9 Days The Land of Thunder Dragon Guided Motorcycle Tour India and Bhutan

Day 1: Arrive Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or NJP Railway station

Upon arrival gathering at Bagdogra hotel, the tour itinerary will be discussed with all participants. Overnight stay will be arranged at the hotel.

Day 2: Bagdogra - Phuentsholing, 165 kilometers / 103 miles / 4 - 5 hours ride

After breakfast, have a drive to Phuentsholing. On arrival, there will be check-in at the hotel. After the check-in formality, visas will be arranged at the immigration office. In the evening, a joy ride will be arranged in the town to familiarize yourself with the motorbike. Spend an overnight in Phuentsholing.

Day 3: Phuentsholing - Paro, 145 kilometers / 90 miles / 5 hours ride

Post breakfast, you take the ride to Paro, a scenic valley which is considered the largest and greenest valleys of Bhutan. Surrounded by the fertile rice fields and Pa Chu (Paro River), on the way to Thimphu, you stop at Tamchog Lhakhang (temple) and the famous iron bridge from the 16th century.

Afternoon is a visit to Druk Choeding temple located in the main town of Paro, which was built by Ngawang Chogyel in 1525. In the evening, there is plenty of time to stroll down in the Paro market. You will stay overnight in Paro.

Day 4: Paro hike

After breakfast, the ride is tracked till the base of your hike route. The hike will last for five hours, to and from Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) from the mountain base. Tiger’s nest is Bhutan’s most recognizable culture icon perched 800 meters up a seemingly sheer cliff. It is believed that in the eighth century, the great tantric master, Guru Rimpoche (second Buddha), flew on the back of a tigress to the site where the monastery now stand. You will stay overnight in Paro.

Day 5: Paro - Punakha, 130 kilometers / 81 miles / 4 hours ride

The ride begins from Paro to Punakha. The road climbs steeply through the forest of pine, to cut through to Dochula pass (3,150 meters). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountain ranges, especially in clear winter days. The beauty of the place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyel Chortens, a total of 108 stupas. On the way, you visit the Royal Botanical Park to see species of rhododendron, primula, orchidaceous, and more such plants.

Punakha is the old capital of Bhutan and is a beautiful warm valley. Today is marked by a visit to Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful and famous dzong in the country that was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung. The site is located in between two rivers of Pho (male) Chu (river) and Mo (Female) Chu (river).

Day 6: Punakha - Phobjikha Valley, 90 kilometers / 56 miles / 4 hours ride

The trip starts from Punakha in the morning. Leaving to Phobjikha Valley, in the afternoon, you reach Phobjikha Valley and visit Gangtey Monastery, followed by the Black Necked Crane Observation center. Phobjikha Valley is the most beautiful valley in the country, occupied by endangered cranes. You will stay overnight in Phobjikha.

Day 7: Phobjikha Valley - Thimphu, 140 kilometers / 87 miles / 5 hours ride

This morning, witness the local festival in Phobjikha Valley and in the afternoon, head towards Thimphu city (the capital of Bhutan). It is a descend to the capital city with easy biking on the roads of Bhutan. You will stay overnight in Thimphu.

Day 8: Thimphu - Phuentsholing, 155 kilometers / 96 miles / 6 hours ride

The ride now turns back down towards Phuntsholing on the national highway. Enjoy the medium bends down towards warmer weather. At Phuentsholing, the motorbike ride is terminated. Evening time is for farewell and to exchange cherished moments to each other. You will stay overnight in Phuentsholing.

Day 9: Phuentsholing

Post breakfast, there is a farewell to the team and proceeding to Bagdogra airport to catch the flight for the journey onwards. The trip is concluded.

Skill level

Intermediate

• can ride for three to four hours
• average riding experience
• little assistance required
• comfortable with extreme curves and leans
• average experience with unsurfaced roads
• steep ascents and descents

Situated in the Eastern Himalayas, covering an area of 47,000 square kilometers, Bhutan is inhabited by a small population around the capital of Thimpu and comprises inhabitants reflecting the ethnicities of the three neighboring countries - Tibet, India, and Nepal.

Bhutan is known as the land of the thunder dragon, its name resonates in the undulating roads, nestled by land on all sides and screaming adventure with every mile. Bhutan welcomed modernity only in 1962 and as a result of this still showcases a landscape that is pristine and untouched. Tourism is one of the country’s mainstay and yet is done in a way that doesn’t compromise the kingdom’s traditional culture and beauty. Bhutan's emphasis has always been on gross national happiness, and they are constantly ranked top in the world index.

Ancient in culture, scenic in beauty, simplicity in its people, and a profoundness of peace, Bhutan sandwiched between India and China is an untouched oasis of culture and history. A brilliant journey through its soul is best experienced on a saddle, riding through its rough terrain.

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River rafting

White river rafting is a great experience. The Mo Chu (female river) is much easier than the Pho Chu (male river), with plenty of class one and two falls. This is currently the most popular rafting place in Bhutan. Since it is not too difficult, a beautiful half-day raft trip can begin from Yebisa, the river that meanders through an open valley. About seven kilometers down is Strainers Paradise and overnight is spent in Punakha.

• Royal Enfield 500 cc motorcycle rental
• Fuel / gas for motorbike as per above mentioned program
• 8 nights accommodation
• Road captain / route expert
• Daily buffet breakfast and dinner at places of stay
• Support vehicle to carry luggage and all essential
• Royal Enfield motorbike mechanic
• Transfer from Bagdogra to Phuentsholing and back by a private vehicle
• Basic spare parts (tires-tubes, clutch and accelerator wire, engine oil, chain lock, etc)
• First aid kit containing an adequate stock of the most frequently needed medicine (if you have any medicine suggested by your physician, then please bring your own)
• All royalty fee
• India Motorbike Tours' personal care and attention
• Presently applicable taxes

• Air / train fare
• Security deposit (USD 300) refundable
• Bike damage charges
• Monuments entrance and any guide
• Travel insurance
• Still and video camera fees
• River rafting
• Visa fee
• Other expenses of personal nature like tips, gratuities, portage, laundry, telephone calls, and table drinks
• Other meals
• Other services

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• A reservation requires a deposit of 25% of the total price.
• The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
• The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.