Bhutan Bike Trip
(Southern Land of Darkness)
13 Nights/14 Days
Bhutan the Land of thunder dragon or the last Shangri La or the Southern Land of darkness is a small landlocked country situated between two giants that is India and China. It is the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces. Motorcycle Tours in Bhutan offer some of the most unique places on the Earth to travel to, like Tiger’s Nest monastery, Punakha Dzong, CheleLa pass and so many other attractions. Bhutan is a very small and culturally rich country. Located high in the Himalayas it has developed Gross national happiness where development is measured by using a holistic approach, not just based on gross domestic profit. Bhutan’s 60% of the land is covered by forest and it’s their national policy to maintain the same. Bhutan motorcycle tour is one of the most exciting cross country adventure expedition where you will get to cross the land border between India and Bhutan by road, the journey will start from Siliguri which is a small city in West Bengal state, and from there we will ride for about 160kms to reach the border town Jaigoan and then we will cross the border to Bhutan.
Location info -
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Firstly there are no traffic lights in the entire country, isn’t it an amazing thing for motorcyclists?
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Carbon negative country.
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Bhutan was isolated till 1970.
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Once you enter Bhutan from India, there are hardly any straight roads. On average there is a curve in every 200 meters, so it’s all about twists and turns which make the Bhutan motorcycle tour more beautiful.
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Bhutan is never been conquered by any external nations.
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Each house looks familiar, Bhutan has a strict policy and guidelines when it comes to building any residential house, one should follow a similar pattern which is specified by the Kingdom of Bhutan.
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Bhutan was the last country to introduce TV in the year 1999.
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Women head the families and run all the businesses in Bhutan.
Recommended season to visit -
April to June & October to December.
Skill Level
Moderate
&
Experienced
Road Conditions
70% Asphalt
30% Offroad
Type of Food
Authentic
Bhutanese Crusine
Glimpse of destination
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 -
Arrival at Bagdogra Airport (Siliguri)
Upon arrival at Bagdogra airport, you will be picked up by our crew members and drop you at the hotel. After taking enough rest we will gather again in the evening, you will be introduced to your Royal Enfield Motorcycle and we will take a short spin around the city. Post that we will meet for a Briefing session followed by dinner.
Day 2 -
Siliguri to Phuentsholing
Miles - 100
After breakfast, we will start our first day of Bhutan bike trip from Siliguri towards Phuentsholing. Phuentsholing is a border town between India and Bhutan and a major trade exchange place as well. To begin with, we will ride through the Coronation Bridge and enter the tea gardens of Northeast India; we will be ride through the tea gardens till Hasimara. After completing the immigration process we will enter Bhutan and stay at Phuentsholing town.
Day 3 -
Phuentsholing to Haa Valley
Miles - 125
Soon after breakfast, we will visit the regional transport office to get the permits for Motorcycles, it may take some time. After that we will start our Bhutan Motorcycle tour riding towards Haa Valley, Haa valley is one of the least populated districts in Bhutan and strategically very important since it is very close to the China border. Haa valley is situated at the height of 2670Mtrs ASL.
Day 4 -
Haa Valley to Paro
Miles - 50
After breakfast we will start our 4th day of Bhutan bike trip from Haa valley towards Paro, Paro is 50 Miles from Haa valley and while riding to Paro we will cross our first mountain pass on the Bhutan Motorcycle tour that is “Chele La Pass”. Chele la pass is situated at the height of 3988 meters ASL and it is the highest motorable road in Bhutan. We will reach Paro by noon, after lunch, we will explore the beautiful town by visiting Paro Dzong and other monasteries. Paro is situated at the height of 2200Mtrs ASL.
Day 5 -
Trek to Paro Taktsang/Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Tiger’s Nest Monastery is the most important place in entire Bhutan to visit, people from around the globe visit Bhutan just because to witness this marvel. Tiger's Nest monastery is a sacred Buddhist monastery situated at the height of 3120 Mtrs ASL, is a small collection of buildings perched on a cliff, 900 meters off the ground. The Tiger's Nest Monastery is a sacred Buddhist site located near Paro, Bhutan. It was constructed in 1692, around the cave where Guru Rinpoche first meditated, the event that introduced Buddhism into Bhutan. It will take 4-6 Hrs to complete the trek.
Day 6 -
Paro to Thimphu
Miles - 35
It's gonna be a very short ride for today, we will start our journey towards the capital of Bhutan that is Thimphu. Upon reaching Thimphu we will apply for further permits for traveling towards Eastern Bhutan. We will also visit Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma & Tashichho Dzong. Thimphu nightlife is also one of the major attractions, we can visit one of them during our stay at Thimphu. Thimphu is situated at the height of 2334 meters ASL.
