Bhutan |
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| BHUTAN In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding some border land. TERRAIN The southern border of Bhutan begins where mountains rise dramatically from the fertile deltas of northern India. Bhutan’s elevation gradually rises to its northern border high in the Himalayas. It is safe to say there is not much flat terrain in Bhutan for cycling, although the undulating roads that bisect the valleys could accurately be described as gently rolling. Of course, if one wishes to travel from one valley to the next, then one must climb. Most of the villages and towns we visit on a bicycle tour of Bhutan are located in valleys. For example, the 41 mile route from Paro to Ha requires cycling over the 12,300 foot pass of Cheli la. The road grade is an average of 5%, and the approximate elevation gain from Paro is 4,500 feet. We choose our routes carefully, so the significant elevation gains are never combined with long distances. You may only travel 38 miles on a certain day, some of which will be uphill. Keep in mind the phrase “what goes up, must come down” when cycling in Bhutan! Bicycle Sambhava will provide you with some training tips to help you best prepare for your tour. You need not feel nervous about climbing when good information is available as part of |
Under British influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. This role was assumed by independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formal Indo-Bhutanese accord returned the areas of Bhutan annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations.
