Bhutan tops the must-visit bucket list for all motorcycling and traveling enthusiasts. Exploring the traditions, cultural diversity, and simplicity of living in Bhutan, riding on a motorcycle is a must-do for all adrenaline riders and biking aficionados. Being able to take your motorcycle and ride along mountain passes and quaint towns, absorbing the tranquility and happiness, will surely invoke a sense of serenity within. Bhutan, as a biking destination, has great treasures in its store waiting to be explored. The winding mountainous roads rising as high above, alongside clouds and steep rides down, allow riders to fulfill their desire for extreme adventure.

You will be forced to leave a piece of your heart back at the narrow roads with remote green mountainous vegetation, places of spiritual reverence perched on perilous cliffs, and picturesque villages with welcoming local folks. Bhutan is at the cusp of modernism, but also strived hard to maintain sovereignty and individualism along with our age-old customs and traditions, and always greet newcomers as one of our own. At every turn you take on your bike, an unmissable adventure awaits to be explored and appreciated.

The price includes Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Tax of $100/Person/Day

TOUR OPERATOR

Big Bike Tours – Knight Adventure Tours

ACTIVITIES

Motorcycle Rides, Camping, Cultural sightseeing, and
hikes.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Thimphu Capital City / Paro Internationa Aiport
Please note: Air Ticket for a round trip (Bangkok to Paro and Paro to Bangkok) might be costing around USD 800-1000

DEPARTURE TIME

Please be informed, that you arrive at least one day before the tour starts at Thimphu Capital City. We recommend two days before the tour starts to acclimate and avoid jet lag.

RETURN TIME

The tour will end in Paro after finishing the trekking to the Tiger´s Nest late afternoon, you can fly back the next day from Paro Internationa Aiport to your final destination.

GEAR

We recommend bringing your gear to be the most comfortable. BUT we also offer helmets, jackets, gloves, and knee guards (European high-quality brands in many different sizes). Please be informed, that we do not offer boots and trousers due to hygienic reasons.

INCLUDED

Accommodation 3-star hotel is certified by the Department of Tourism.

SUV/Minivan/Pickup Truck for Backup Transportation

Honda NX500 or Transalp 750; Gasoline & Oil

Experienced Motorbike Tour Guide

Museum & Monuments entrance fee

Breakfast and dinner in the hotel and Lunch in the local restaurants

Tour Leader certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan has experience in motorcycle tours and adventure trips

Mechanics with all necessary spare parts

Big Bike Tours Personal Care and Attention

Mineral water will be provided during the expeditions, and tea, and snacks

The price includes Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Tax of $100/Person/Day

NOT INCLUDED

Visa fee (One Time, about 60 USD)

Travel Insurance

Flight Fare

Tips for Tour and non-tour staff such as guides, mechanics, Drivers, waiters, porters, shoe shiners, etc.

Telephone bills

Laundry

Beverages

Any damage to the motorcycle must be covered by the rider in full

Please be informed, that our tours are all-inclusive. So you can completely focus on your holiday, the adventure, the riding, and the unseen Bhutan. There are no hidden costs or other surprises – our tour prices are final. All is paid. Come ride with us – the real deal!

Paro → Chelela Pass → Thimphu (Capital City) → Punakha → Bumthang → Mongar → Panbang (Southern Bhutan) → Trongsa → Phobjikha Valley → Paro

(Distance: about 1,330 km / 830 miles )

Day 1. Arrival in Paro | Warm-Up Ride & Cultural Introduction (Distance 29 km (1 hr) Altitude: 2,280m above sea level)

Day Highlights

Scenic Himalayan arrival flight with possible views of Mt. Everest
Warm-up ride to Drukgyel Dzong
Explore Paro town and Bhutanese culture

Your Bhutan motorcycle adventure begins with a breathtaking Himalayan flight into Paro, one of the world’s most spectacular airports. After arriving at Paro International Airport, the Big Bike Tours team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Following a comprehensive rider briefing covering road conditions, safety procedures, and riding etiquette in Bhutan, enjoy a relaxed warm-up ride to the historic Drukgyel Dzong before spending the evening exploring Paro town.

