Motorcycle trip

Bhutan

The Dragon Kingdom is a discovery tour with no technical off-road sections, open to riders with a full motorcycle licence and regular practice. The roads are narrow and winding, with high passes, some stretches along steep drops and the occasional roadworks, so the pace is unhurried. Passengers are welcome, and the support vehicle carries the luggage.

You travel in a small group of 10 motorcycles at most, with an English-speaking tour leader, a local English-speaking guide who brings the culture of each valley to life, a mechanic and a support vehicle. All you need to do is ride: we take care of everything else.

• Paro and Taktshang Monastery

In the rich fertile valley of Paro surrounded by high Himalayan peaks, Taktshang, called the “Tiger’s Nest”, is the best-known monastery in Bhutan. Built in the 17th century, it overlooks the valley from its rocky spur. During a motorbike tour in Bhutan, take a 2-3 hour break from riding and embark on an exhilarating hike to reach the summit. The less courageous can climb on horseback!

• Thimphu

Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is located in a lovely wooded valley at an altitude of 2350 m. The largest city in the country, it has still managed to retain all its charm. Don’t miss the Thimphu market, the largest food market in the country where the Bhutanese gather in traditional costumes. A stay in Thimphu during a Bhutan motorcycle tour is also an opportunity to visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine to learn more about medicinal plants from the Himalayas.

• Punakha

West of Thimphu, the imposing Punakha dzong sits at the confluence of the Mo (Mother) and Pho (Father) rivers. This 180 m long fortress once sheltered upwards of 600 monks. Facing off against fires, earthquakes, and floods, it has been restored several times, always respecting traditional architecture. A few kilometres away, your motorcycle tour in Bhutan will provide you with the opportunity to be blessed at the unusual temple of Chimi Lhakhang…

• Gangtey and the Phobjikha Valley

Your motorbike tour in Bhutan takes you to the splendid Phobjikha Valley. This protected area is famous for observing the endangered black-necked cranes which migrate here in winter. Don’t miss the Gangtey monastery located in the heart of this enchanting landscape.

• Bumthang

In the centre of the country, the four valleys of Bumthang are the spiritual heart of Bhutan, home to some of its oldest temples, such as Jambay Lhakhang and Kurje Lhakhang, among apple orchards and buckwheat fields.

We ride in Bhutan in spring and autumn, the driest and clearest seasons: our departures run in April, then in October and November. Days are mild and often sunny in the valleys, but it gets cold on the high passes and in the evenings, so pack warm layers. From June to September, the monsoon brings heavy rain and landslides.

A small country nestled at the foot of the Himalayas, Bhutan has been isolated throughout much of its history. In the 1970s, the king of Bhutan, father of the current king, popularized an innovative indicator: Gross National Happiness, with the aim of defining the economic development of the kingdom in more respectful terms. The recipe for happiness in Bhutan is based on the principles of sustainable development with a priority for the protection of local culture and the environment by encouraging responsible tourism. Experience the joy first hand on your Bhutan motorbike tour! Want to continue the adventure in neighboring regions? Take a look at our Nepal motorcycle tours, South India Motorcycle Tours, North India Motorcycle Tours and Indian Himalayas! For the rest of the continent, browse all our motorcycle tours in Asia.

Stories and practical advice from our riders and tour leaders:

• Why couples should take a motorcycle tour