Bhutan: Small-Group Motorcycle Journey
Location: Bhutan
Duration: 9 Days
From: $6,841
Overview
Overview
This nine-day journey rides through Bhutan's most storied western and central valleys — six days in the saddle on a self-drive Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, bookended by an arrival day in Paro and a final trek to the Tiger's Nest monastery. It's independent travel without the guesswork: riders follow a proven route with room for their own detours, backed by a Large Minority trip leader, a qualified Bhutanese guide, and a support vehicle carrying luggage and a mechanic.
The route loops through Bhutan's west and center: from Paro into the remote Haa Valley, north to Thimphu via Chelela Pass, east across Dochula Pass (3,100m) into Punakha, on to the glacial Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey), and up to the spiritual valley of Bumthang, before returning west through Punakha to Paro. The trip closes with a three-hour trek to Paro Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest monastery clinging to a cliff at 3,120m, before departure.
Accommodation (twin-share, with a single supplement available), all meals, motorbike hire and a helmet, a qualified Bhutanese guide plus trip leader, 24/7 phone backup, Paro airport transfers, all Bhutanese government fees (including the Sustainable Development Fee/visa, entry and monument fees, and permits), all listed activities, a backup luggage truck and mechanic crew, and fuel are included. International flights, the single-room supplement, day-to-day costs (drinks, gratuities), the motorbike rental deposit (£1,000), riding gear, a motorcycle licence and International Driving Permit with motorcycle endorsement (required), damage to the motorbike (typically £40–150, billed on the ground for rider-caused issues), and travel medical insurance are not included.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Paro (Thu, Nov 12)
Touch down at one of the world's most dramatic airports, met on the ground by your guide. After lunch, visit the National Museum and Ringpung Dzong, then an evening briefing with your road captain before riding begins. Overnight: Jewel Heritage, Paro (2,200m).
Day 2 — Paro to Haa, 105 km (4 hrs riding) (Fri, Nov 13)
The first day in the saddle climbs out of Paro before dropping into the remote, little-visited Haa Valley. Lunch at a family farmhouse features Hoentay, a dumpling unique to the region, followed by an afternoon ride around the valley floor. Overnight: Sonam Zhingkham Lodge, Haa (2,700m).
Day 3 — Haa to Thimphu, 109 km (4 hrs riding) (Sat, Nov 14)
A high-pass day over Chelela into the capital, with switchbacks and big views along the way. Lunch at Babesa Village, then a ride up to the giant sitting Buddha overlooking Thimphu and a stop at the Royal Takin Preserve. Evening free in the city center. Overnight: City Heritage Hotel & Spa, Thimphu (2,300m).
Day 4 — Thimphu to Gangtey, 124 km (4 hrs riding) (Sun, Nov 15)
The ride crosses Dochula Pass at 3,100m, the trip's high point, with sweeping Himalayan views on a clear day. Lunch in Punakha, then on to the Phobjikha Valley, a glacial bowl and winter home to the endangered black-necked crane. Overnight: Dewachen Hotel & Spa (or Pinewood Resort), Gangtey (2,900m).
Day 5 — Gangtey to Bumthang, 163 km (5 hrs riding) (Mon, Nov 16)
A steady climb into Bhutan's pine-scented spiritual heartland, with a lunch stop at Willing Waterfall Cafe and an afternoon to explore Jakar, Bumthang's main town. Overnight: Jakar Village Lodge, Bumthang (2,800m).
Day 6 — Bumthang to Punakha, 215 km (6 hrs riding) (Tue, Nov 17)
The longest riding day heads west, dropping steadily in altitude. A stop at Chimmi Lhakhang, the fertility temple, precedes check-in at the warm, low-lying Punakha valley. Overnight: Zen, Punakha (1,200m).
Day 7 — Punakha to Paro, 115 km (3.5 hrs riding) (Wed, Nov 18)
A morning visit to Punakha Dzong, considered the country's most beautiful fortress monastery, sits at the confluence of two rivers. The final ride returns to Paro, with the afternoon free to stroll the town on the last night on the road. Overnight: The Jewel Heritage, Paro (2,200m).
Day 8 — Tiger's Nest (Thu, Nov 19)
No riding today. A short transfer to the trailhead leads to a three-hour trek up to Paro Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest monastery, clinging to a cliff face at 3,120m. Lunch at a family farmhouse, followed by a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight: The Jewel Heritage, Paro (2,200m).
Day 9 — Departure Day (Fri, Nov 20)
Transfer to Paro International Airport for the flight home.
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