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From US$ 5,335
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The Last Shangri La
We fly into Bagdogra, East India and drive to Puntsholing, the starting point of our motorcycle tour in Bhutan. Bhutan is no ordinary place, since it is the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments. Bhutan is a treasure house of Buddhist arts and also the home of friendly and warm hospitality. Here you will also find the most zigzagging roads of any Himalayan country. Stunning landscapes, virgin tropical forests and sky touching, lofty mountains. Exploring it on a motorcycle is by far the best way to cherish this beautiful country. We cross country on a Royal Enfield while visiting the most stunning Himalayan culture and less travelled back country roads of Bhutan.
Tour at a Glance
| Country | Bhutan (Eastern Himalayas) |
| Period | March, April, Oct, Nov |
| Duration | 10 Days, 9 Nights |
| Riding Days | 7 Days |
| Accommodation | Hotels and Guest Houses |
| Motorbike | Royal Enfield ‘Bullet’ 500cc |
| Level of Difficulty | Moderate | Max. Altitude | 3950m | Max. Sleeping Altitude | 3773m |
| Average Daily Distance | 142km |
| Total Distance | 1134km |
| Max riders per tour | 10 |
| Fitness Level | Moderate |
Highlights
- Experience one of the happiest countries in Asia
- Visit the spectacular Tiger’s Nest monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic site
- Explore ancient fortresses and temples right across Bhutan
- The Temple of the ‘Divine Mad Man’ – Chimey Lhakhang
- Ride infinite hairpins
Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi
A Motorcycle Expeditions representative will meet and greet you at the airport IGIA (Indira Gandhi International Airport). From here, you’ll be transferred by private bus or taxi to your hotel in New Delhi for an overnight stay.
Day 2 – Bagdogra to Phuntsholing (109m, 170km, 5hrs)
You’ll be transferred back to the airport, for an early flight to Bagdogra, from where you’ll be driven to Phuntsholing. This is our point of entry into Bhutan. This town functions primarily as a Bhutanese / Indian business center. The architecture is modern and like all of Bhutan, it offers a clean, pleasant and safe environment in which to go about your business. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 3 – Phuntsholing to Paro (2300m, 148km, 5hrs)
On completing some administrative formalities, we ride uphill to Paro. En route, we pass the beautiful Gedu University, Rinchending Monastery and some villages. Once in Paro, we will visit Dzongs (Fortresses) and temples. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 4 – Paro to Thimphu (2320m, 65km, 1.5hrs) Chele La (pass at 3988m)
We greet the day with a trek up to Tigers’ Nest Monastery which is a 4hr round trek or you could choose to ride up Chele La pass during this time, before riding through splendid scenery until Thimphu, where we will head out to the best view point in Thimphu Valley, Kuenselphodrang (the Buddha point). Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 5 – Thimphu to Pobjikha via Punakha (2900m, 168km, 6hrs) over Dochula (pass at 3140m)
Today we will start our sightseeing early with the Giant Buddha Dordenma (statue) and the Painting School, before heading out to Phobjikha valley. Our ride to Phobjikha will cross the Dochu La (pass at 3140m). After lunch at Punakha, we’ll visit the Punakha Dzong (Fortress) and ride to Pobjikha via Bajo town. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 6 – Pobjikha to Bumthang via Trongsa (2600m, 180km, 7hrs)
After an early breakfast, we will leave for Bumthang valley and stop off at Trongsa Dzong (Fortress) and Ta Dzong (Museum) en route. Later in Bumthang, we’ll visit Jakar Dzong (Fortress) and enjoy an evening stroll. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
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Day 7 – Bumthang to Mongar (1600m, 192km, 6-7hrs) over Sertangla (pass at 3950m) and Trumshingla (pass at 3750m)
We start the day crossing 2 high passes, with a magnificent National Park between them. Cedar trees, overhanging cliffs and on clear days, a view of Bhutans’ highest peak, Gangkar Phuensum, take us to Eastern Bhutan. Then starts our descend, past and sometimes across waterfalls and streams until we reach rice terraces and tropical fruits. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 8 – Mongar to Trashigang via Rangjung (3773m,91km,3-4hrs)
Trashigang Dzong (fortress) will be our first major stop of the day, from whence we’ll continue on to Rangjung monastery. At last we’ll ride back to Trashigang for some free time and a stroll around. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 9 – Trashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar – Guwahati (50m/230km/8-9hrs)
We leave early, to cross back into India via Samdrup Jongkhar in the south-east of Bhutan today. This town is one of the main gateways to India and borders the Indian state of Assam. Enroute, we’ll immerse ourselves in the beautiful weaves and colours at the Khaling Handloom center. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 10 – Guwahati to Delhi
Private transport will take you to Guwahati airport for your onward flight to Delhi and home.
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IncludedBhutan visa feesAll ground transfers in India, airport to airportFlight ticket from New Delhi to Bagdogra (New Jalpaiguri) and Guwahati to New DelhiAll internal biking tour permits / fees500cc Motorcycle and fuel for the entire trip9 Days / 8 nights accommodation on twin sharing basis at tourist standard hotelAll hotel taxes / service chargesBreakfast and dinner in the hotel and lunch on the way in local restaurantsEnglish speaking tour guide, a motorcyclist by profession and passionMineral water will be provided during the expeditionSupport vehicle (if riders suffer from a sore @$$, they may jump into our backup jeep to relax!!)Mechanics with all necessary spare partsMonument entrance fees during the entire trip, excl. camera fees
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Not IncludedInternational flightsAny medical / travel insurance coverage and personal expensesAny telephone calls / internet chargesAny tips for the guide, driver and mechanic (suggested at $100)Any items not mentioned in included sectionAlcoholic beveragesAny damage to the motorcycle must be covered by the rider in fullAny itinerary extensions will be subject to additional costCosts incurred or expenses arising due to natural calamities, strikes, breakdowns and any other unforeseen calamities beyond the control of Motorcycle Expeditions Adventure Tour Pvt Ltd and its associates (force majeure)