Bhutan11 days
Bhutan by Motorcycle: East to West Across the Himalayan Range — 11 Days
A motorcycle ride from subtropical lowlands to alpine passes across Bhutan's mountain ranges.
This 11-day motorcycle journey traces Bhutan's east-west axis from the Indian border to the Paro Valley, ascending from subtropical bamboo forest to mountain passes. Riders travel on paved roads linking multiple districts, stopping at dzongs, monasteries, and historical sites along the route. The route includes the 3,800-meter Thrumsing La Pass (the country's highest motorable road) and descends into the Phobjikha Valley, one of the only temperate grasslands in the eastern Himalayas. A cultural component extends beyond the riding itself: stops include the fertility temple at Chimi Lhakhang, the Tiger's Nest Monastery hike above Paro, and Kyichu Lhakhang.
Best time to go: April - May Sept - OCt
Highlights
- Crossing Thrumsing La Pass at 3,800 meters — Bhutan's highest motorable road
- Ride through Chummey Valley's rhododendron and magnolia forests to Pele La Pass (3,300 meters)
- Tiger's Nest Monastery hike above Paro Valley—a temple perched on a cliff.
- Visit Gangtey Monastery overlooking the Phobjikha Valley grasslands
- Dewathan historical battle site near Trashigang.
- Punakha Dzong, the second capital, sited at the confluence of two rivers
- Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro — among Bhutan's oldest temples, built in the 7th century
- Stop at Kurjey Lhakhang and Jambay Lhakhang monasteries in the Bumthang Valley
Day by day
1Samdrup Jongkhar Border Crossing and Bike AssignmentSamdrup Jongkhar
Arrive at Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan's eastern border town, from Guwahati Airport in Assam (98 kilometers, approximately 2 hours by road). After immigration processing and hotel check-in, receive your assigned motorcycle and briefing.
2Trashigang: Bamboo Forests and Historical GroundsTrashigang · bamboo forests · Dewathan · Khaling
Begin riding through countryside past bamboo forests, stopping at Dewathan, a historical battleground. Continue to Khaling, home to an institute focused on rehabilitation and economic empowerment for people with disabilities. Arrive in Trashigang, the district capital in eastern Bhutan (180 kilometers, 5–6 hours of riding).
3Mongar Valley: Short Ride and Corn Wine BreweryMongar · Mongar Dzong · a local farmhouse
Ride westward to Mongar over a short 90-kilometer route (approximately 3 hours). Visit Mongar Dzong in the afternoon, then stop at a local farmhouse to observe the production of corn wine, a traditional Bhutanese alcohol made from fermented corn.
4Bumthang: Ascent to Thrumsing La PassThrumsing La Pass · Mongar · Meybar Tsho lake · Kurjey Lhakhang · Jambay Lhakhang
Depart Mongar and climb toward the country's temperate zone, leaving behind subtropical climate as you ascend Thrumsing La Pass at 3,800 meters—Bhutan's highest motorable road. En route, stop at Meybar Tsho lake. In Bumthang, visit Kurjey Lhakhang and Jambay Lhakhang, two key monasteries in the valley (190 kilometers, approximately 5 hours).
5Phobjikha Valley: Rhododendron Pass and Gangtey MonasteryPhobjikha Valley · Gangtey Monastery · Chummey Valley · Pele La Pass
Ride through Chummey Valley's farmland, then ascend through forests of rhododendron and magnolia to Pele La Pass at 3,300 meters. Descend to the Phobjikha Valley, a high-altitude grassland. Visit Gangtey Monastery, a gompa overlooking the valley (162 kilometers, approximately 5 hours).
6Punakha: Black Mountains and the Former Capitalblack mountains · Chimi Lhakhang · Punakha Dzong · suspension bridge
Drive through the black mountains to Punakha. Visit Chimi Lhakhang fertility temple en route. Afternoon: visit Punakha Dzong and the suspension bridge, with free time to wander.
7Dochu La Pass and Thimphu's Cultural HeartDochu La Pass · Thimphu · School of Arts and Craft · National Library · Folk Heritage Museum · Tashichhodzong
Cross Dochu La Pass at 3,100 meters, then descend into Thimphu. Visit the School of Arts and Craft, National Library, Folk Heritage Museum, and Tashichhodzong. Optional morning river rafting available.
8Thimphu: Buddha Statue, Memorial Chorten, and Craft BazaarMemorial Chorten · Craft Bazaar · Kuenselphodrang · Takin Zoo · Textile Museum
Visit Kuenselphodrang's Buddha statue, Memorial Chorten, Takin Zoo, and Textile Museum. Browse Craft Bazaar. Afternoon free.
9Paro: Tiger's Nest Monastery HikeTaktsang Monastery
Hike to Taktsang Monastery, a gompa perched above the valley.
10Paro: Kyichu Lhakhang and BreweryKyichu Lhakhang · the local brewery
Morning at leisure for spa, packing, or town strolls. Afternoon visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, Bhutan's oldest temple, then the local brewery.
11Paro Departure
Hotel checkout and departure.
Where you go
- 1Samdrup Jongkhar
- 2Mongar
- 3Mongar dzong
- 4Mongar
- 5Jambay Lhakhang
- 6Phobjikha Valley
- 7Gangtey Monastery
- 8Punakha Dzong
- 9Dochu La Pass
- 10Thimphu
- 11National Library
- 12Tashichhodzong
- 13Kuenselphodrang
- 14Takin Zoo
- 15Textile Museum
- 16Taktsang monastery
- 17Kyichu Lhakhang
Included
- Accommodation at 3*/3* Superior Hotels
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
- English Speaking Tour Guide
- Private vehicle transfers
- Bike rental charges for duration of tour
- Entrance Fees to attractions
Not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Optional activities
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
- SDF payable to the government
- Visa fee $40 per person
- Disclaimer:
- For Indian Nationals, SDF fees are INR.1200/person/night. Please contact us for applicable price.