Assisted by the Himalaya 'fortress', Bhutan has rigorously shielded itself from the world in a hope to maintain its cultural heritage and independence. Situated between India and China, it is only since 1975 that tourists have been allowed to enter the country (and in a highly controlled manner). This policy enhances the unique travel experience by 'shielding' the utopian culture from more dominant lifestyles- heralding a simpler, and arguably happier way of life.

Bhutan's culture is significantly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism- not only in beautiful, sacred, cultural monuments; but also in its social protocol and behavior. Citizens observe a national dress code, remote monasteries preserve the teachings of Buddha, and the official economic policy for the country is to maximize "gross national happiness". Wonderful.

The mountainous terrain and basic road infrastructure, allows for 'contemplative' riding as we travel the length of the country. You will twist and turn your way though pristine forests, over high mountain passes, and witness snow-capped vistas separated by lush hidden valleys. Simply, this is a place of raw joy, and offers you the opportunity to experience the tranquility of 'the last Shangri-La'.

(click on any of the days below for more detail)

The flight into Paro, Bhutan is spectacular. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks give way to the verdant greens of the Paro Valley. The first gift from Bhutan is the cool, clean fresh air as you step from the plane. After clearing customs and visa control you are met by your guide and driven the short distance to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure with time for a walk through the main streets of Paro before taking charge of your bike and participating in a short practice session.

NOTE: a pre-tour is available through India's magical Sikkim, which sits between Nepal and Bhutan. This former kingdom also heralds a Tibetan Buddhist heritage and is the foundation for the third highest mountain (Khangchendzonga 8,598m/28,209ft), and of course the 'home of tea'- Darjeeling.

Paro is set in a beautiful valley offering many sights of cultural interest- one of the most iconic being Taktshang Goemba ('Tigers Nest'), which is periously perched on the side of a cliff. As we ride around the scenic villages of Paro valley, we will also visit Kyichu Lhakhang (one of Bhutan's most beautiful temples), the the ruined Drugyal Dzong (famous for protecting Bhutan from Tibetan invaders).

Before riding towards Thimphu, we ride over the highest motorable road in Bhutan (Cheli Pass- 3,810m/12,500ft) to the isolated Haa Valley. Weather permitting, we will have great views of Mt. Jhomolhari, the Haa Valley and the rugged Himalayan landscape.
The Haa Valley has only been opened to tourists since 2001, so with minimal traffic, it is quite a treat to ride through the area and explore over a dozen monasteries surrounded by dense pine forests.
In the afternoon we follow the many road curves in to the capital, Thimphu. With a population of approximately 100,000, Thimphu manifests an interesting blend of modern and traditional buildings and lifestyles. The crimson robed monks mix with tourists, and modern stores and bars are in juxtaposition to the prayer wheels, goembas and dzong.

A day of riding through the lovely Thimphu Valley on the way out of town to Punakha. En route we cross Dochula Pass at an altitude of 3,150m/ 10,334ft. On a clear day the whole Eastern Himalaya range can be seen from here, so fingers crossed! The road down from the pass into the Punakha Valley has lots of sharp bends and breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. If we get to Punakha early enough we'll visit one of Bhutan's most impressive buildings, Punakha Dzong, also known as the 'Palace of Great Happiness'.

Today's ride to Trongsa takes us over the Black Mountains and Pele La (3,420m/11,220ft), through the small town of Wangdue in to Bhutan's cultural heartland. After the settlement of Nobding the road ascends sharply to Pele La (pass) before descending through pastureland to Sephu and its historic Chendebji Chorten. There are lots of bends, beautiful waterfalls and thick forest cover on route. We should have stunning views of the south Trongsa Valley and the 16th century Trongsa Dzong.

We ascend via many switchbacks above Trongsa, crossing the old trade route to eastern Bhutan. The Bumthang region is known as the Switzerland of Bhutan- but with many monasteries and prayer flags floating in the wind. We visit the 14th century Tharpaling Goemba, and rural villages. We spend the next couple of nights in Jakar, to enable exploration of the four valleys of Bumthang.

We ride unpaved roads up the remote Tang Valley, visiting the picturesque villages of Gemtshong and Ihakhang. At the end of the road, we may have the opportunity to visit the small school at Mesithang (Tang). On our return we visit Membartsho ('Burning Lake'). You can cross the prayer flag covered wooden bridge to view the gorge and river… and even crawl through a cave to explore the shrines!

