8 Day Guided Bhutan Motorcycle Tour From India - The Ride to Happiness

Overview

Hotel Lotus Villa Phuentsholing Behind Bus Station, Kabrey Lam, Phuentsholing 21001, Bhutan

Highlights

• Starts and ends in Bagdogra, India
• Embark on an unforgettable hike to the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery
• Marvel at the striking Dzong architecture as you ride through majestic temples and forts
• Conquer Bhutan's highest motorable road, reaching an exhilarating altitude of 3,988 meters (13,084 ft)
• Panoramic views of the Himalayas at Dochu La, home to 108 spiritual chortens nestled in the clouds
• Connect with warm-hearted locals and savor traditional Bhutanese cuisine
• 7 nights accommodation

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival at Siliguri - Phuentsholing

   Your journey to the Land of the Thunder Dragon begins with a group pickup from Siliguri Airport by 12:00 noon. From here, you set off on a scenic drive toward Phuentsholing via coach. Upon arrival at the Bhutan Immigration Office, The Dream Riders Group will assist you through the immigration formalities, ensuring a smooth entry into the country. After completing the process, check into your hotel and soak in your first impressions of this unique kingdom. In the evening, gather for an orientation session followed by dinner. - Accommodation: 3 star hotel - Meal: Dinner - Distance: 160 km / 99 m

2. Day 2: Phuentsholing - Paro

   Get ready for your first taste of Bhutan road adventure. After breakfast, the day begins with the allocation of your motorcycles, followed by RTO clearance—the final green signal before your Bhutan ride officially begins. Once all documentation is sorted, you'll mount your bikes and set off toward Paro, one of Bhutan's most scenic and culturally rich towns. The ride offers an immediate immersion into the kingdom's pristine landscape. With each blind turn and zigzag curve, the thrill of the ride heightens, rewarding you with panoramic views. By evening, arrive in Paro and check into your hotel

3. Day 3: Paro - Tiger's Nest Monastery / Chelela Pass - Paro

   %oday is the highlight of the tour—one that offers you two distinct yet equally unforgettable experiences in Bhutan. Get ready to witness the country’s most iconic landmark, Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest, perched dramatically on a sheer cliffside or ride towards Chelela Pass, Bhutan’s Highest Motorable Pass. After breakfast, we’ll set out on a scenic ride to the base of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, leaving our motorcycle behind, we’ll begin the rewarding two-hour uphill trek to the monastery. The hike itself, though moderate, is deeply rewarding, weaving through lush fo

4. Day 4: Paro – Punakha

   - %After breakfast, gear up and begin your ride, leaving behind the serene landscapes of Paro as the road gradually winds deeper into Bhutan’s changing terrain. The journey unfolds with a rhythm of smooth curves and dense forests. As you ride further, you’ll begin to notice the shift—not just in altitude, but in atmosphere. The crisp mountain air softens, the valleys widen, and the surroundings slowly transform into lush greenery and terraced fields that define Punakha’s landscape. The descent into the valley is especially rewarding, with rivers accompanying us along the way, adding a sense of

5. Day 5: Punakha – Phobjikha – Punakha

   After breakfast, you'll leave for Phobjikha, one of Bhutan's most enchanting destinations. The route to Phobjikha is a rider's dream—winding mountain roads, and views that shift from oak forests to pine meadows, all under the vast expanse of the Himalayan sky. As you ascend toward the valley, the air turns crisp and pine scented. Upon arrival in Phobjikha, you'll feel an immediate sense of peace—the wide, U-shaped valley is a sanctuary of quiet and natural beauty. Visit Gangtey Monastery, also known as Gangteng Sangngak Chöling, founded in 1613 by the first Gangteng Tulku, Rigdzin Pema Tinley,

6. Day 6: Punakha – Dochu La – Thimphu

   After breakfast, bid farewell to the peaceful valley of Punakha as the ride continues toward Bhutan's capital, Thimphu. The ride today is scenic, winding through hills and quaint villages before ascending to the Dochu La at 3,100 meters (10,171 ft). This mountain pass is not just a visual highlight—it is a place of reflection and national reverence. At Dochu La, pause to pay your respects at the Druk Wangyal Chortens—108 stupas built in memory of Bhutanese soldiers who sacrificed their lives. Descending from the pass, the landscape gradually shifts as you enter the bustling yet charming valley

7. Day 7: Thimphu - Phuentsholing

   As your ride through the Kingdom of Bhutan nears its end, today marks the final leg of your motorcycle adventure. After breakfast, begin the ride back to Phuentsholing, retracing the scenic mountain routes one last time. Take this time to soak in the final moments on the road—the feel of the crisp air, the hum of your motorcycle, and the everchanging Himalayan views that have accompanied you throughout the tour. You arrive in Phuentsholing, the southern gateway that bridges Bhutan with India. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and handover your motorcycle. The evening is yours to unwind, refl

8. Day 8: Phuentsholing - Siliguri

   After breakfast, it's time to begin your journey back to India. Today, you'll travel by coach from Phuentsholing to Siliguri, marking the final stretch of your Bhutan adventure. The drive begins with the completion of immigration formalities at the Bhutan–India border. Once formalities are complete, sit back and relax as the coach winds its way toward Siliguri. This comfortable drive offers time to rest, share memories with fellow riders, and reflect on the incredible days spent riding through the Land of the Thunder Dragon. You'll be dropped at Bagdogra Airport, with the aim of arriving well

Ride Details

Bike

rental bike (Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc Motorcycle)

Mileage

780 kilometers / 483 miles

Daily rides

20 - 190 kilometers / 12 - 118 miles

Riding gear

included: helmets for rider and pillion; not included: jacket, pants, boots, gloves

Meals

half board (breakfasts and dinners)

Accommodation

You will stay in various 3-star hotels, in twin sharing accommodations. Hotel confirmations are subject to room availability. If unavailable, they will confirm a hotel of a similar category.

Food

Bhutanese cuisine is a unique blend of bold flavors, fresh mountain produce, and traditional cooking methods. On this motorcycle tour, you will be provided with breakfast and dinner on all days (except Day 1: arrival day includes only dinner, and Day 8: departure day includes only breakfast). For lunch, you will make convenient stops along the riding route so you can enjoy a meal at local restaurants. While most hotels and restaurants serve Indian and Continental dishes, the taste and preparation may differ due to local ingredients and Bhutanese cooking styles. Being prepared for these differences will help you enjoy your meals and avoid surprises. Important dining considerations

Getting There

Explore a land like no other, where pristine nature flourishes, happiness guides the way, and being carbon negative isn’t just a goal—it’s a way of life. Explore Bhutan, the only country that measures success by Gross National Happiness—and truly lives by it.