Day 2. Paro to Thimphu via Chelela Pass & Haa Valley - Distance 167 km (6 hrs) Altitude: 2,300m above sea level)

Day Highlights

Ride across Chelela Pass – Bhutan’s highest motorable pass in the west at 3,988 metres
Explore the beautiful Haa Valley
Visit the ancient Lhakhang Karpo monastery

Ride through some of Bhutan’s most spectacular mountain scenery as you ascend toward Chelela Pass at 3,988 metres. The road winds through alpine forests with incredible panoramic views of the Himalayas before descending into the scenic Haa Valley. Continue riding toward Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu, enjoying scenic mountain roads and authentic Bhutanese villages along the way.

Day 3. Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass (Distance 84 km (2 hrs) Altitude: 1,200m above sea level)

Day Highlights

Visit Buddha Dordenma overlooking Thimphu Valley
See Bhutan’s national animal at the Takin Preserve
Ride through Dochula Pass with 108 stupas at 3,150 metres
Explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong

Today’s shorter ride allows time to experience Bhutan’s culture and landmarks. Visit the giant Buddha Dordenma statue and the Takin Preserve before riding across the famous Dochula Pass, known for panoramic Himalayan views and the iconic 108 memorial chortens. Descend into the warmer Punakha Valley and visit the stunning Punakha Dzong.

Day 4. Punakha to Bumthang | Into Bhutan’s Cultural Heartland (Distance 198 km (6 hrs) Altitude: 2,600m above sea level)

Day Highlights

Ride over Pele La Pass at 3,420m
Coffee stop in Nobding village
Visit Chendebji Chorten
Ride into Bhutan’s spiritual heartland

Ride deep into Bhutan’s central highlands with endless mountain curves, pine forests, and scenic valleys. Cross Pele La Pass before descending toward Bumthang, considered the spiritual and cultural heartland of Bhutan.

Day 5. Bumthang Rest Day & Exploration (Distance 72 km (3 hours) Altitude: 1,600m above sea level)

Day Highlights

Optional ride to Tang Valley
Visit Ogyen Choling
Swiss Cheese Factory & local brewery
Relax and explore Bumthang at your own pace

Enjoy a flexible rest day in Bumthang. Riders may choose to relax, explore local villages, take a scenic ride into Tang Valley, visit local attractions, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of central Bhutan.

Day 6. Bumthang to Mongar via Thrashing La (Distance 183 km (6 hrs) Altitude: 1,600m above sea level)

Day Highlights

Ride through the stunning Ura Valley
Cross Thrashing La Pass at 3,750 metres
Scenic mountain riding through eastern Bhutan

Ride through the beautiful Ura Valley before climbing toward Thrashing La Pass, one of the highest points of the tour. Enjoy dramatic mountain scenery, winding roads, and scenic coffee stops before descending into Mongar.

Day 7. Mongar to Panbang | From Mountains to Subtropics (Distance 167 km (7 hrs) Altitude: 350 m above sea level)

Day Highlights

One of Bhutan’s most adventurous roads
Remote mountain roads and cliff sections
Transition from mountains to subtropical jungle

Today is one of the most adventurous rides of the tour as you descend from the Himalayan mountains into Bhutan’s subtropical lowlands near the Indian border. This remote road is famous among local riders for its challenging curves, dramatic cliff sections, and unforgettable scenery.

Day 8. Panbang to Trongsa | Riding Back to the Highlands (Distance 169 km (6 hrs) Altitude: 2,200m above sea level)

Day Highlights

Ride back into Bhutan’s central highlands
Scenic subtropical valleys and mountain roads
Coffee stop at Tingtingbi Café

Ride north through lush valleys and winding mountain roads as you gradually climb back into Bhutan’s cooler Himalayan regions. Experience dramatic changes in scenery and climate throughout the day.

Day 9. Trongsa to Phobjekha Valley (Distance 80 km (2.5 hrs) Altitude: 3,000m above sea level)

Day Highlights

Visit historic Trongsa Dzong
Ride into the beautiful Phobjikha Valley
Black-Necked Crane conservation area

Visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong before riding toward the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley, famous as the winter habitat of the endangered Black-Necked Cranes. Enjoy peaceful scenery and incredible photography opportunities.

