Mountains and Monasteries: Bhutan by Mountain Bike

Explore Bhutan by Bike: Uma Paro introduces a Himalayan Mountain Bike Adventure

Bhutan is a mystical, still widely undiscovered country. If you want to really dig deep, there are few better ways to explore than by bike. From 7th to 17th July 2008, Uma Paro (in conjunction with Kona Bikes) is offering a small group biking adventure leading you through five different valleys. The route takes in cultural road rides, remote off-road trails, huge freewheel descents and easy river side circuits.

Highlights will include the country’s first designated mountain biking trail in Punakha, a descent from the kingdom’s highest road pass – Chele La, at 3810 metres – and the magical Paro, Phobjikha, Punakha and Haa valleys. We will stop at local markets, remote villages and monasteries, including Bhutan’s iconic Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang).

The itinerary includes ten cycling tours, ranging from 10kms (as a warm-up) to 120kms a day. This may appear short to some, but the mountain terrain and high altitude will provide a challenge even to the experienced. A support vehicle will be accompanying the group on most days, taking us up to each pass before we can enjoy delicious freewheels as we traverse the country, and offering a ride do anyone in need of a rest.

You will be able to enjoy the luxury of Uma Paro for six nights. For the remaining four nights, we have selected simple local hotels located en route. This is an ideal opportunity for single travellers to join a small group (max. 12 people), and our all-inclusive itinerary offers participants easy access, including the arrangement of all visa formalities.

Two experienced Uma Paro guides will be with the group at all times. One of them is COMO Hotels and Resorts Activities Director, Phil Bowen, who personally researched the itinerary, will accompany the adventure. This former pearl diver, rally driver, windsurfing instructor, photographer, trekking and adventure guide and, of course, keen mountain biker, has travelled the seven continents from Yemen to Antarctica.

‘Mountains and Monasteries – Bhutan by Bike’ is available from $3,946 (single occupancy, full board). Complimentary equipment includes a Kona Cinder Cone 2008 mountain bike, gloves and helmet.

Uma means ‘Living House’ in Bahasa, the Indonesian national language. Developed by COMO Hotels and Resorts, Uma properties are located in unspoilt, inland locations. They are also ecologically aware. Every aspect of an Uma resort is infused with indigenous attributes, from design to cuisine to local staff knowledge. The intention is to immerse guests in the textural richness of the resort’s carefully chosen region – from culture to religion and landscape – offering the dual experience of escape and adventure. This is complemented by the holistic core of the COMO Shambhala philosophy, featuring Yoga and Asian-inspired therapies. Uma Paro’s sister resort, Uma Ubud, is located in Bali.

For More Info: http://uma.como.bz/paro/