Motorcycle Expedition
Overview
Experience the thrill of riding through the winding mountain roads of the Himalayas. This motorcycle tour takes you across high passes, through lush valleys, and into the heart of Bhutan's unique culture.
This itinerary is designed to give you a comprehensive experience of Bhutan's unique culture and stunning landscapes.
Highlights
- Riding across Dochu La and Pele La passes
- Exploring the remote Haa Valley
- Bhutanese cultural immersion & cuisine
- Winding mountain roads with stunning vistas
What's Included
- Royal Enfield motorcycle rental
- Fuel and maintenance
- Mechanic and support vehicle
- All permits and sightseeing
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
Touch down at Paro International Airport, one of the most scenic approaches in the world. You'll be greeted by your road captain and support team. Transfer to your hotel to settle in. Then, head to the garage to meet your machines—classic Royal Enfield Classics or Himalayans. After a comprehensive safety briefing and gear check, take a short acclimatization test ride around the Paro valley to get a feel for the bikes and the Bhutanese roads. Evening welcome dinner to meet the fellow riders.
Day 2: Ride to Thimphu
Kickstart your engines for the first leg of the journey: a short but beautiful ride to Thimphu (55km). The road follows the Pa Chhu and Thimphu Chhu rivers with sweeping curves. Ride past the confluence at Chuzom. Arrive in Thimphu and ride up to the massive Buddha Dordenma statue for a blessing and panoramic city views. Cruise through the city streets, observing the unique blend of traffic (no traffic lights!) and tradition. Park up at your hotel and explore the city's nightlife.
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
The real adventure begins. Ascend from Thimphu to the Dochula Pass (3,100m). The climb involves a series of switchbacks offering thrilling riding. Stop at the pass to admire the 108 chortens and the Himalayan range. Then, start the long, winding descent into the subtropical Punakha valley (1,200m). The vegetation changes from pine to banana trees and cacti. Ride to the Punakha Dzong, the most majestic fortress in Bhutan. Overnight in a hotel overlooking the paddy fields.
Day 4: Punakha to Trongsa
Ride deeper into the heart of Bhutan. Use the East-West highway, which is locally known as the 'dancing road' due to its endless curves. Cross the Pele La Pass (3,420m), traditionally the boundary between western and central Bhutan. Watch out for yaks on the road! Descend through dwarf bamboo forests to Chendebji Chorten. Continue to Trongsa, where the massive dzong seems to float above the gorge. The ride is demanding but rewarding.
Day 5: Trongsa to Bumthang
A shorter ride today but full of altitude changes. Climb out of Trongsa to cross the Yotong La Pass (3,425m). The air gets cooler as you descend into the Chumey valley, known for its wool weavers. Continue to Jakar in Bumthang, the spiritual heartland. The wide, open valleys of Bumthang are perfect for cruising. Check into your lodge and enjoy a locally brewed Red Panda Weiss beer.
Day 6: Bumthang Exploration
Leave the luggage at the hotel and enjoy a day ride exploring the four valleys of Bumthang: Chokhor, Tang, Ura, and Chumey. Visit the grand Kurjey Lhakhang and the ancient Jambay Lhakhang. The roads here are quieter and offer opportunities to ride on some paved farm roads depending on your skill level. Visit the Swiss Farm area or ride further up to the Burning Lake (Mebar Tsho).
Day 7: Bumthang to Punakha
Begin the return leg of the journey westwards. Retracing your route allows you to experience the curves from a different angle. The ride back to Punakha is a long day in the saddle (approx. 7-8 hours), testing your endurance. Stops will be made for tea and photos at scenic viewpoints. The familiarity of the road allows for a more rhythmic and confident ride.
Day 8: Punakha to Paro
Climb back up to Dochula Pass for a final view of the high peaks. Then, enjoy the long descent back to Thimphu and the cruising run along the river back to Paro. This riding day brings a sense of accomplishment as you complete the circuit. Drop off the bikes at the garage and share stories of the road with the mechanics. Transfer to your hotel for a well-earned rest.
Day 9: Tiger's Nest Hike
Trade riding boots for hiking boots. Today, you hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang Goemba). It's a great way to stretch the legs after days on the bike. The hike takes 4-5 hours round trip. Visiting this sacred site, clinging to the cliffside, is the spiritual highlight of the trip. Return to Paro for a relaxing afternoon.
Day 10: Haa Valley Ride
One final day on the bikes (optional) or a drive. Head to the Haa Valley via the Chele La Pass (3,988m), the highest motorable road in Bhutan. The road to the pass is steep with hairpin bends, offering an exhilarating ride. The view from the top includes Mt. Jomolhari. Glide down into the pristine Haa valley for lunch before riding back to Paro. This is often voted the best riding day.
Day 11: Leisure & Hot Stone Bath
A free day to relax. Explore Paro town for souvenirs. In the late afternoon, indulge in a traditional hot stone bath. River stones are heated in a fire until red hot and then dropped into a wooden tub of water with medicinal herbs—the perfect cure for rider's fatigue. Farewell dinner with traditional music and dance.
Day 12: Departure
Your motorcycle expedition wraps up. Transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight. You leave with memories of the wind, the mountains, and the open road.
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