Bhutan Ride & Hike – Exploring the Himalayan Kingdom

Our Bhutan multisport event is back. We are looking forward to introducing you to Tshering Djori and his team of leaders who make this trip an incredible educational, spiritual, and active adventure. Bhutan is a small and remote kingdom, nestled in the Himalayas between its powerful neighbors, India and China. It is a country steeped in traditional Buddhist culture. Tourism is tightly controlled and visitors to the remote kingdom encounter ancient monasteries, colorful prayer flags, and unsurpassed natural beauty.

In the 1970s, Bhutan suffered from poverty, lack of education, and high infant mortality rates. Its government looked for ways to engage with the outside world without exploiting its people and natural resources like many neighboring countries. It championed a new approach to development where prosperity is measured not by GDP, but by Gross National Happiness. Its success is measured by sustainable development, environmental protection, cultural preservation, and good governance.

As much of the world has struggled with massive environmental destruction and social inequity, this emerging democracy is attracting a lot of attention. In the last 20 years, Bhutan has doubled its life expectancy, enrolled 100% of children in school, and protected its natural beauty (three-quarters is still forested and 25% of the country is designated as national parks). It has banned export logging and encourages cycling by taxing private vehicles. The country is one of only two carbon-negative countries in the world.

This great Happiness experiment faces an enormous challenge – its vulnerability to climate change. Bhutan’s people are still among the poorest in the world and they are dependent on agriculture. The country is counting on hydropower to support its careful modernization. While Bhutan has successfully protected its culture and natural resources, if the world does not take action to address climate change, this country’s efforts to place sustainable economics at the forefront of its governance could crumble.

During Climate Ride Bhutan you will experience powerful traditions, spirituality, and breathtaking beauty. Local environmental experts will provide you with unparalleled access and understanding. You’ll experience stunning bike routes and an unforgettable combination of passion and purpose. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a country where people and the environment prosper together.

This is a special Climate Ride Funders Trip and your fundraising directly supports Climate Ride’s work and it includes the Bhutan Government mandated sustainable development contribution which is $200/Person/Night OR US$1200/Person for the 6-night trip. This goes to climate change mitigation programs, country healthcare, community projects, environmental, carbon offset programs and education efforts/projects. Healthcare and education are free of charge in Bhutan. Bhutan is a carbon-negative country.

Proceeds from this event will support Climate Ride directly (no beneficiary selection for this event). Your fundraising for Climate Ride Bhutan will benefit the programs and efforts of Climate Ride including our community scholarships for young climate leaders. You are helping us grow the organization to become an advocacy powerhouse that engages people in the world of active environmental philanthropy and sustainable solutions. Because of this, you cannot change your beneficiary selection after registering. All donations are tax-deductible.

We have full support from our Bhutanese team and the daily cycling mileage can be adjusted to suit all types of cyclists. We will have a full day of hiking as well. This is a fully supported ride which means you can focus on pedaling, hiking, and making connections with your new friends while we take care of everything from overnight details, meals, snacks, luggage transport, and much more to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.