Bhutan Cycling

Bhutan - A Hidden Himalayan Jewel


It is rare in this day and age that we find a pocket of civilization that has been untouched by the rampant modernization of our day to day life. Between the bleeping cell phones, flickering televisions, and humming computers we have almost forgotten what it means to truly be one with the earth.

Bhutan, also known as Druk Yul or the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” is a secluded kingdom that miraculously remains untouched by the modern world and offers shelter from the glow of neon lights and the stale taste of fast food. Welcome to a paradise where ancient culture is perfectly preserved within an Eden rich with plant, animal and bird life and the kind and friendly people live in tune with nature. Welcome to Bhutan.

A Step Back in Time

Bhutan did not allow tourists into the country until 1974, and these early travellers could only enter Bhutan by foot via a trek over high mountain passes or across the plains of Assam and West Bengal because Druk Air only began outside flights in 1983. Now entering Bhutan is a bit easier, yet still when you step into this country you can feel the sense of peace and quiet that is a result of a deep respect for tradition.

It is clear that Bhutan does things differently when you realize that the county measures Gross National Happiness instead of Gross National Product. The ban on television and internet was only lifted in 1999, and fans of fresh air can breathe easy knowing that all tobacco is banned throughout the country. Bhutan has chosen to take its time developing as a country, so that it can learn from the mistakes of others. It is one of the best places in the world to see traditional Buddhist culture come to life.

Abundant Flora and Fauna

For such a small kingdom, Bhutan holds plenty of nature’s treasures to discover. The scenery ranges from subtropical plains to Himalayan heights and within these pristine ecosystems there resides a huge range of wildlife. In fact, the Eastern Himalayan region of Bhutan has been recognized as a “Global Diversity Hotspot” by the World Wildlife Federation.

There have been at least seven hundred separate bird species recorded in Bhutan, as it is at the hub of 221 global endemic bird areas. Some of the rarest endangered species that can be found here are the White-Bellied Heron, Pallas Fish Eagle, and the Blyth’s King Fisher. The forests and mountains are also home to many amazing mammals, such as Bengal Tigers, Red Pandas, Barking Deer, Golden Langur, and Elephants.

Bhutanese Culture

Cradled within the Himalayan Mountains, the geographical isolation of Bhutan has played a big part in preserving its unique culture. Buddhism is the main religion and religious beliefs permeate all aspects of life. Each village has its own dzong, a high walled fortress where all religion and administration is based.

All citizens in Bhutan wear the traditional dress in public, including the knee-length robe with belt (known as a gho) for men and colourful ankle-length dresses for women.

Every year, religious festivals are held, known as Tsechu. These are large social gatherings where the people of the remote villages gather together to celebrate with bright costumes, fantastic masks, and traditional dances. Most Tsechus feature the unfurling of the throngdrel, which is a tapestry depicting a seated Guru Rinpoche (a sage Vajrayana Buddhism guru) surrounded by holy beings. It is said that a mere glance upon this sacred tapestry will cleanse the viewer of sin.

Explore Bhutan on Our Cycling Tour

On our 12 day cycling Kingdom of Bhutan tour you will get to enjoy this strange and wonderful country up close, with a group of other friendly and passionate travellers. We will ride through the dense forests, sparkling rivers, and tiny villages, stumbling upon some of the most memorable views of a lifetime. You will have the rare opportunity to visit the inside of the fabled Tigers Nest Monastery, as most tours only view the outside from a nearby overlook. Our Bhutan cycling tour will immerse you in the fascinating culture of this beautiful wonderland.

Indonesia Cycling

Bali, Indonesia - a Paradise for Pedaling


With gorgeous beaches, world-class surfing and diving, and endless sunshine, Bali has long been a bikini paradise for the laid back sun and surf fan. However, there is a lot more to Bali than gnarly waves and sweet parties. This Indonesian island is saturated with a deeply spiritual and unique culture that will enchant and delight you in ways you never imagined.

The scenery in Bali could almost fool you into thinking it was an elaborate painted backdrop, because the emerald green rice paddies, dramatic volcanoes, dense tropical jungles and warm sun glinting off blue water are too incredible to be real. Bali is called the “Island of the Gods” and when you arrive at this last paradise it is easy to see why.

