Motorcycle Tour

Bhutan

Himalayan roads, dense forests, ancient monasteries, and happiest people on the planet

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.

Tour Dates
  • Bhutan Tour 1 – Dates TBD
  • Bhutan Tour 2 – Dates TBD
Tour Price

Rider : USD 3,490
Rider & Pillion : USD 5,490

Tour price covers
  • Transfer to/from Airport to Hotels in Delhi & Siliguri
  • Economy class airfare between Delhi & Siliguri
  • Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle
  • Fuel, oil & routine maintenance
  • Stay on twin-sharing basis in hotels / swiss tents / home-stays
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) & beverages (bottled water, juices, tea, coffee) on all days
  • Experienced English-speaking Road Captain
  • Back up vehicle for carrying luggage and other essentials
  • Mechanic throughout the tour
  • Transportation to and from local sight-seeing to select locations

Note: Anything not mentioned in the list above can be considered as not included in the tour cost.

Document Requirements

You will need to have the following documents for the immigration formalities at the Bhutan border.

For Indian Nationals
  1. Valid Indian Passport (original + 5 photocopies)
  2. Valid Indian motorcycle driving license (original + 5 photocopies)
  3. 5 passport-size photographs
For Foreign Nationals
  1. Valid Passport (original + 5 photocopies)
  2. Valid motorcycle driving license (original + 5 photocopies)
  3. Multiple entry Indian visa (you will be re-entering India towards the end of the tour)
  4. 5 passport-size photographs
Day 1

Arrive 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.

Day 2

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.

Day 3

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.

Day 4

Thimphu to Punakha 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.

Day 5

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.

Day 6

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.

Day 7

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.

Day 8

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.

Day 9

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.

Day 10

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.

Day 11

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.

Day 12

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.

Day 13

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.

Bhutanese refer to their land as Druk Yul, literally meaning “The Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon.” Bhutan has existed as an independent entity, within similar natural boundaries to those that exist now. Bhutan is best known for “Gross National Happiness” which terms any growth at expense of nature a big no. Total lack of economic greed makes Bhutan one of the friendliest country to ride in the world.

People

Bhutan comprises of a population of 770,000. In urban areas, residents speak English. Out in remoter regions, one has to use hand and sign gestures to communicate. Ain’t that the beauty of travel? The people are very welcoming and hospitable. The interaction with locals will be your most pleasant memory from the ride. For a society and a nation, they have somehow made it into a utopia.

Terrain

Roads in Bhutan can be best described as “Under Construction”. Riding in Bhutan is a combination of mountain passes and dense jungles. The elevation every day also varies drastically from 200 m to 12,000 m. The road network in Bhutan is functional and not for connectivity. True to Bhutanese philosophy, any development is to done only after considering damage it will cause to nature. Riding on the main East-West corridor with road widening work will have you riding in mud and stone on some patches. Which undoubtedly adds to the adventure.

Weather

The temperature varies drastically in the Bhutan tour as we touch varies altitudes. Temperature can vary from 7°C to 30°C in months we have tours in Bhutan.

For more information on Bhutan, visit the official tourism website or the Wikipedia page.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of frequently asked questions. If your question is not in this list, just contact us.

Each tour will have a road captain and a support vehicle with a mechanic on board.

Depending on the tour you select, it will either be a Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle or a 411cc Royal Enfield Himalayan dual-sport motorcycle with gears on the left and the brake on the right hand side.

We keep aside half a day at the start of your tour for this very important exercise. On this day, you ride with an experienced road captain and support staff to get the hang of riding a Royal Enfield on the left hand-side of the road.

On our tours, we have identical make and model of Royal Enfield motorcycles for all riders and road captains. This ensures that we have adequate spares and required tools in case of any breakdown. Hence we do not allow riders to do the tour on their motorcycle.

No, we have back-up vehicles on all our tours that will carry your luggage for you. But you should carry your valuables like passport, cash, camera and other important equipment with you at all the time. We shall be providing you with a tank bag for the same.

Yes, there is a restriction on the number of riders for every tour. The main reason behind this is to keep the group size small for us to interact with each rider personally and give them a Ride of their Life. The maximum riders we take on a tour are mentioned on the individual tour pages.

Yes, you surely can. We believe that the travel experience is more enhanced when you have your partner with you on the journey. That is why we have discounted couple packages for our tours. Please note that if you book the couple package, we only provide one motorcycle.
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Ideally, your partner should be riding with you on the back seat of your motorcycle. But occasionally, they can travel in the back-up vehicle. Back-up vehicle are primarily for support staff and to carry your luggage, motorcycle spares and tools. Each back-up vehicle acts as support vehicle and will always tail the group maintaining a certain time distance.
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We are motorcyclists and are well aware of the fact that when a motorcyclist really decides to do a route, he will do it come what may. But to join our tour, you should have a reasonable level of fitness at the time of the tour and at least one year experience of riding a motorcycle. Most of our tours are on routes that are physically enduring.

The same applies to your partner/ spouse riding on the back seat of your motorcycle with you. He or she must have some experience riding behind a motorcycle and fitness level appropriate for such an adventure.

You should also have a valid motorcycle driver license and additional permits to ride internationally. If your partner is also taking turns riding the motorcycle, he or she would require the same set of documents.

You would also need travel insurance that includes riding a motorcycle in India.