Today's ride takes us through some splendid and varied terrain. Hopefully it is a clear day for us to view Gangkhar Puensum (7,541m/24,740ft)- supposedly the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. Once we cross the pass (Thrumshing La) at 3,750m/12,303ft, we enter Eastern Bhutan, and descend 3,200m/10,499ft towards Mongar. Traversing our narrow track, which is interrupted by waterfalls and streams, we weave our way down out of the pine forests to the fertile tropical forests where mango, pineapple and rice fields flourish- then a few more switchbacks to our destination, Mongar.

Today's ride will take us through beautiful orchid and rhododendrons forests (bloom in October). However, we will need to keep our eyes on the road as it clings to the side of a cliff for some way! Prayer flags will signal our descent via numerous switch-backs (known as Yadi Loops) through a forest of Chir Pine in to the Sherichhu Valley. Eventually we ride alongside the Drangme Chhu (river), and after more switch-backs will enter the well hidden town of Trashigang.
While few tourists get this far, locals are accustomed to Westerners from years of contact with many Canadian teachers based in Trashigang. The hotels in East Bhutan are more rustic (as tourism is not well developed), however all your basic needs will be taken care of- warm showers and cold beer!

This is a beautiful day ride to Trashi Yangtse (the most accessible north-east area of Bhutan), along the valley floor following the headwaters of the Kulong Chhu (river). On route we visit Gomphu Kora (15th century), which honours Guru Rinpoche and is home to about 25 monks. We pass many small settlements and ruins, including Tshenkarla dzong (9th century) built by the banished eldest son of the Tibet king Trisong Detsen. However, Trashi Yangtse's highlight is Chorten Kora, a much smaller replica of the stupa Bodhnath in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Having traversed Bhutan from west to east, by end of today we will exit Bhutan in to India. Don't worry… there are a few more unpaved, cliff clinging, switch-back roads and passes for us to ride today! There are also more places of interest for us to explore including the National Handloom Development Project, where about 400 villagers naturally dye and weave fabric with cotton imported from Kolkata. Most of the day is spent riding through pine forests and rhododendron filled valleys. However, after Pemagatshel Junction is our final pass (Narphung La, 1,693m/5,444ft) where we begin our descent down the tenuous road to the hot plains of Assam.

We leave our bikes behind and transfer to Guwahati. If we depart very early in the morning, it is possible to catch an afternoon flight to Delhi, otherwise overnight in Guwahati for departures or tour extensions the following day.

Tour extensions- please consult us for additional tours throughout India or Nepal... with or without motorcycles!

Assistance with departing flights to Delhi.

KTM 640cc LC4 Supermoto bike.

Fuel and daily maintenance check by our mechanic.

Support/passenger vehicle to carry luggage and transport non-riders.

Best available accommodation.

All meals (not beverages and snacks).

Bhutan visa (At US$250/day the money is used to build and maintain infrastructure for tourists, while protecting the pristine environment).

Professional tour guide.

Fees in to tourist attractions.

Airport transfers.

Gratuity/tip to the road crew.

International airfare.

Medical travel insurance (compulsory requirement for tour participation).

Emergency evacuation.

International driving permit (motorcycle).

Motorcycle damage deposit US$500. Any costs associated with damage to the motorcycle is the responsibility of the rider.

Snacks and beverages.

Displacement: 653.7 cc
Max Power: 63 hp 46.KW @ 7500 rpm
Max Torque: 65 Nm 47.9 ft-lb @ 6550 rpm
Engine: liquid cooled, four-stroke, single cylinder. SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed
Frame: Chromoly trellis frame, powder-coated
Subframe: Aluminum 7020
Front Suspension: WP upside-down forks, 115mm wheel travel
Rear suspension: WP monoshock with Pro Lever
Suspension travel front / rear: 210 / 210 mm (8.27 / 8.27")
Front brake: Brembo 4-piston fixed radial caliper, brake disc Ř 320 mm
Rear brake: Brembo single-piston floating caliper, brake disc Ř 240 mm
Ground clearance (unloaded): 260 mm (10.24")
Seat height: 875 mm (34.45")
Fuel capacity: approx. 13.2 liters / 2.5 liters reserve (3.49 / 0.66 gal)
Weight (no fuel): approx. 152 kg (335.1 lbs)