Bali is an absolute treat for the senses, and its colourful traditional art and live performances, lush surroundings, spicy and bold cuisine, and tranquil temples will create travel memories that you will never forget.
A Very Sacred Place
Bali is also known as the “Island of a Thousand Puras (Temples)” and there are an estimated 20,000 temples and shrines throughout the island. Each village is required by law to have at least three temples, and many have more. Religion is part of nearly every aspect of traditional life in Bali, and embraces theology, philosophy and mythology. Gods and goddesses are present in all things, and every element of nature represents the power of the gods.

You will see tiny offerings to the gods everywhere, known as canang san, which consist of leaf trays filled with rice, flowers, cookies, and other treats and set out with incense sticks and a sprinkle of holy water. The Balinese subscribe to the Hindu philosophy of “Tri Hita Korana”, which means that the three causes of happiness are good relations with God, other people, and the environment. This idea of universal harmony underlies all interactions.

The rest of Indonesia is mostly Muslim, however Bali has managed to retain a small pocket of Hinduism. The art and ritual of Balinese Hinduism is a visual manifestation of sacred religious beliefs.

The Sights and Sounds of Artistic Bali

Bali has one of the most innovative and diverse performing arts cultures in the world. Many temples have an inner courtyard which serves as a performance space for the music, dance, or drama that often accompanies a Balinese ritual. Thousands of performances are held throughout the year, at public shows, temple festivals, or private ceremonies. Balinese performers act out the ancient stories of Hindu epics such as the Ramayana with their own Balinese touch. They also perform the traditional ritual dances, such as the Barong or “Lion Dance” that depicts the battle between good and evil.

Sculpture is an important form of creative expression in Bali, and you will see many beautifully carved statues of gods and goddesses in the temples and courtyards of the island. Bali has a very highly developed visual arts culture, including painting, leather, and metal working.

Taste the Local Cuisine

Are you ready for a hot, spicy and colourful explosion of flavour? Balinese food is most often served with rice or noodles, and most dishes involve pork, chicken or seafood and a variety of vegetables mixed with chilli. Sate is a method of cooking that produces mouth-watering grilled meat on a stick. Nasi goreng is one of the most popular dishes, and is a delicious plate of steamed rice fried in wok with oil, vegetables and seafood or chicken, often served with a fried egg on top. Duck is also a popular ingredient in Balinese dishes.

You can find great authentic food from the roving vendors, known as kaki lima. The name means “five legs” which refers to the three legs of the food cart and the two legs of the vendor. From these carts you can get deliciously spicy hot meatball noodle soup called bakso.

Pretty and Peaceful Ubud

Ubud is regarded as the cultural centre of Bali, and is the epicentre of all the arts and crafts activity in the nearby villages. It is rich with beautiful temples, tranquil gardens, and a general feeling of peace and wellbeing. There are many museums and galleries for the art lover to explore, and botanical gardens for a relaxed wanderer to unwind in. Cruising at a leisurely pace through the streets on a bicycle is the best way to explore the hidden treasures of Ubud.

Cycling Through the Paradise Island

Our Bali bike tour, Bali Paradise Ride begins in beautiful Ubud with a chance to discover what this artistic centre has to offer. Then, we venture outside the village and into the hills and down to the coast. Enjoy a ride along some of the most breath-taking beaches you can imagine, while stopping to admire stately ancient temples along the way. Have you ever seen a volcanic black sand beach, or visited an 11th century temple perched on the rim of an active caldera? Our tours will take you through the most other-worldly scenery of Bali, where you will gasp at the wonders of nature and truly feel like a guest in the land of the gods.

Thailand Cycling

The Ancient Walled City of Chiang Mai: An Unforgettable Journey


Before the 1920s, it used to take an arduous river journey or a rugged elephant trek through the jungle to reach the beautiful temples of Chiang Mai. Fortunately, this northern gem is now much more accessible. However, its decades of isolation has had the benefit of preserving Chiang Mai’s traditional charm, and the city is a wonderful place to get some insight on the history of the Thai lifestyle.