Day 7 -
Thimphu to Punakha
Miles - 55
After exploring the countries capital we will start our Bhutan Motorcycle tour towards Eastern Bhutan. We will cross Dochula Pass at the height of 3116 Mtrs ASL. This pass is a popular tourist spot due to its ideal location from where one can enjoy 360 degrees of beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range, especially on clear winter days. The beauty/attraction of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens-108 stupa built-in memory to commemorate the expulsion of Assamese guerrillas. After that we will descend towards Punakha valley, we will also visit Chimi Lakhang temple and Punakha Dzong, which is the biggest Monastery in Bhutan. Punakha is situated at the height of 1240 Mtrs ASL.
Day 8 -
Punakha to Bumthang
Miles - 135
The real fun will start now, after exploring the western and central part of Bhutan we will start our journey towards Eastern Bhutan. We will be riding to Bumthang today, Bumthang is situated 135 Miles from Punakha and it will take 8hrs of journey. We also cross 2 mountain passes today, one is Pele La pass at the height of 3420Mtrs and another one is Yutong La pass at the height of 3425 Mtrs. Most of the roads for today will be a mix of tarmac and off-road since the highway is under construction. We will reach Bumthang by evening; Bumthang is situated at the height of 2800Mtrs.
Day 9 -
Explore Bumthang
Miles - 30
After having breakfast we will start our day by exploring some of the ancient temples of Bumthang, we will visit Kurjey Lhakhang, Jakar fort, Jambay Lhakhang, and Mebar Tsho the burning lake. We will return to Bumthang town by early evening and rest of the day you can enjoy walking in the town.
Day 10 -
Bumthang to Trashigang
Miles - 155
After exploring the beautiful town Bumthang, on the 10th day of the Bhutan Motorcycle trip, we will start our journey towards Trashigang. It will be the longest and tiring day on the entire trip; the roads are in bad condition so it will take at least 10 hrs to reach Trashigang. It is advised to leave early so that we can cover the distance before dark. We will also cross multiple mountain passes like Thrumshing La pass at the height of 3750Mtrs, which is the second-highest motorable road in Bhutan, we will also cross Shertang La, Wangthang la, and kori la at the height of 2300Mtrs. So in one day, we will be crossing 4 mountain passes. We will reach Trashigang by evening; Trashigang is situated at the height of 3773 Mtrs.
Day 11 -
Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar
Miles - 105
After riding some extreme adventure we will ride towards Samdrup Jongkhar on our Bhutan Bike trip adventure. It will take 6-7 Hrs to reach Samdrup and most of the time we will be descending towards a lower altitude. Samdrup is the border town between India and Bhutan. We will reach Samdrup by evening.
Day 12 -
Samdrup to Buxa Tiger Reserve
Miles - 175
After breakfast, we will head towards the immigration office to clear the exit process, and then we will enter India again, we will be riding to Buxa tiger reserve today which is around 175 miles from Samdrup Jongkhar. Buxa Tiger reserve is located in West Bengal and it is also a home for the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. We will reach Buxa by evening.
Day 13 -
Buxa Tiger Reserve to Siliguri
Miles - 115
This will be the last day on our Bhutan Motorcycle tour; we will start our final leg of our journey towards Siliguri. It is about 115 miles which will take 6 hrs. After reaching Siliguri we will bid goodbye to our Royal Enfield Motorcycles and meet again in the evening for farewell dinner.
Day 14 -
Departure from Siliguri
After breakfast, you will be dropped at Bagdogra airport towards your onward journey, and yet another wonderful and adventurous Bhutan bike trip will come to an end.
What is included?
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Royal Enfield 500cc Motorcycle.
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Unlimited Mileage(Fuel is Completely on Us).
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Standard accommodation on a twin or double sharing basis.
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All 3 major meals with a set menu during the tour.
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English speaking Tour Leader with Mechanic.
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Support Vehicle with Driver for all the riding days.
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Bhutan Visa fees and road permits.
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Immigration/Border crossing charges for motorcycles.
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All maintenance costs of the motorcycle during the tour.
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All government fees for sightseeing places as mentioned in the itinerary.
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Certified Bhutanese guide for the entire trip Phuentsholing to Samdrup.
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Airport transfers.
What is excluded?
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All your international and Domestic flight tickets.
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India Visa charges.
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Medical or travel insurance.
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Personal damages/accidental damages to the motorcycle are not included.
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Alcohol, tips, room service, or anything which is not mentioned in the above inclusions.