13-Day Motorcycle Tour in Bhutan

If you’re craving a journey that combines breathtaking mountain scenery, vibrant culture, and the thrill of riding a classic motorcycle, this 13-day Bhutan motorcycle tour might just be your dream trip. Promoted by Bhutan Rides, owned by motorcycle enthusiasts who love sharing their passion, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of adventure and culture.

What we love about this experience? First, the opportunity to explore Bhutan’s diverse valleys and mountain passes on a sturdy Royal Enfield motorcycle. Second, the chance to visit iconic sites like Paro’s Tiger’s Nest and Punakha Dzong, paired with off-the-beaten-path village stays and interactions with friendly locals. Third, the expert guidance and support throughout the trip.

A potential consideration? The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness and comfort with riding for several hours each day. While the pace is leisurely, some days involve longer rides over mountain passes, which might be demanding for absolute beginners. This trip works best for adventure-seeking travelers who enjoy scenic drives and cultural exploration in equal measure.

If you’re someone who desires a mix of adventure, authentic cultural experiences, and stunning Himalayan vistas, this tour could be an ideal fit. It’s perfect for those looking for a more immersive, active way to explore Bhutan’s remarkable landscapes and traditions.

Key Points

• Authentic adventure on classic Royal Enfield motorcycles through Bhutan’s scenic valleys
• Cultural highlights including monasteries, dzongs, and local villages
• Supportive guide and crew providing expert guidance and assistance throughout the trip
• Diverse scenery from lush valleys to high mountain passes with panoramic views
• Comfortable accommodations ranging from hotels to farmhouses and cozy lodges
• Value for money considering all included transportation, accommodations, meals, and taxes

An In-Depth Look at the 13-Day Bhutan Motorcycle Tour

Overall Experience and Value

Priced at $3,280 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive and well-rounded way to experience Bhutan beyond typical tourist routes. The package includes all major costs such as visas, taxes, transfers, meals, and guide services. From the reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this to be excellent value, especially given the diverse stops and authentic experiences packed into just over a week and a half.

While some might initially question whether the cost covers enough of Bhutan’s magic, the inclusion of a backup vehicle with a mechanic, support crew, and experienced tour leader ensures smooth sailing, or rather, smooth riding. This level of support is particularly reassuring given Bhutan’s sometimes challenging mountain roads.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The guided support is a major plus. Reviewers like Pelden and his team are praised for their kindness, professionalism, and deep knowledge of Bhutan. They ensure the trip runs smoothly, from mechanics to local insights, making even longer riding days manageable. The group size is private, adding a personalized touch that many travelers appreciate.

The mix of riding and cultural sightseeing truly hits the sweet spot. You’ll cruise through some of Bhutan’s most stunning valleys—Haa, Trongsa, Bumthang, Phobjikha, and Thimphu—each with its own unique charm. The roads are described as “simply made for cruising,” with less traffic on the scenic routes, allowing you to appreciate the Himalayan vistas in peace.

Authentic local stays are woven into the itinerary. From farmhouses in Tangsibje to cozy hotels in Bumthang and Paro, the accommodations offer comfort with a touch of local flavor. The overnight in Tangsibje, staying with a Bhutanese family, stands out as a highlight, giving travelers a taste of rural life.

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: Arrival and Paro Discovery

Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Paro Airport, where you meet your guide and are introduced to your Royal Enfield motorcycle. The afternoon includes a short ride to Drugyel Dzong, a fortress with historical significance and breathtaking views of Mt Chomolhari on clear days. Reviewers love the historical context and the chance to see the fortress ruins, which symbolize Bhutan’s resilience.

Day 2: From Paro to Haa Valley

The first riding day is designed to ease you into Bhutan’s mountain roads. The 70 km ride over Chelela Pass offers spectacular views with little traffic—ideal for those still adjusting to the altitude and riding. The gentle pace was appreciated by travelers, giving them time to soak in the scenery and start feeling comfortable on their bikes.

Day 3: Long Ride to Punakha

This is a highlight—160 km of some of the best roads in Bhutan, with undulating terrain and stunning vistas. The route over Dochula Pass is often praised for its panoramic mountain views. The ride is described as scenic and undulating, with manageable traffic, making the long day enjoyable.

Day 4: Exploring Punakha

A lighter day with a relaxed ride around Punakha Valley. Highlights include Punakha Dzong, a fortress that’s considered one of Bhutan’s most beautiful. A hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Stupa adds a cultural and scenic element, with reviewers noting it’s a “lovely hike.” The ride to Gasa Hot Springs offers some relaxation after days of riding.

Day 5: From Punakha to Trongsa

The ride over Pelela Pass is picturesque, with a chance to experience rural Bhutanese life in Tangsibje village, where you stay at a farmhouse. This experience is one of the trip’s highlights for many, providing a real taste of local hospitality and traditional lifestyles.

Day 6: To Bumthang Valley

Visiting Trongsa Dzong and the Tower of Trongsa Museum sets the tone for a day full of history and stunning views. The journey through Yotu La Pass introduces you to three major valleys—Choekhor, Tang, and Ura—each with unique charms. Expect to see ancient temples and palaces, with some reviewers citing this as a favorite cultural stop.

Day 7: Jakar and Ura Valley

A day exploring temples like Kurjey and Jambay Lhakhang, and visiting Swiss Farm for local cheese and brews. The hike in Ura Valley reveals Bhutan’s agricultural roots and traditional architecture, which many find compelling.

