15 Day Royal Enfield Guided Motorcycle Tour in India and Bhutan

Overview

Delhi - Bagdogra - Guwahati, India; Dooars - Phuentsholing - Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Phobjikha Valley - Bumthang - Mongar - Trashigang - Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan

Highlights

• Explore some of the world's oldest monasteries
• Visit the ruins of the Dzong
• See Paro and Punakha
• Starts and ends in Delhi
• Expert local and international guides
• Support vehicle, crew, and mechanic
• 14 nights accommodation in a selection of guesthouses and handpicked hotels
• Airport transfers provided

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

   You will be transferred from Delhi airport to a hotel.

2. Day 2: Bagdogra

   You'll fly early in the morning from Delhi to Bagdogra. From Bagdogra, you'll get taxis to the border in Pheunsoling. You'll then be in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Pick up your Royal Enfield Classic 500 and get a briefing on the journey ahead.

3. Day 3: Dooars to Phuentsholing

   This first day of riding will take you to Paro, which includes a steep ascent up to 2,800m. During this three to four hour ride, there are dramatic changes in the flora, fauna, and vegetation. You will cross some small towns and have fantastic panoramic views.

4. Day 4: Phuenstholing to Paro

   On this day, climb the Tiger's Nest, one of the most famous sites in Bhutan, clinging to the side of the mountain. This is a steep walk with rewarding views and a chance to go around the beautiful monastery. Descend and have lunch amongst the pine trees. You'll also have the option to go on a short ride to visit Paro town or take a stroll to the Paro Dzong / fortress.

5. Day 5: Paro to Thimphu

   Taking the scenic route on this day, you'll ride to Haa from Paro before heading on to the capital of Bhutan, Thimpu. This will involve riding a long, windy route off the beaten track. The king's palace is there in Thimpu, and in the center, there is the sports stadium, where it is sometimes possible to catch some archery activities.

6. Day 6: Thimphu to Punakha

   After breakfast, ride to the Big Buddha statue and the Sangaygang to get great views of the Thimphu valley. Then, it’ll be on to Punakha, the old winter capital of Bhutan, crossing the Dochula Pass. On a clear day, the whole range of the Eastern Himalayas can be seen from here, so keep your fingers crossed! Then, descend to the Punakha Valley on exhilarating roads with lots of sharp bends and breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.

7. Day 7: Punakha to Trongsa via Phobjikha Valley

   The ride to Trongsa will journey through two major passes and the small town of Wangdue at 1350m, where you’ll visit the Dzong and then ride on to Nobding. From there, the road will ascend sharply to Pelela Pass before descending through pastureland in Sephu, where you'll reach the historical Chendebji Chorten. After a quick lunch at Chendebji, you’ll ride to Trongsa.

8. Day 8: Trongsa to Bumthang or Jakar

   After a visit to the historical Trongsa Dzong, head to Bumthang, a short and easy ride. On the way, pass through many interesting villages and cross the Yutongla Pass at 3400m, before descending into the beautiful Bumthang Valley. A hotel is in the trading town of Jakar.

9. Day 9: Tang Valley

   On this day, there will be a drive up the Tang Valley - wild, original Bhutan and one of the absolute highlights of the tour. Visiting the living museum in Ugyencholing. You will also have a chance to explore Bumthang town on this day. Visit the Jakar Dzong, the Kurgye Monastery, the Tamshing monastery, and after lunch, you can ride to Tang Mebartso or the burning lake or just explore the valley. There is a local brewery to explore and a cheese factory to indulge in. In the evening, you can take a soak in a wormwood-infused bath to ease those days in the saddle.

10. Day 10: Mongar

    This day’s ride will take you through some beautiful and varied terrain. The scenery is stunning and has been compared to that of the Alps. There is only one pass on this day, the Thrumshingla Pass, and weather permitting, you may be able to see Mt. Gangkhar Phuenseum. At 7541m, it is the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. After crossing the pass, you will officially be in Eastern Bhutan, and the road descends 2800m within two hours! The roads there are dramatic with huge cliffs in many places. Mongar is a fertile area with tropical and lush green foliage.

11. Day 11: Trashigang

    Riding out of Mongar, the road climbs past the power station and Buddhist College at Kilikhar before it dives into rhododendron and blue pine forests. There is much to see on this day’s ride and many photo opportunities. While few tourists get this far, the people are well-used to Westerners from years of contact with the many (mostly) Canadian teachers based there. To get a feel for the place, you might like to read Jamie Zeppa’s book, "Beyond the Sky and the Earth – A Journey into Bhutan."

12. Day 12: Samdrup Jongkhar

    This day, the last one in Bhutan, will be spent riding some very winding roads! The vegetation is lush and green with many pine, fir, and chir pine forests along the way. If people feel like it, they can stop at the Sherubts College, the only center for degree studies in Bhutan. Pass through the small town of Khaling and the villages of Wamrong and Deothang before finally reaching the foothills of Samdrup Jongkhar. At this point, you will have ridden your bike from west to east across the entire length of Highway One.

13. Day 13: Guwahati

    Back at sea level, the ride to Guwahati passes through lush countryside. Guwahati, the capital of the state of Assam, is the largest city and an important commercial center in North East India. The bustling town lies on the side of the mighty Brahmaputra River, which originates in Tibet as the “Zangpo.” A late afternoon boat ride on the Brahmaputra will be the ideal finish to an amazing bike ride. The group will have their farewell dinner in Guwahati.

14. Day 14: Delhi

    - Flight to New Delhi

15. Day 15

    - Onwards travel Note that on this tour, you will ride approximately four to six hours per day.

Ride Details

Bike

Rental bike (Royal Enfield 500cc Classic / 410cc Himalayan)

Terrain

All terrain

Riding gear

Good crash helmet (BS Kite Mark), protective jackets, protective gloves, protective trousers, goggles (not included)

Mileage

1,250 kilometers / 777 miles

Daily rides

113 km / 71 miles on average

Meals

All meals included

Accommodation

During this tour, you will be staying at comfortable hotels and guesthouses carefully chosen by Extreme Bike Tours.

Food

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages are included in the price.

Getting There

This tour will take you from the west to the east of Bhutan. You will also visit many places during the tour, including Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha Valley, Bumthang, Mongar, Trashigang, and Samdrup Jongkhar. [+](https://www.tripaneer.com/extreme-bike-tours/15-days-royal-enfield-motorcycle-tour-india-and-bhutan# "Zoom in") [−](https://www.tripaneer.com/extreme-bike-tours/15-days-royal-enfield