The largest city in Northern Thailand, and known to locals as the cultural capital, Chiang Mai is located on the Ping River which was an important historical thoroughfare for trade routes. To this27 day it is still a major centre for beautiful handcrafted goods, umbrellas, silver jewellery and woodcarving. There are many opportunities for shopping in the local markets, including the bustling Sunday Walking Street Market where you can find beautiful local fashions and handmade art pieces.

Surrounded by dramatic mountains and lush countryside, Chiang Mai is a greener and quieter version of the capital city Bangkok, with a cosmopolitan flair. Although Chiang Mai translates as “New City”, this city is far from new. In fact, it’s rich and multi-layered history dates back to 1296 AD. At one time it was the capital of the ancient Lanna kingdom, and it contains temple after temple dating back to these early foundations, in impressive Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna Thai designs.

A Peaceful Oasis of Culture

Chiang Mai is one of the few cities in the world which still has a traditional moat around the city. The moat, lined with trees, grassy banks, beautiful fountains and historic ramparts is ideal for exploring by bicycle. The moat creates a different atmosphere at night time as it is lit up with brilliant colors.

With its quiet and relaxed vibe, this historic city appeals more to the sophisticated traveller than the young backpacker chaos of Bangkok. It has an increasing number of high-class hotels, giving visitors the option to stay here in style and comfort. Chiang Mai has attracted a large percentage of expats and retirees who have chosen this affordable, unspoilt, and more traditional city to call home.

A Whole New World of Tastes

One of the highlights of your experience in Chiang Mai is sure to be the food. Thai cuisine is famously fragrant and flavorful, and rich curries, spicy soups, and savory noodle dishes. In the North specifically, the cuisine features the frequent use of hot chilli dips known as “naam prik”. Why not try some gaeng ho, stir fried vegetables meat, and woon sen noodles with curry powder and turmeric?

The traditional Northern Thai meal is known as Khan Toke, which is served on a small round table and consists of several small dishes to share such as beef and chicken curry, crispy fried pork skin, and naam prik served with sticky rice. An authentic Khan Toke dining experience will be part of your cycling tour, providing a great opportunity to converse with your new friends. If you have adventurous tastes, and love exotic and spicy flavors, you will be in heaven with the amount of new culinary sensations available for you to sample here in Chiang Mai.

The Cycling Experience of a Lifetime

Chiang Mai is ideally suited to exploring on a bicycle. The roads are excellent here, with some of the most well-maintained road cover in Southeast Asia due to the fact that the Royal Thai Government has made the condition of the roads a priority. During the dry season, the climate is pleasant and cool, making the perfect conditions for a long bike ride through the surrounding green hills, lakes, flower fields and tranquil forests. In order to preserve the sacred mountains, the roads are not blasted through the mountain passes but gently woven around them, making for fantastic twists and spectacular views. Within the city of Chiang Mai, bicycles and motorbikes are a common means of transportation for locals. Chiang Mai doesn’t have the traffic of Bangkok, which makes it a more laid back experience to cycle through the old lanes and streets of this ancient city.

Experiencing Chiang Mai first hand by bicycle is the best way to truly soak in the sights and sounds of the city. Weave through the narrow lanes and alleyways and admire the traditional wooden houses and wide array of quirky shops. The spicy scent of simmering noodles, the ringing of prayer bells, and the bright rainbow of traditional Thai dress: Cycling lets you immerse yourself completely in the colorful excitement of Chiang Mai.

Choose Your Own Adventure

We offer three distinct tours which visit Chiang Mai, each with a different theme and pace to them.

The Heart of Lanna tour is based in a boutique lodge within the heart of the old city in Chiang Mai and takes you on many day trips around the city and surrounding countryside, including a visit to the hot springs and the ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam. The Heart of Lanna tour is suitable for casual cyclists who want a relaxing experience, yet for the more serious we can provide longer and more challenging routes.

The Northern Highlights tour is a weeklong adventure that takes you from Chiang Mai up into remote mountain resorts, lush isolated forests, and breathtaking temple caves. On this journey, selected by National Geographic Traveller as one of the 50 Tours of a Lifetime, you will never be far from excitement.

The Ancient Kingdoms tour is two weeks long, and takes you all the way from central Thailand into the beautiful north, exploring fascinating ruins along the way. If you want to learn more about the rich history of this area, see an elephant training camp, and discover how the ethnic tribes of Thailand live, this adventure is for you!