeit at a slower pace. These trails pushed me and made me a better rider. The guides, SP and ST, were incredible. Amazing riders and patient guides. SP provided most of our cultural info and he was just fantastic. I learned so much and just fell in love with Bhutan more and more each day. The drivers were also incredible. We shuttled to and from so many rides and most required 4x4 access. Well done! The accommodations were all beautiful and comfortable. Clean, warm, hot showers (mostly), great staff, wonderful food. And the lunch stops were delicious every time. We required a lot of food each day and always got what we needed. We had a few unexpected things happen and SP, ST, and Pelden could handle anything. They are an exceptional group and I feel so grateful to have united with them and spent time peddling around their beautiful country. The new standard has been set and it will be hard for any future trips in my life to meet it.