Embark on an unforgettable journey through the land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan. The Bhutanese are fiercely protective of their ancient culture and the natural beauty of their small Himalayan country nestled between India and Nepal. This is reflected in the limited number of tourists allowed in the country, making a visit to Bhutan an exclusive and enriching experience.
Ride through the breathtaking landscapes of Bhutan on a motorcycle tour designed to showcase the best of this veritable paradise. The mountain roads are a thrill for motorcyclists, while the locals, architecture, and nature provide a unique and unforgettable travel experience. This 13-day tour includes a trek to the famous Tiger's Nest monastery and is the perfect opportunity to fulfill all the reasons why one travels.
At Ride of My Life, we understand the complexities of planning a trip to Bhutan and its strict tourism policy, and are here to make your journey smooth and unforgettable. With our expertise, you can experience the ride of a lifetime through this happy place that time forgot.
2023 Tour Details
Duration: 13 days, Siliguri to Siliguri
Rider: TBD
Pillion passenger: TBD
Booking amount: INR 10,000
Bookings for the tour close once the required number of riders is met
2023 Tour Status
- BH1: Nov 11 - Nov 23 AVAILABLE
Documentation requirements
For Indian Nationals:
You will need to have the following documents for the immigration formalities at the Bhutan border.- Valid Indian Passport (original + 5 photocopies)
- Valid Indian motorcycle driving license (original + 5 photocopies)
- 5 passport-size photographs
For Foreign Nationals:
- Valid Passport (original + 5 photocopies)
- Valid motorcycle driving license (original + 5 photocopies)
- Multiple entry Indian visa (you will be re-entering India towards the end of the tour)
- 5 passport-size photographs
Tour Price inclusions
- Stay on twin-sharing (double-occupancy) basis
- Royal Enfield Himalayan Dual-Sport 411 cc motorcycle
- Dinner and breakfast on all days
- All Bhutan permit and Motorcycle fees
- Experienced English speaking road captain
- Support vehicle for carrying luggage and other essentials
- Mechanic throughout the tour
- All tolls / entry fees
Tour price exclusions
- Official permit fees of USD 200/person/day paid directly to Bhutanese government (for foreign nationals)
- Official permit fees of INR 1200/person/day paid directly to Bhutanese government (for Indian nationals)
- Your travel to and from Siliguri
- Lunch on all days
- Fuel for the ride
- Snacks, beverages (bottled water, juice etc)
- Refundable security deposit for the motorcycle: INR 10,000
- Optional single-occupancy add-on: TBD (GST extra @12%)
- Optional rental for magnetic tank bag
- Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions section
Day wise route plan
Arrival in Siliguri
After checking into the designated hotel, we'll take a short ride to get you comfortable on the motorcycle you'll be riding on the tour. Our mechanic will make any final tweaks based on your riding style, and then the road captain will brief you about the entire tour.
Siliguri to Phuentsholing
Today we kick-start the Bhutan tour on a smooth National Highway that passes through paddy and tea plantations. After 150 kms, it's Kuzuzampola Bhutan! While just a gate separates Bhutan from India, your senses will instantly register the difference between the two countries. We first stop at the immigration office to get permits sanctioned for the tour. After the permit formalities, you're free to explore the town of Phuentsholing, its bustling markets, and the local cuisine.
Phuentsholing to Thimphu
As soon as we leave Phuentsholing, the serene mountains of Bhutan greet us. The ride will take us through mesmerizing landscapes, forested mountains and lush valleys. The architecture of buildings in Bhutan is striking and will immediately capture your attention. As we approach the capital city of Thimphu, the roads become wider and straighter. Thimphu offers a unique blend of modern city life and Bhutan's love for nature. Here, we will explore the city's ancient monasteries, royal palace, and the majestic statue of Buddha that offers a breathtaking view of the city.
Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula
Today's journey is a treat for the eyes, as we take on the scenic route to Punakha. The highlight of the day is the stunning Dochula Pass, which stands tall at 10,171 feet and boasts a concentration of 108 memorial Chortens. The view from the top of the pass is a breathtaking sight, with lush green trees and pristine Himalayan mountains surrounding you. As we make our way down from the pass, we arrive in Punakha, a tranquil town nestled amidst the majestic mountains. The town is famous for the Punakha Dzong, one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan. After exploring the dzong, we retire for the day and enjoy a delicious dinner surrounded by the soothing sounds of the river nearby.
