Bhutan Adventures on Royal Enfield
The winding roads, the breathtaking views, the pristine nature, the beautiful villages and the majestic mountains has always given riders the most authentic Bhutan adventures as you ride in Bhutan. “Bhutan Adventures on Royal Enfield” has two aspects; “the landscapes, nature and culture of Bhutan” and “the experience of highly successful Royal Enfield of the Indian Subcontinent”. This Bhutan Adventures itinerary starts in the West and ends in the south east Bhutan thereby allowing riders to experience almost all aspects of Bhutan. The beauties of the diversities in nature, cultures and the way of life of Bhutan from west to east will certainly be worth the ride. The Adventures of the winding roads and dirt roads (in some places due to the widening work going on) shall be a new experience.
Ride the Royal Enfield Bikes (350/ 500 CC) on the Bhutanese terrains and feel the difference.
Tour Highlights of Bhutan Adventures on Royal Enfield
- An absolutely true Bhutan Adventures and Personal Attention by the tour operators.
- Visit to less visited places in the eastern Bhutan.
- Opportunity to experience the Bhutanese Roads, landscapes, nature and culture from the west to east.
- Covers all the valleys and places from west to east that is open to travelers within 13 nights of duration.
- Well-equipped crew with a guide, mechanic, a pick-up truck and a Van.
- Options for the riders to sit in the van and take a break.
- Ride across almost all the important passes of Bhutan inclusive Chelela pass (the highest motorable road in Bhutan), Dochula Pass (a must visit place), Lawala pass (with beautiful slopes covered by dwarf bamboo plants) Pelela Pass, Yotongla pass, Thrumsingla Pass, Korila Pass and many more.
- A private traditional cultural show and experience of the traditional hotel stone bath.
- An Archery or Khuru match with the locals.
- Make personalized postal stamps.
- A lot of opportunities to explore villages, visit to village houses and interact with local people.
- Opportunity to explore the western and the central Bhutan inclusive of Paro valley, Haa Valley (Opened to tourism only in 2002) Thimphu (the capital city of Bhutan without traffic lights), Punakha Valley (the old capital of Bhutan), Wangdue Valley, Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley (The most beautiful Glacial Valley in the Himalayas), Trongsa, Bumthang (the most historical place in Bhutan), Mongar, Lhuntse (ancestral home to the Present Royal Family), Trashigang, Trashiyangtse and Samdrup Jongkhar.
- Wonderful day hike to the abode of gods and monks, the world famous, Taktshang Monastery (Tigers’ nest).
- Visit to the age old Lhakhang (Monasteries/ temples) and dzongs (Fortress).
- Breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
- Wonderful hikes, opportunities to behold the lifestyles in the rural Bhutan and many more
Trip Rating: Moderate
Travel Type: Motorbike Ride, Photography, Nature, Culture, Hikes, Art, Architecture, People and lifestyle, Villages, History
Duration: 13 Nights, 14 Days
Destinations Covered: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha/Wangdue and Gangtey/ Phobjikha, Trongsa, Bumthang, Mongar, Lhuntse, Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Samdrupjongkhar
Arrival: Paro Airport
Departure: Samdrupjongkhar
Possible Departures: Throughout the year.
Day 1. Paro
Day 2. Paro
Day 3. Paro – Haa – Thimphu
Day 4. Thimphu
Day 5. Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdue
Day 6. Punakha – Gangtey
Day 7. Gangtey – Trongsa – Bumthang
Day 8. Bumthang
Day 9. Bumthang – Mongar
Day 10. Mongar – Lhuntse – Mongar
Day 11. Mongar – Trashigang
Day 12. Trashigang-Trashiyangtse-Trashigang
Day 13. Trashigang – Samdrupjongkhar
Day 14. Samdrupjongkhar – Guwahati
Detailed Itinerary – Bhutan Adventures on Royal Enfield
Day 1. Paro
Altitude of Paro: 2280 m
Flying to Paro gives you one of the most spectacular mountain views in the world, especially if you are traveling from Kathmandu. Another beauty is the adventure you can feel views of the mountains, valley and villages as the flight lands in Paro.
