Overview
The Bhutan Motorcycle Tour is a rare guided riding adventure through the world's last remaining Buddhist kingdom, crossing from India into Bhutan's pristine valleys, ancient dzongs, and mist-covered mountain passes. This motorbike journey covers Paro, Punakha, Bumthang, Phobjikha Valley, and Thimphu, taking you through a country that measures success by Gross National Happiness and limits tourist numbers to protect its unspoiled culture and landscapes. Every day on this Bhutan bike trip will deliver winding mountain roads through dense forests, past centuries-old monasteries, and across high-altitude passes where prayer flags snap in the Himalayan wind. The fully supported tour includes motorcycles, experienced mechanics, support vehicles, all permits and visas, and expert guides who will navigate Bhutan's unique regulations and hidden gems. Bhutan limits tourist numbers by design, and r
Highlights
- Starts in Delhi, India, and ends in Paro, Bhutan
- Hiking the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery
- Riding through the capital city of Thimphu
- Seeing the mystical Bumthang Valley
- Going through the breathtaking Dochula Pass
- Witnessing the Punakha Dzong Fortress
- Discovering Bhutanese traditions and cuisines
- 11 nights accommodation
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi’s International Airport, you will be met by a Brahmand Tour representative and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to relax and get ready for the journey ahead. Whether you want to explore the local area or just relax, this day will be a smooth transition to the trip of a lifetime.
Day 2: Arrival at Paro Airport
Upon arrival in Paro, Bhutan, you will be met by Brahmand Tour's local team and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, join the tour crew for a briefing session, where you will get an idea of the travel times, routes, and local information. Then, kick start your Bhutan bike ride with a short introductory ride in the northern part of Paro. End the day by exploring the streets of Paro town and get ready for the days ahead.
Day 3: Paro - Punakha (approximately 115 kms / 71 mi - 3 hours' drive)
Get ready for the day’s 115 km ride from Paro to Punakha, famous for its stunning mountain views and cultural attractions. En route, stop at Tachog Lhakhang Temple and its iron bridge, a symbol of Bhutan’s rich spiritual heritage. Cross Dochula Pass, famous for its 108 memorial chortens and Himalayan views. Finally, arrive in Punakha, where the majestic Punakha Dzong sits at the confluence of two rivers.
Day 4: Punakha - Gelephu (approximately 194 kms / 120 mi - 5 hours and 17 minutes' drive)
Ride 191 km from Punakha to Gelephu via Tsirang. Before you leave Punakha, take a closer look at the famous Punakha Dzong, an architectural wonder that has served as both a religious and administrative center for centuries. On the way, visit rural Tsirang and its markets, and get a glimpse of Bhutanese daily life in these villages.
Day 5: Gelephu - Zhemgang (approximately 127 kms / 79 mi - 4 hours' drive)
This day’s 91 km ride from Gelephu to Zhemgang will be full of biodiversity, as you ride through sub-alpine landscapes with unique flora and fauna. You might spot the Golden Langur, an endangered species in Bhutan. The day will end with visits to historic sites in Zhemgang, including Trong Village and local markets, to see the cultural vibrancy of the area.
Day 6: Zhemgang - Bumthang (approximately 168 kms / 104 mi - 5 hours' drive)
Ride 168 km from Zhemgang to Bumthang. On the way, stop at Trongsa to visit Ta Dzong, a former watchtower, and now a museum to see Bhutan’s history. Then, ride to Bumthang, where rolling hills and spiritual sites await to soak you in the serenity of Bhutan.
Day 7: Halt at Bumthang
Explore Bumthang on this day. Ride to Tang Valley to visit Ogyen Choling Palace and Museum, a Bhutanese treasure. Walk around Bumthang town and visit Jampa Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. The day will be free to explore on your own to dig deeper into Bumthang’s history and culture.
Day 8: Bumthang - Phobijikha (approximately 161 kms / 100 mi - 4 hours and 40 minutes' drive)
Ride to Phobjikha Valley, a 161 km ride from Bumthang through Trongsa. Stop at Trongsa Dzong, the largest and longest Dzong in Bhutan. As you descend into Phobjikha, you will see the valley and, if you are lucky, the black-necked cranes (in season), making this a ride of adventure and ecology.
Day 9: Phobjikha - Thimphu (approximately 130 kms / 81 mi - 3 hours and 30 minutes' drive)
Visit the Black-Necked Crane Center to learn about the conservation efforts for this rare species. The 130 km ride to Thimphu includes stunning scenery as you cross Dochula Pass. There, you can take in the Himalayan views before riding to Thimphu, the vibrant capital city, where the day will end with an exploration of Thimphu’s nightlife.
Day 10: Thimphu - Paro (approx 50 kms / 31 mi - 1 hour and 20 minutes' drive)
Spend the morning in Thimphu, visit Buddha Dordenma, a huge statue overlooking the city, and Royal Takin Preserve, home to the national animal of Bhutan. The 55 km ride from Thimphu to Paro passes through beautiful landscapes and cultural sites before reaching Paro.
Day 11: Hike to “The Tigers Nest”
Ride to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a spiritual site clinging to a cliff at 3,120 meters. The hike takes about five hours, round-trip, and offers breathtaking views of Paro Valley. The monastery is believed to be the meditation site of Guru Rinpoche and is the heart of Bhutan’s spiritual heritage, attracting pilgrims and travelers from all over the world.
Day 12: Paro to Delhi by Flight - Departure
Say goodbye to Bhutan as Brahmand Tour transfers you to Paro Airport for your flight back. This trip will leave you with memories for life.
Ride Details
- Terrain
- Hilly
- Bike
- Royal Enfield Himalayan (411cc)
- Mileage
- 945 kilometers / 588 miles
- Daily rides
- 50 to 94 kilometers / 31 to 58 miles
- Meals
- Daily buffet breakfast and dinner, except in Delhi, where it would be breakfast only
What's included
- Royal Enfield Himalayan (411cc)
- Basic spare parts (tyres-tubes, clutch and accelerator wire, engine oil, chain lock, etc.)
- Support vehicle to carry luggage and all essentials during the trip
- Road captain / route expert with a private motorcycle
- Royal Enfield motorcycle mechanic
- First aid kit containing an adequate stock of the most frequently-needed medicine (if you have any medicine suggested by your physician, carry it on your end)
- Arrival / departure transfer in Delhi with an exclusive vehicle
- Assistance on arrival / departure transfers at the airport
- Bhutan visa
- Sustainable development fees
- Presently applicable taxes
- 11 nights accommodation in the above-mentioned or similar hotels on a twin-sharing basis as per the above program - accommodation certified by the Bhutan Department of Tourism
- Daily buffet breakfast and dinner at the mentioned places, except in Delhi, where it would be breakfast only
- Mineral water per person per day
Not included
- Airfare
- Motorcycle damage charges
- Fuel / gas for the bike
- Monument entrance and any guide fees
- Camera fee at monuments
- Any personal or travel Insurance
- Refundable security deposit (200 USD)
- Any tips, gratuities, portage, Insurance, laundry, telephone calls, or beverages
- Any other services not committed above
Accommodation
During the tour, you will stay in various accommodations in India and Bhutan.
Food
You will be served daily breakfast and dinner, except in Delhi (breakfast only), as well as daily mineral water, included in the price.