Punakha to Trongsa
Today we start early to cover a long distance towards Trongsa. The road takes us through the scenic Wangdue Valley, surrounded by mountains and forests. As we reach higher altitudes, the landscape transforms into a more rugged terrain with snow-capped peaks in the distance. The highlight of the day is the Pele La Pass, which at an altitude of 11,000 feet, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. After a break at the pass, we continue our ride towards Trongsa, where we spend the night at a guest house.
Trongsa to Bumthang
Today, we embark on a scenic ride to Bumthang, which is known for its stunning landscape and rich cultural heritage. Our first stop of the day is at the Trongsa Dzong, which is one of the largest and most impressive dzongs in Bhutan. From Trongsa, we continue our ride through the winding roads and rolling hills, surrounded by lush forests and pristine rivers. The highlight of the day is the Yotong La Pass, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. As we reach Bumthang, we are greeted by the picturesque valley that is dotted with ancient monasteries, temples, and traditional Bhutanese houses. We spend the night in Bumthang, immersing ourselves in the local culture and taking in the beauty of this enchanting place.
Bumthang - Ura - Bumthang
Today, we take a day tour to the Ura village which is renowned for its traditional houses and cobbled streets. The village is surrounded by lush green fields, and the architecture of the houses is unique to this region. We will take a leisurely walk through the village, exploring the lives of the local people and learning about their customs and traditions. You can also visit the Ura Lhakhang, a 400-year-old temple in the heart of the village. After exploring the village, we return to Bumthang to spend the night.
Bumthang to Gangtey
Retracing our steps from Bumthang to Gangtey, we pass by some of the most beautiful and iconic monasteries in Bhutan, such as the Jakar Dzong and the Kurjey Lhakhang, which are nestled among the hills and valleys. If time permits, we arrive at Gangtey with enough time for a traditional hot stone bath, which is said to have healing properties and provide relaxation for tired muscles after a day of riding. Whether taking the hot stone bath or not, we spend the night in the cozy comforts of a hotel in Gangtey, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Phobjikha Valley.
Gangtey to Paro
Today we embark on a scenic ride from Gangtey to Paro. The ride takes us through rolling hills and picturesque valleys, with occasional glimpses of traditional Bhutanese villages along the way. One of the highlights of the day is the Dochula Pass, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. As we approach Paro, we'll also get to see the iconic Paro Dzong and the Rinpung fortress, which have been key cultural landmarks in Bhutan for centuries. By the time we reach Paro, you'll have a good sense of the history and culture of this fascinating country, and be ready to explore more in the days to come.
Paro - Haa/Tiger's Nest - Paro
Today you have two options, either to embark on a challenging hike to Tiger's Nest or take a leisurely day trip to the charming valley of Haa. For the adventurous, the hike to Tiger's Nest is a must-do experience. This sacred monastery clings to the side of a cliff and offers breathtaking views of the Paro valley below. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, a visit to the serene Haa valley provides a glimpse into Bhutan's traditional way of life. With its picturesque traditional houses, cobbled streets and charming monasteries, Haa is the epitome of Bhutanese charm.
Paro to Phuentsholing
Today we say goodbye to the stunning kingdom of Bhutan as we make our way from Paro to Phuentsholing. The ride takes us through the lush valleys and rolling hills that have become a familiar sight throughout the tour. As we reach Phuentsholing, we reflect on the incredible experiences we've had over the past few days and the memories that will stay with us long after we leave Bhutan. With a bittersweet feeling, we start missing the taste of the local cuisine and the chillies in Bhutanese food that have become a staple in our diets. But we know that we will have the chance to savor these flavors one last time before our journey comes to an end.
Phuentsholing to Siliguri
Today, we leave Phuentsholing and make our way back to Siliguri. The journey is filled with memories of the stunning landscapes, serene mountains, and breathtaking architecture that Bhutan is known for. The local cuisine, with its emphasis on chillies and especially Ezay, is sure to be missed. As we cross the border and reach the immigration office, we say goodbye to Bhutan, knowing that the memories of this tour will stay with us forever.
Departure from Siliguri
You bid farewell to your riding mates and head to Bagdogra for your flight back home. The Bhutanese mountains, forests, valleys, architecture, food, and people an indelible memory as you savor the ride of a lifetime through a happy place that time forgot.