Your guide from Neptune Holidays Bhutan shall receive you at the Airport with “Tashi Khadhar” and then drive to Hotel. Afternoon check your motorbikes and ride around the Paro Valley (the routes shall be decided in discussion with your guide) to familiarize yourself with the bikes and the roads of Bhutan. In the evening explore the Paro Town.
A private traditional cultural show before dinner. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 2. Paro Sightseeing
Altitude of Paro: 2280 m
Start your day with a hike to the abode of gods and monks, the Taktshang Monastery (Tiger Nest). Reaching the top shall be worth the climb; the touch of the Himalayan breeze, the views of the valley below and temple on the rocky cliff shall be fascinating and shall let you feel the real freedom of mind and happiness.Surrounding the Guru Rinpochhe’s meditation cave, the primary lhakhang (Temple) was built by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye in the year 1684. This incredible clings to the edge of a sheer Rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Mythology has that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress which gives its name “Taktshang” meaning Tiger’s nest. The uphill hike takes approximately 2 to 3 hrs to reach the temple.
Picnic Lunch among the woods shall be another great experience. After lunch, visit the Kyichhu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
In the evening, we shall take you to a village house where you can experience and see a village life in Bhutan. Enjoy a traditional hot stone bath in the village house. You can also choose to take a cooking lesson (traditional Bhutanese dishes) and have your dinner in the house with the family. Also taste the local Bhutanese alcohol, “Arra” here.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 3. Paro – Haa via Chelela Pass – Thimphu
Riding Distance: Paro to Haa – 65 km and Haa to Thimphu: 115 km| Altitude of Haa: 2670 m | Altitude of Thimphu: 2350 m| Road type: Paved roads
After breakfast, ride towards Haa Valley via Chelela Pass, the highest motorable road in Bhutan.The views are stunning from the Chelela pass.
Lunch at Haa. After lunch explore the Haa Valley for a while in your bikes and then ride towards Thimphu. The road shall bring you across beautiful monuments, villages and views. The winding roads and the narrower roads till Chuzomsa shall be a good adventure. You shall be covering approximately 200 kms today.
In the evening, free time to relax. Dinner with your Bhutanese Hosts.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 4. Thimphu Sightseeing
Altitude of Thimphu: 2230 m
Today is a sightseeing day. After a leisure breakfast ride to the Sangaygang view point from where you can see the view of the whole of Thimphu Valley. The place also has a lot of prayer flags fluttering and the feel of Himalayan breeze feels blessed. Then visit the Taking Preserve Center,where you can see the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Visit the Changangkha Monasterythat lies on a top of a hill overlooking the Thimphu valley. New born babies are brought to this temple to be blessed by a High Lama.
After the visit ride via Zilukha Road with beautiful views of the Tashichhodzong to the Government post office and make personalized postal stamps. Post a post card to your home.
Enjoy a typical Bhutanese lunch in the Folk Heritage Museum restaurant.
Afternoon, visit the Zorig Chusum, the institute of 13 arts and crafts. Then ride towards the Kuenselphodrang, where stands a huge statue of Buddha Drodenma and the are also gives a very good view of the Thimphu Valley.
Explore the crafts bazaar and the Thimphu Town for a while.
In the Evening, visit the Tashichhodzong, the main administrative and monastic building in Bhutan and then visit the National Memorial Chhorten, built in the memory of the Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty the King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Circumambulate the chhorten and light butter lamps. This shall be an amazing Bhutanese experience.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 5. Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdue
Riding Distance: 78 km | Riding time: 2-3 Hrs | Altitude of Punakha/Wangdue: 1310 m | Road Condition: Road widening work is going on whereby in many places the condition of the road is not good.
After breakfast, ride towards Punakha. The road widening work is going on and you shall be riding unpaved road in most places. It is a 22 km ride till Dochula pass with an ascent of 700 m. The ride through the winding roads shall first give you a good view of the Simtokha dzong and shall climb through pine forest and apple orchards till you reach the Hongtsho village, where there is an immigration check post. The road further shall bring you across temperate forest with abundance of rhododendron, magnolia and pine trees. If you are lucky you may spot a deer or monkeys on the way. Stop at Dochula Pass. If the weather is clear, enjoy the Panoramic views of higher mountains such as Gangkar Puensum, the highest Mountain in Bhutan.The beauty of the pass is also complemented by the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and the prayer flags that flutter in the Pass. You can hang your own prayer flags in the Pass.
