Dochula to Punakha Cycling Descent
A high-pass start and a long, scenic descent into Punakha.
Start at 3,100 m on Dochula Pass among its 108 chortens, then descend for most of a day into Punakha's warm valley floor - one long, mostly downhill ride with a support vehicle for the transfer up.
- Dochula Pass start
- Long scenic descent
- Punakha finish
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 5 days
- Max altitude
- 3,100 m (Dochula Pass)
Why this trip works
- Best Attractions
Where this trip takes you
- 01Dochula Pass, 108 chortens
The ride's start line and a sunrise photo stop before rolling out.
- 02Punakha valley finish
A warm, subtropical finish after the descent from altitude.
- 01Dochula Pass, 108 chortens
- See the gallery
- Things To Do
- Photograph Dochula Pass's 108 chortens before the ride starts
- Descend from 3,100 m to Punakha's valley floor
- Recover with a night in Punakha at the end
- Hotels
- BoutiqueBoutique Hotel, Punakha
- Best Season
- Spring · Mar - May
- Autumn · Sep - Nov
Clear passes at altitude and warm valley floors on the way down.
The route
Hover or tap a dzongkhag for what this trip does there - shown in visiting order, west to east.
See the ground before you book
Footage shot on the same trails, passes, and valleys Dochula to Punakha Cycling Descent travels through - filmed by us, not stock.
Taking a Group Over Chele La
Guiding travellers up to Bhutan's highest motorable pass, through cold rain and fog.
Riding with the Paro Dragon Riders
Two days of enduro: the Divine Madman trail first, then singletrack around Punakha.
A closer look
Other journeys
A few more starting points - every trip is customizable around your dates and pace.
5 daysModerateCyclingParo-Thimphu Valley Cycling Loop
Gentle road cycling between Bhutan's two main valleys.
2,450 mQuiet valley roadsSupport vehicleEasy gradesView trip
7 daysEasyCultural ToursCultural Bhutan
The classic west-to-central loop through dzongs and valleys.
3,140 m (Taktsang viewpoint)Paro & ThimphuPunakha DzongTiger's Nest hikeView trip
10 daysChallengingTrekkingDruk Path Trek
A high-altitude trek between Paro and Thimphu, lake to lake.
4,210 m (Phume La)Alpine lakes4,200m passesCamp under the starsView trip
This is just the starting point
Every trip here is a template, not a fixed package - tell us your dates, pace, and interests and we'll customize Dochula to Punakha Cycling Descent (or build something new) around exactly what you want.