The trip will take you to the interesting cultural sights of Western and central
Bhutan, the secret Shangri la known as the Land of the Peaceful Thunder Dragon is
the best-
Day 1. Flight to Paro . Depart Delhi at and arrive Paro, Bhutan. The flight into Paro (2280m/ 7524ft) on Druk Air 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 we step from the plane. After clearing customs and visa control we are met by our guide and then drive a short distance to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure with a walk through the main streets of Paro or time permitting take charge of your machines and start getting familiar with the traffic conditions in Bhutan.
Day 2. Paro. A beautiful valley offering many sights of cultural interests. We will do some riding around the valley. Lunch in a restaurant in the town and then, visit the National Museum located on a promontory overlooking the valley. The building was formally a watchtower for the Paro Dzong and it was converted to the National Museum in 1968. The Museum has collections ranging from, sacred statues to weapons, textiles and bamboo products. Visit the historical Paro Ringpung Dzong built in 1651. The Dzong continues to house both the district administration and the district monk body.
Day 3. Paro to Thimphu Via HAA. We begin our ride today towards Thimphu, making a loop around the Chelila pass and into the Haa valley, and then to Thimphu. Climb 35 km from Paro to the Chelila pass at near 4000m which is also the highest motorable road point in Bhutan. Weather permitting you have great views of Mt. Jhomolhari, Haa valley and rugged Himalayan landscape. Stop for lunch at Haa town and continue towards Thimphu. You cross many villages like Karna, Jyenkana, Bitekha. The ride is beautiful with minimal traffic and stunning scenery as you ride through the pine forests. Once you reach the river confluence of Thimphu and Paro, its 31km to Thimphu on the national highway.
Day 4. Thimphu. After breakfast visit the National Memorial Chorten built in memory of the 3rd King in 1974, then the 15th century Changangkha temple overlooking the valley. We then ride up to the Takin (national Animal) sanctuary and viewpoint to enjoy the view of Thimphu city. Then we shall go to the very north of Thimphu valley. On the way back to the town, visit the Zilukha Nunnery, Dechenphodrang Monastic school, Folk Heritage and Textile museums. Relax and explore the small capital city.
Day 5. Thimphu to Punakha. (79km). We’ll aim for an early breakfast so we can do some more sightseeing before leaving for Punakha the old winter capital of Bhutan. En route we’ll cross the Dochula Pass at an altitude of 3150mts. On a clear day the eastern range of the Himalayas can be seen from here, so fingers crossed! We then descend to Punakha Valley at an altitude of 1350mts. The road has lots of sharp bends, with breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. If we get to Punakha early enough we’ll visit the glorious Punakha Dzong, also known as the "the Palace of Great Bliss
Day 6. Punakha to Trongsa. (142km) to Bumthang (68km). Today’s ride will push you to the limit the very early start that we need sees us head to Trongsa and takes us through two major passes and the small town of Wangdue at 1350mts, where we’ll explore. Maybe visit the Dzong and then ride on to Nobding. From Nobding the road ascends sharply to Pelela Pass at 3300mts before descending through pastureland at Sephu where we reach the historical Chendebji Chorten. After lunch at Chendebji, we’ll ride to Trongsa at an altitude of 2350mts. While Punakha and Trongsa are at approx the same elevation, there are lots of bends, beautiful waterfalls and thick forest cover on the way. This part of the ride offers views of the south Trongsa Valley and stunning views of the Trongsa Dzong. After viewing the amazing Dzong, we’ll ride to Bumthang. En route we’ll pass many interesting villages and cross the Yutongla Pass at 3400m before descending into the beautiful Bumthang Valley. Our hotel in the trading center of Jakar is at an altitude of 2680mts. This is a tough day!