After a short stop and a tea break in Dochula Pass. ride downhill towards the Punakha and Wangdue valley. This is an incredible 50 km descent with a decrease in altitude to 1310 m from 3100 in Dochula Pass.The road shall bring you across lush forests, villages, fields and incredible views of mountains and valleys. Check in hotel in Punakha.
After Lunch, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong. This dzong is among the second oldest and second largest dzongs in Bhutan with its majestic features. The dzong is also listed in Bhutan’s Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion.
Then take a short and easy hike to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang, also known as the temple of fertility, built by Lama Drukpa Kuenlay, the Devine Madman.
In the evening, ride towards upper Punakha to enjoy the untouched nature and rural villages.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 6. Punakha – Gangtey
Riding Distance: 78 km | Riding time: 3 Hrs | Altitude of Gangtey/Phobjikha: 2900 m | Road Condition: Road widening work is going on whereby in many places the condition of the road is not good.
After breakfast, ride towards Phobjikha/Gangtey. It is a 78 km ride to Phobjikha.
Phobjikha is considered one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas. It is also the winter roosting places for the endangered black-necked cranes. The Phobjikha valley gives you a lot of opportunity to ride around the unpaved roads in the valley. The roads may be dusty during the dry seasons, however could be a good adventure.
Afternoon ride around the valley and have a wonderful day exploring the valley. OR you may also choose to keep your bikes and hike around the valley for a change.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 7. Gangtey – Trongsa – Bumthang
Riding Distance: 170 km | Riding time: 7 Hrs | Altitude of Bumthang: 2600 m | Road Condition: Road widening work is going on whereby in many places the condition of the road is not good.
After breakfast, ride towards Trongsa. The route shall be an ascent till the Lawala Pass where the mountain slopes are covered by dwarf bamboos. During the later spring and the summer, when the slopes are green, the beauty is fabulous. From Lawala Pass, ride towards the Pele-La-Pass (11.120 ft.) traditional boundary between east & west Bhutan. There is an adrupt change in vegetation, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. Enroute, stop at Chendbji Chorten – built in the style of the great Bodhanath Choten of Nepal.
Further ahead you shall see the view of Trongsa Dzong from the other side of the mountain slope. Stop for a while in Trongsa and then continue your Bhutan Adventures further towards Bumthang via Yutong-La-Pass (11,155 ft.).
While in Chumey valley in Bumthang, visit the Yathra Weaving Factory – It is the most famous textile product of Bumthang.
On arrival check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 8. Bhutan adventures in Bumthang
After breakfast, your adventures in Bhutan takes a turn with a visit to Jakar Dzong, Literally meaning the Castle of White Bird. The current structure was built in 1667. Then visit the Jambay Lhakhang, built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet. In October one of the most spectacular festival, “Jambay Lhakhang Drup” is staged here. Visit the Chakhar Lhakhang, literally meaning the Iron Castle, the original palace was made of Iron and hence the name ” Chakar”.
Afternlunch visit the Tamzing Lhakhang and the ride towards Tang Valley, Explore the valley.
While returning visit the mebartsho, literally meaning the burning lake.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 9. Bumthang – Mongar
Riding Distance: 190 km | Riding time: 7 Hrs | Altitude of Mongar: 1600 m | Road Condition: Road widening work is going on whereby in many places the condition of the road is not good.
After breakfast, ride to Mongar. Stop at places to view scenery and for photography. The ride from Bumthang to Mongar shall take you across the second highest point in Bhutan’s motorable road. The point is known as the Thrumsingla Pass at an altitude of 3750 mts.
Picnic lunch on the way.
The evening ends exploring the Mongar town.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 10. Mongar – Lhuntse – Mongar
Riding Distance: 77 km (One way) | Riding time: 3 Hrs (One way) | Altitude of Lhuntse: 1700 m | Road Condition: Paved but narrow road.
After breakfast, a day full of Bhutan adventures awaits as you have a day’s excursion to Lhuentse.