Day 8: Phobjikha Valley and Wildlife

Today takes you to Phobjikha, known for its scenic beauty and as a winter habitat for black-necked cranes. The valley’s peaceful, glacial landscape is a favorite among travelers, especially those interested in wildlife and conservation. The visit is complemented by a chance to buy Bhutanese textiles, a favorite for souvenir shopping.

Day 9: Gangtey Monastery and Rest

A lighter day with a leisurely hike and visit to Gangtey Gompa. Reviewers describe this as a peaceful, restorative day, perfect for soaking in the natural beauty and quiet spirituality of the region.

Day 10: To Thimphu

The ride into Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, is filled with mountain views. A stop in Lobesa for lunch and crossing the Dochula Pass showcase Bhutan’s majestic highlands. Many appreciate the contrast between the rural and urban parts of the country.

Day 11: Thimphu Sightseeing

The day includes visits to Tango and Cheri Monasteries, with hikes to appreciate Bhutan’s monastic traditions. The afternoon exploring Thimphu’s markets and vibrant streets adds local flavor, with reviewers enjoying the variety of dining options.

Day 12: Paro and Tiger’s Nest

The iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery is the highlight. The hike to the viewpoint is 1.5–2 hours, but more energetic travelers can continue to the monastery itself—a demanding but rewarding trek described fondly by those who made it. The evening features a farewell dinner and cultural show, a perfect end to the adventure.

Day 13: Departure

Early morning transfer to Paro Airport wraps up the trip. Reviewers note the smooth logistics and the warm farewell from the Bhutan Rides team.

What Travelers Say

The reviews speak volumes about the trip: enthusiastic riders appreciated the quality of the Royal Enfield bikes and the well-organized support. One reviewer described their experience as “motorcycle riding through the varied landscapes of Bhutan with all the adventure and stunning scenery Bhutan offers,” highlighting the scenic highlights and authentic cultural interactions.

Another praised the kindness and dedication of the guide and team, noting how they made the trip comfortable and engaging. The opportunity to explore with such knowledgeable guides significantly enhances the experience, providing both safety and insight.

The Riding Experience

The roads are generally described as great for cruising, with less traffic and plenty of scenic viewpoints. The route over high mountain passes like Chelela and Dochula offers panoramic vistas, often cited as some of the best views in Bhutan. The bikes are praised as perfect for this terrain, and the support crew’s readiness to handle mechanical issues reassures even the most cautious riders.

Cultural and Local Encounters

Reviewers love the chance to stay in traditional farmhouses, meet local families, and visit ancient temples. The experience at Tangsibje farm, in particular, is highlighted as a genuine, warm encounter with Bhutanese rural life.

Wildlife and Nature

The Phobjikha Valley is consistently praised for its serenity and wildlife. Seeing the black-necked cranes in winter or simply enjoying the valley’s natural beauty leaves a lasting impression.

Final Thoughts

This 13-day motorcycle tour in Bhutan offers a rich tapestry of scenic riding, culture, and genuine hospitality. The balance between guided sightseeing and free exploration allows for a personalized experience, while the support team ensures safety and comfort throughout. It’s a fantastic choice for adventure travelers who want more than just a scenic drive—they seek an authentic, engaging journey.

The cost might seem high at first glance, but when you consider the included meals, accommodations, guidance, and all logistics, it becomes clear that this trip offers excellent value. The experience is especially suitable for travelers with a moderate fitness level who are comfortable on a motorcycle and eager to explore Bhutan’s hidden corners.

Overall, if you’re after a memorable, active way to see Bhutan’s mountains, monasteries, and villages with expert guidance—and don’t mind a few long riding days—this tour checks all the boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
It’s designed for those with moderate physical fitness and some comfort riding a motorcycle. The roads are scenic and manageable, but longer days over mountain passes might be tiring for complete novices.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers all taxes and levies, transfers, accommodations, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), guide services, visa fees, and the motorcycle with support crew.

Are accommodations comfortable?
Yes, the trip features a mix of cozy hotels, farmhouses, and local lodges, providing a comfortable base after a day of riding.

Do I need my own riding gear?
The tour provides Royal Enfield motorcycles, but you should bring your own riding gear, including a helmet, jacket, gloves, and sturdy shoes for the hikes.

How physically demanding is the trip?
While the rides are scenic, some days involve several hours of riding over mountain roads, including passes. A reasonable level of fitness and comfort with riding are recommended.

Can I participate if I’m not an experienced motorcyclist?
It’s best suited for riders with some experience, given the varied terrain. The support team is ready to assist, but the trip isn’t ideal for absolute beginners.

What are the highlights I shouldn’t miss?
The Tiger’s Nest hike, Punakha Dzong visit, Trongsa Dzong, Phobjikha Valley, and the scenic mountain passes are all standout moments.

Is there free time for exploring on my own?
Yes, particularly in Thimphu and Paro, you have opportunities to wander, shop, and enjoy local cuisine.

What makes this tour different from others in Bhutan?
The focus on motorcycle riding, combined with immersive cultural stops and stays in local farmhouses, offers a more authentic and adventurous experience.

How do I book this tour?
You can contact Bhutan Rides directly at +97577220499 or via email at [email protected]. Confirmations are quick, and cancellation policies are flexible if done three days in advance.

To sum it up, this motorcycle tour in Bhutan is a unique way to see the country’s stunning scenery and vibrant culture from a different perspective. It’s an adventure for those who love riding, exploring, and engaging with local life, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and expert guidance. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or an enthusiastic traveler looking for a memorable challenge, this trip promises a rewarding Himalayan adventure.