Kingdom on Two Wheels
A 15-Day Bhutan Motorcycle Expedition
Style: Guided Motorcycle Adventure with Cultural Immersion and Scenic Mountain Riding
Best Season: March to May and September to November
Distance Covered: Approximately 1,400 kilometers over 13 riding days
Maximum Altitude: 3,988 meters (Chelela Pass)
Riding Terrain: Asphalt highways, gravel tracks, hairpin passes, forested roads, and village trails
Motorcycles: 350 to 500 cc Royal Enfield or equivalent
Support: Lead guide on motorcycle, mechanic, support vehicle with spare parts and baggage, first-aid
Welcome to Bhutan. You’ll be received at Paro International Airport and transferred to a boutique hotel. This day focuses on orientation, motorbike briefing, safety checks, and acclimatization. Late afternoon ride through Paro Valley to warm up on Bhutanese roads. Altitude: 2,250 meters.
Begin your journey with a climb to Chelela Pass, the highest motorable road in Bhutan at 3,988 meters. The descent into Haa Valley is steep and scenic, with winding roads through conifer forests. Total ride is approximately 70 kilometers, taking 3 to 4 hours. Overnight at a traditional homestay in Haa.
Ride eastward toward Bhutan’s capital. The route passes terraced farmlands and river valleys, crossing several charming villages. The journey is around 110 kilometers and takes 5 hours with breaks. Upon arrival, explore Thimphu’s craft markets, dzongs, and cafés.
Head toward Dochula Pass at 3,100 meters with its panoramic chortens and views of the Himalayan range. Descend into the subtropical valley of Punakha. The ride spans 85 kilometers over 4 hours. Visit Punakha Dzong in the afternoon, considered Bhutan’s architectural masterpiece.
Ride into the glacial valley of Phobjikha, winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes. Roads are winding and partly unpaved after Lawala Pass. Total distance is 85 kilometers with 5 to 6 hours of ride time. Enjoy a farm stay with traditional Bhutanese meals.
Leave early for one of the longest rides of the tour. Cross Pelela Pass and descend to Trongsa, home to the largest dzong in Bhutan. Ride distance is about 120 kilometers, requiring 6 to 7 hours due to road conditions. Terrain includes mixed asphalt and gravel.
Continue eastward on well-maintained roads, gaining altitude toward the Bumthang region. Today’s journey is scenic and cultural, with stops at temples and viewpoints. Ride time is about 4 hours across 70 kilometers. Bumthang is considered Bhutan’s spiritual heartland.
Take a day off the saddle. Explore local monasteries such as Jambay Lhakhang and Kurje. Optional half-day ride to Ura Valley or relaxation at a riverside lodge. This day allows both cultural depth and physical recovery.
Cross Thrumshingla Pass, the highest east-west road pass in Bhutan at nearly 3,800 meters. The descent into Mongar is dramatic and showcases eastern Bhutan’s changing vegetation. Ride is about 200 kilometers over 7 to 8 hours.
Ride through subtropical forests into Bhutan’s far east. The day is relatively relaxed at around 90 kilometers of riding over 4 hours. Trashigang is the biggest town in eastern Bhutan and serves as a cultural hub.
A short ride through scenic rice fields and rural trails leads to two culturally rich villages known for textile production. This day focuses on interaction with locals, photography, and light riding around 50 kilometers round-trip.
Start early for the full-day ride south toward the border town of Gelephu. The road winds through tropical forests and remote eastern hamlets, gradually descending into the subtropical belt. Distance is roughly 250 kilometers, which takes 7 to 8 hours of steady riding, with lunch en route. Gelephu lies near the Indian border but you’ll remain in Bhutan. Overnight in a modest guesthouse.
Ascend into the verdant hills of Tsirang district, known for orange groves and bamboo forests. The road here is narrower but scenic, climbing from the plains toward misty ridgelines. It’s a shorter ride, around 120 kilometers over 5 hours, with breaks to interact with local farmers and visit roadside chortens. Tsirang town offers a peaceful night’s stay in a newly built hotel.
Continue north to Wangdue via Sarpang and the town of Trongsa if you wish to detour for lunch. After crossing the Pelela Pass again, descend into Wangdue and then ride the final leg to Thimphu. Total distance for the day is approximately 230 kilometers, taking 7 to 8 hours depending on stops and road conditions. Upon arrival in the capital, settle back into city life with a celebratory dinner.
Transfer or ride the short scenic stretch to Paro (about 1 hour). Depending on flight timing, enjoy a final visit to local temples or shops before saying goodbye to the crew. Departure from Paro International Airport concludes the journey.
– Royal Enfield motorcycle rental with fuel and maintenance
– Motorcycle insurance and Bhutan road permits
– Lead guide and backup crew with support vehicle
– All accommodations: hotels, farmstays, and homestays
– All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
– Entry fees to monuments and cultural sites
– Domestic flight from Guwahati to Paro
– Bhutan visa and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
– Emergency evacuation coordination
– International flight to Paro (unless arranged)
– Riding gear (jackets, gloves, boots etc)
– Personal insurance (mandatory)
– Alcoholic drinks, laundry, personal expenses
– Tips for guide and support staff
– Expenses for motorcycle damage not covered by basic insurance