Lhuntse lies in the ancient Kurtoe region in the north eastern part of Bhutan. It is one of the remotest districts in Bhutan and the ancestral home of the our Kings. Trongsa Penlop, Jigme Namgyal, the Father of our first King Ugyen Wangchuck originally comes from this place.
The place hosts several sacred sites which are historically and spiritually important. The Land is mostly covered in dense coniferous forests and stark cliffs above river gorges makes it spectacular. The region is famous for textiles and its weavers for their distinct textile patterns. Kishuthara, a Bhutanese textile which is highly prized, comes from this region.
Explore the are and towards late afternoon ride back to Mongar.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 11. Mongar – Trashigang
Riding Distance: 90 km | Riding time: 3 -4 Hrs | Altitude of Trashigang: 1150 m | Road Condition: Road widening work is going on whereby in many places the condition of the road is not good.
After breakfast, visit the Mongar Dzong. This dzong was rebuilt in 1953 and it is unique as it has two entrances. There are about 60 young monks residing in this dzong. You will see the images of the Buddha of long life, as well as Guru Rinpoche and the Zhabdrung.
Then ride to Trashigang. Lunch at Trashigang.
While in Trashigang, visit the Trashigang Dzong, which lies on the headland of the dzongkhag that gives us the confluence of the Drangme Chhu and the Gamri Chhu.
In the evening, explore the Tashigang town and the nearby areas.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 12. Riding Adventures in Trashiyangtse
Riding Distance: 50 km (One way) | Riding time: 2 Hrs (One way) | Altitude of Trashiyangtse: 1800 m | Road Condition: Paved but narrow road.
After breakfast, a day excursion to Trashiyangtse.
Trashiyangtse was established as a district in 1992 and lies at an elevation of dzongkhags is 1750-1880 m. This place is also the winter homes to endangered black-necked cranes. It is also the home to Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory, the national butterfly of Bhutan. The places has a lot of important religious sites such as Pemaling , Rigsum Gonpa, Dechenphodrang ney and Omba ney (the Taktshang of East Bhutan) between 2000 and 3000m, and Gongza ney and Gom Kora along the Drangme Chu (800-900m).
The place is also famous for “dapa and phop” (hand crafted traditional wooden plate and mugs).
On the way visit the Gomkora Lhakhang, situated 24 km from the Trashigang dzong in Trashigang in the eastern Bhutan. The name Gomphu Kora (Gomphu – “Meditation Cave”, Kora – “Circumambulation”) is derived from a cave in the place.
Drive further to Trashiyangtse and visit the Chorten Kora. It is one of the most important stupa in Trashiyangtse built in the year 1740 by Lama Ngawang Loday.
Explore the area and in the late afternoon, ride back to Trashigang.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 13. Trashigang – Samdrupjongkhar
Riding Distance: 180 km | Riding time: 7 Hrs | Altitude of Samdrupjongkhar: 220 m | Road Condition: Road widening work is going on whereby in many places the condition of the road is not good.
After breakfast, continue your Bhutan adventures towards Samdrupjongkhar. Stop at places for photography and to view scenery. In the evening walk around the Samdrupjongkhar town.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 14. Samdrupjongkhar – Guwahati and Departure
After breakfast bid farewell to your bikes and your Bhutan Adventures. Your Indian vehicle shall drop you to the Guwahati Airport for your onward journey. Take back home the priceless memories, photographs and cherish the new found friends in Bhutan.
Important Notes
The comfort, convenience and interest of the travelers is very important to us. We are flexible with the itinerary. Sightseeing can be done as per the convenience and interests of the guests. If it is of interest to the guest, they may choose to visit places that may not be in the itinerary, except for the change of overnight destination.
We reserve the right to change the itinerary or hotels anytime as may be required to, in case of unforeseen contingencies (natural/man made) or unavailability of hotels.
Some of the sites to be visited may be closed on government holidays or during breaks. In such cases we shall do other sightseeing in its place.
This itinerary can be tailor made for any duration or within any destination and can be combined with any kind of activities such as trekking, rafting, walking tour, cycling , etc.
It is advisable to book tours in Bhutan at least 6 months prior to the travel date because of limited Bhutan tourism infrastructures and inventories.