Different countries and companies have their own policies, but you should pick one that covers you for your entire period of travel. The policy should also cover you for riding motorcycles, unexpected curtailment of the holiday, medical expenses arising overseas, loss or damage to luggage & property and personal liability claims against the participant and emergency evacuation.

We definitely are not making you climb Mount Everest. But if you can climb few flights of stairs without getting breathless, you are fit enough! But you should consult your doctor if you want to join any of the tours to Ladakh, where all the action is at high altitudes.

The risk factor is about the same when you drive or ride to work every day in your country. Just because you are riding a motorcycle in India does not mean that all of a sudden you are in a high risk zone. Motorcyclists around the world get overwhelmed after watching images and videos of Indian traffic, but all our tours are in remote regions of India where traffic is minimal. It all depends on your mindset, whether you want to call tough riding conditions as adventure or risk, or understand the paradox behind this argument.

We will arrange transportation to the nearest doctor / hospital immediately. We do carry a basic first-aid kit with us.

Our motorcycles are covered under third-party insurance and don’t cover accidental damages. We trust that you will, in good faith, cover the cost of repairs in case of any unlikely damages caused by you.

Ideally, you should wear certified waterproof riding gear, riding boots, riding gloves along with a helmet. But if you do not have riding gear, wear clothing that will give you some protection in the unlikely event of a spill. As a minimum, you should wear the following: Footwear that protects your feet and your ankles (hiking boots are good). Durable pants-leather is best; but you can make do with jeans, work pants, or something similar. An abrasion resistant jacket that zips or buttons up close to the neck. For the Ladakh tour, you would also need a pair of thermal inner wear to combat the cold. Please make sure your riding gear is waterproof or you have a separate rain gear. You should also pack nightwear and casual clothing and footwear for your time away from the motorcycle.

To book a tour you have to fill this form. After receiving your details, we will send you the bank transfer information. You will then have to pay the booking amount as per the tour you have chosen. The balance amount will be payable not later than three months before the start of the tour.

You should book the tour as soon as you are sure of making it. For all our tours, we have limited seats, so book as soon as you can.

Yes, you should meet your doctor and he would be the best judge on the precautions you need to take depending on your medical history.

It is a tour specific question, in some tours, we cover all your expenses, but in some budget tours, we do not cover all your expenses. Details of the same are mentioned on each ride page. If you plan to shop around or need Indian currency for personal needs, you should bring INR (Indian Rupees) available at various establishments at the airport or in major cities around the world. You should bring cash depending on how much you intend to spend on personal shopping. Don’t count on Traveller’s cheques or credit cards being accepted at the places that we are visiting. You can check currency conversion rate to Indian Rupees at http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Since most tours are in remote parts of India, you will not have access to ATM machines every day, but once we are in small towns you can avail of this facility. You will need to check with your bank if they would allow withdrawals at Indian ATMs, though.

It is a tour specific question, for most of our tours, where night stay is at Hotels or campsites, a mattress/blanket is provided by the respective establishment. But for tours that involve a lot of camping, you would need to bring your own sleeping bag. Tents will be provided by us.

On all our tours, we would serve hygienic Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian food. Depending on the tour you take, your meals will be made by our cooking team while camping or by the hotel or campsite staff when we stay at their facility.

Bottled water is included only in the luxury tours.

Usually late in the afternoon, a few hours after lunch. In the luxury tours, we would also be providing you with biscuits, dry fruits and nuts that you can carry in your tank bag.

It is a tour specific question. For our budget tours, the stay is at guesthouses and for the other tours it is at well-established hotels.

If we are staying at a hotel or fixed campsite, you would have proper toilet facilities and if we have set up our own tents, you perform your duties out in the open. During a day’s ride, toilets would usually not be available.

Yes, lodging for all our tours are on double-occupancy basis, but you can choose to avail of single-occupancy lodging for an additional charge.

No, you will have tent a to yourself.

You should carry the medicines you have to take for your present medical condition. We would be carrying general medicines for basic illnesses.


Depends from person to person. If you are into photography, you can bring the camera of your choice. If not, a simple point and shoot digital camera to save your tour memories should be sufficient. Avoid carrying too much equipment because it will be very cumbersome to manage it on the tour.

You can recharge your electronics through power outlets on the days we have hotel accommodation. Note that in India, the power mains run at 220v. Most modern electronic device chargers support both 110v and 220v but do check each charger / device in advance since 110v chargers and devices will not work without a special adapter.

The standard plug socket is also of a different kind. You will need to get converter plugs to enable your chargers and devices to plug into standard Indian wall sockets.

While we are camping, you can recharge your equipment using the 12v DC connection in our back-up vehicles. Note that you will need 12v car chargers for your equipment in this case.

No, all your luggage would be carried in the back-up vehicle.

If you have international roaming activated on your mobile phone plan, it will work in places where network coverage is available. But you might want to check with your cell phone company for related tariff and compatibility.

You will have access to the internet in major town and cities, but in remote regions of Himalayas you will have zero access.

You would not be riding at more than 30-40 mph (60-70 kph) on any given day. Apart from the obvious safety reasons, we advocate riding slow for you to enjoy and absorb the landscape.

After judging the situation on the ground, the Road Captain will take a call on the alternate route.

No, but we can guide you to the best of our knowledge to make your stay in India comfortable before and after the tour dates. There will be no consultation fees for the same.

No.
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Our couple package entitles you to only one motorcycle. If both of you want to ride separate motorcycles, you will have to book separately as individual riders.