Day 7. Bumthang. known as the Switzerland of Bhutan, the whole valley resembles the Swiss Alps but with many monasteries and prayer flags that dot the hills and pine forests. There used to be many Swiss people living in Bumthang developing the logging industry in the 80s. It’s a wide, interesting valley to do some exploring, visiting villages and sights of cultural interests. In the morning we shall go to the Thang valley, up a 15 mile farm track style road, and visit the Thang Valley School. We shall be presenting the school with some much need basic equipment, such as pens and note books, donated by all the staff, crew and customers from Himalayan Adventures. It may be possible to have a question and answer session with the students depending on the Headmaster. We then head back to Bumthang and Visit “The Burning Lake”. Afternoon back to town for a late lunch and finish exploring the town.
Day 8. Bumthang to Phobjikha. Today we have an early start as we retrace our route
and head back and begin climb back to the Pelila pass Then and short downhill ride
to the entrance to the Gangtey, a wide open valley that is home to the Black Necked
Cranes in winter, head to our hotel for a well-
Day 9. Phobjika to Thimphu. A lazy start as we continue west, heading back to the capital Thimphu, over the Dochulah pass where we should get stunning views of the eastern Himalayan range. From the pass we head down to Thimphu valley with plenty of time to stop for pictures as your require. Once we are back in Thimphu you are now free to explore as you wish, throughout the towns many stores, bars and restaurants. The mechanics will be working on the bikes for the rest of the day / evening as required.
Day 11. Thimphu to Paro. The last full day in Bhutan ! A lunchtime departure from Thimphu gives you the chance for a very lazy start! Grab those last minute souvenirs, pictures or just take a gentle stroll around the town soaking up the atmosphere! We now head for the Airport town of Paro for your final night. Finished off with a final dinner party at the hotel, but not before you have experienced the traditional hot stone bath!
Day 12. Paro. Today you get the chance to take the famous hike to the “Tigers Nest” the stunning cliff hugging monastery. It’s about 2 hours to the view point. Rest of the day is at leisure. Continue local riding if you wish. It’s your choice
Day 13. Depart Paro. A tough morning as we take you to the airport for you onward flight, but not before a final breakfast, take those last snap shots and a chance to reflect on the last 11 days adventure. Always a tough moment to say your goodbyes to the team and support crew, who now are your friends for life. The last chance to practise those local phrases that you have picked up – But with hugs, handshakes, often tears but always ends with a smile.
TOUR PRICES 2015
11 Nights in Bhutan. – USD$ 3850 Rider / Pillion USD $2200
TOUR INCLUDES:
While in Bhutan.
1. Accommodation on twin sharing basis in the tourist standard hotels.
2. All meals -
3. Full time services of a professional tour guide and mechanic.
4. All land transport within Bhutan with dedicated support vehicle for luggage.
5. KTM 640 Adventure motorcycle.
6. All spare parts as required.
7. All entry fees/permits to museum, monuments and parks.
TOUR EXCLUDES:
1. All Flights.
2. Laundry, phone & all other bills of personal nature.
3. Bar bills.
4. Tipping.
5. Insurance including helicopter evacuation.
6. Bike insurance. You bend it you mend it!
7. Accommodation and service in Bangkok, Delhi or Katmandu.
SURCHARGES:
Individual Surcharge: 1 person USD 680 single person
2 persons USD 460 per person.
Single Room Supplement: USD 540 per room.
Notes:
- Minimum group size for private departure is 4 people (pillion included). If you want a private departure or individual tours, please enquire us and we will schedule a private departure with an extra surcharge.
- You will need to apply for your Indian visa 3 weeks prior to departure (multiple
entry). A 48-
hour transit visa is sufficient to exit Bangkok; however, a multiple entry Indian visa would be more helpful in case of any problems that might arise at the border. - Drivers need to have their driving licenses, not necessarily international.
- You need to bring your own riding gear including helmet.
- All flights must be advised by our office before any bookings
- You must arrange your own international flights. (Once advised)
In Bhutan ATM cards and credit cards are not readily accepted. Therefore, you have to bring hard currency which can be changed in the banks for your incidental expenses.