Day 10. Phobjekha to Paro via Thimphu (Distance 178 km (6 hrs) Altitude: 2,300m above sea level)

Day Highlights

Scenic final Himalayan ride
Traditional Bhutanese farmhouse lunch
Farewell celebration with the riding crew
Traditional hot stone bath & cultural dinner

Enjoy your final riding day through western Bhutan before celebrating the end of the adventure with the Big Bike Tours crew. Relax with a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath followed by a farewell dinner and cultural performance in Paro.

Day 11. Tiger’s Nest Hike & Farewell Celebration

Day Highlights

Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery at 3,120 metres
One of the world’s most famous Buddhist sites
Spectacular views over Paro Valley

No trip to Bhutan is complete without hiking to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest. Dramatically perched on a cliffside above Paro Valley, this sacred Buddhist monastery offers one of the most unforgettable experiences in the Himalayas. In the evening, enjoy free time in Paro town followed by a farewell dinner with cultural performances, celebrating an unforgettable Himalayan motorcycle adventure.

Day 12. Paro (Departure)

Day Highlights

Airport transfer to Paro International Airport
Farewell to Bhutan and the Himalayas

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Depart Bhutan with lifelong memories, epic riding stories, and unforgettable Himalayan experiences.

Bhutan opened its doors to the outside world in the 1960s, and since then modernization has been gradually stepping in. Although Bhutan has enhanced its economic and social development in all aspects, it has also remained true to preserving the country’s rich culture and tradition. Today, Bhutan is one of the most attractive tourist destinations because of its unique culture and tradition, and pristine natural environment.

Most adventure riders also seek out the roads of Bhutan. The twists, the bends, and the curves on all roads in Bhutan are incomparable to any other. What makes it so special? You will be riding your bike, literally at the edges, while enjoying the vast diversity of forests, rivers, and mountains. At every stop of your ride, it holds for you to see one of the many endangered species of birds, animals found in the virgin forest of Bhutan, or a mystical fortress or temple that holds many legends. Your experience in Bhutan will be thrilling, and it is certain that the more you ride in Bhutan, the more you will want to ride. Most of the motorable roads in Bhutan have very little traffic, which makes it even more adventurous for riders to enjoy the sharp, narrow bends en route. Riding in Bhutan will give the riders an out-of-the-box experience, with not only highly winding motorable roads but also a rich exposure to the country’s culture and tradition, which are very observable.

Travel Requirements

Tourists can book a package holiday to Bhutan through both International and local Bhutanese tour operators. Information is available from travel agencies.

The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum selling prices for packages to Bhutan, and these must be paid in US dollars before arrival in Bhutan.

Daily Tariff

The minimum tariff for tourists visiting in a group of 3 persons or more is as follows:

Tariff Total = 450 USD per day – US$ 200 per person per night, for the country development fund and a balance of 250 USD for the trip

The minimum price includes:

- All internal taxes and charges (including the royalty)
- Accommodation
- All Meals
- All travel with a licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide
- All Internal Transport
- Camping Equipment and Haulage for Trekking Tours

The rates given above are applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan. On the day of departure, the ‘local agents’ host obligation shall be limited to breakfast only, and any extra requirements shall be payable on an actual basis.

The rates shall apply uniformly, irrespective of location and the type of accommodation provided/asked for. A list of hotels and lodges approved for international tourist accommodation updated from time to time shall be issued by TCB.

Surcharges

Individual tourists and smaller groups of less than three persons shall be subject to a surcharge, over and above the minimum daily rates applicable, as follows:

Single individual US$ 50 per night

Group of 2 persons US$ 40 per person per night

The 10% agency commission payable to agents abroad shall not be deductible from the surcharge.

The surcharge will not apply to representatives of foreign travel agents on business study or promotional visits duly approved and cleared by TCB.

Visa Formalities

Other than Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals, all visitors to Bhutan require a visa; all visas are issued from Thimphu; visas are only issued to tourists booked with a locally licensed tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. Applications for tourist visas are submitted by the tour operator. Visa clearance from Thimphu must be obtained before coming to Bhutan. Visa clearance takes at least 10 days to process. Air tickets to Bhutan cannot be purchased without visa clearance. At your point of entry, the visa will be stamped in your passport on payment of US$30; two passport photos will also be required. Visas are issued for 15 days; extensions can be obtained in Thimphu for Nu. 600.

Delayed Arrivals

There is no charge for delays in arrival and departure because of weather conditions disrupting flights or roadblocks. The tourist must, however, bear the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and other services required.

Note: INR (Indian Rupees) denominations of 500 and 1000 are not accepted in Bhutan.

Travel Tips

HEALTH: The best medical facilities are at the general hospital in Thimphu. Travellers are advised to avoid untreated or un-boiled water. Altitude sickness can affect some travelers although accommodation is at around the same altitude as most ski resorts. General medicines are readily available but guests are advised to bring in their requirements for the duration of their visit. Guests should consult their doctors and arrange travel insurance before departure.

DRESS: Clothing requirements vary greatly depending on the season. Light, loose clothing is appropriate for summer days, with evenings requiring a sweater or jacket. From autumn to the end of winter, warm clothes are required. Warm trousers combined with layered clothing, fleece or down jackets, a hat, and gloves are recommended. Bring comfortable sports shoes for light touring and hiking boots for treks. When visiting dzongs, monasteries, and lhakhangs, appropriate attire is required. With nothing shorter than knee length and shoulders should be covered, ideally down to the mid-upper arm. Sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses are strongly recommended for higher elevations.

Many of the temples seek small offerings 10/20 Nu (20Nu = circa 25c) – but small notes are in short supply, if you get hold of any, keep them – they are always useful.

Getting cash from the Paro airport exchange desk is a great starting point, and Indian rupees are accepted as local currency – so if you can get any rupees before your visit, that can help. But you won’t be able to use cash machines, and if you have US$/Euros/traveller’s cheques can be changed in the bank.

Travelling around Bhutan on the roads is slow and can be tiring. You’ll be lucky to average more than 50 kph – so the best advice is to relax and enjoy the scenery. If you are prone to travel sickness, then you might need travel sickness tablets. Don’t be surprised if it takes you longer to reach a destination than you expected.

The food can be in a variety of tastes in the capital city, but after you leave the capital city, it can be boring. You won’t starve, and there is plenty for vegetarians, but you will be bored after a 10-day stay!

Souvenirs are expensive; the weekend market in Thimphu has the best prices, which will typically be 20%-30% less than anywhere else, for broadly the same items.

Upon arrival, you will be met at the far side of the terminal by a guide. Entry to Bhutan is pretty relaxed, but it helps to have a copy of the visa details sent to you by BMT (or at least the number of the visa, which you will also need on exit).

CHECK-IN: The reporting time is two hours before the flight departure. All counters are closed 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of the flight. Check-in counters in Delhi will close 1 hour before the scheduled departure of the flights.

RECONFIRMATION: All reservations must be reconfirmed at least 72 hours before scheduled departure. Failure to reconfirm will result in the cancellation of the booking without any notice.

VALIDITY: Tickets issued against full fare are valid for one year, except as otherwise provided in the ticket.

AIRPORT/TRAVEL TAX: Airport/ travel tax is payable by all passengers before embarking on a flight.

BAGGAGE

Following registered baggage is allowed free of charge

Executive 30kg Nil

Economy 20kg Nil

Unless otherwise stated by the ticketing carrier, the free baggage allowed when travelling under concessional fares shall be the same as that of full-paying passengers.

HANDBAGS: To comply with the security regulations, passengers may carry only one hand baggage. The sum of three dimensions (length, breadth, and height) should not exceed 100 cm, and the weight should not exceed more than 5kg. The hand baggage may comprise:

A lady’s handbag
An overcoat or a wrap
An umbrella or a walking stick
A small camera and a pair of binoculars
A reasonable amount of reading material for the flight
For invalid passengers, a fully collapsible invalid wheelchair and/or a pair of crutches.

All other items, such as typewriters, briefcases, overnight bags, personal radios, vanity cases, large cameras, etc., will be weighed with other baggage and will be subject to payment of excess baggage charges if the total weight exceeds the free baggage allowance.

CONNECTION TIME: All passengers are advised to maintain a minimum of 24 hours of connection time to avoid misconnections due to weather, which is one of the major causes of misconnections.