Approx. distance: ~215 km
Altitude: Punakha ~1,200 m → Pele La ~3,400 m → Trongsa ~2,200 m → Yotong La ~3,425 m → Bumthang ~2,600 m
Estimated riding time: 7–8 hours (excluding stops, sightseeing and lunch)

Leaving Punakha, we begin one of the great riding days of the journey, climbing steadily into Bhutan’s central mountains. The road winds through forests and high valleys before reaching Pele La at around 3,400 m, one of the traditional gateways between western and central Bhutan. From the pass we descend towards Trongsa, dramatically situated on a steep mountainside and dominated by the magnificent Trongsa Dzong. After lunch, the road climbs once again through spectacular mountain scenery towards Yotong La at around 3,425 m, the second major pass of the day. From here we descend into the beautiful Bumthang Valley. It is a long but immensely rewarding day on the bike, with constantly changing scenery, sweeping mountain roads and two major Himalayan passes before arriving in Bumthang, the cultural and spiritual heartland of Bhutan.

Overnight: Bumthang

Highlights: Pele La Pass (~3,400 m), Trongsa and Trongsa Dzong, Yotong La Pass (~3,425 m), spectacular central Bhutan mountain roads and Bumthang Valley

Approx. distance: ~140 km
Altitude: Bumthang 2,600 m → Thrumshing La 3,750 m → Yongkola ~1,800 m
Estimated riding time: 5–6 hours (excluding stops, sightseeing and lunch)

Today is one of the most spectacular riding days of the tour, crossing the high mountains that separate central and eastern Bhutan. From Bumthang at around 2,600 m, we initially follow the east–west highway through the Ura Valley before beginning the long climb towards Thrumshing La. The road rises through dense conifer and alpine forest to Thrumshing La Pass at 3,750 m, the highest point of the day. From the pass begins one of Bhutan’s great mountain descents. Over the next section of the journey we lose almost 2,000 metres in altitude, dropping from the cold high Himalayan environment into the warm, lush forests of eastern Bhutan. The transformation is remarkable: high-altitude forest gives way to broadleaf and increasingly subtropical vegetation as we descend towards Yongkola at approximately 1,800 m. We finish the day at Yongkola rather than continuing to Mongar, allowing us to enjoy this extraordinary road without rushing. Yongkola is one of Bhutan’s best-known bird-watching areas, and we spend the night at Trogon Villa, surrounded by the rich forests and wildlife of eastern Bhutan.

Overnight: Trogon Villa, Yongkola

Highlights: Ura Valley, Thrumshing La Pass (3,750 m), almost 2,000 m of descent, Thrumshingla National Park, Yongkola and Trogon Villa

Approx. distance: ~110 km
Altitude: Yongkola ~1,800 m → valley floor ~700 m → Lhuentse ~1,500 m
Estimated riding time: 4–5 hours (excluding stops)

Today we leave Yongkola and continue our descent towards the valley floor, dropping more than 1,000 metres through increasingly warm and subtropical scenery. Across the valley we can see Mongar perched dramatically high on the mountainside above us, but instead of climbing towards the town, we turn left and leave Bhutan’s main east–west highway behind. From here the character of the journey changes completely. We follow a beautiful, narrow road north into the Lhuentse Valley, running beside the river and winding deeper into an increasingly remote landscape of forested mountains, small villages and traditional farms. Traffic becomes almost nonexistent as we follow the valley upstream towards Lhuentse. We aim to reach Lhuentse in time for lunch, leaving the afternoon free to explore this remarkable corner of eastern Bhutan. Lhuentse is one of the Kingdom’s most isolated districts and is closely associated with Bhutan’s royal family, whose ancestral home lies in the region. Dominating the valley is the magnificent Lhuentse Dzong, dramatically positioned on a rocky ridge high above the river. The district is also renowned for its traditional weaving, particularly the intricate Kishuthara textiles for which eastern Bhutan is famous. With its dzong, tiny villages, traditional houses and spectacular mountain setting, Lhuentse gives us our first real taste of the hidden eastern Bhutan that lies at the heart of this journey. Tonight we stay in a simple local homestay/guesthouse, giving us another opportunity to experience the hospitality and slower pace of life in this rarely visited part of the Kingdom.

Overnight: Local homestay/guesthouse, Lhuentse

Highlights: Dramatic descent from Yongkola, views towards Mongar, Lhuentse Valley, Lhuentse Dzong, traditional villages and local weaving

Approx. distance: ~190 km
Altitude range: Lhuentse ~1,500 m → valley floor ~700 m → Mongar ~1,600 m → Kori La 2,450 m → Trashigang ~1,100 m
Estimated riding time: 6–7 hours (excluding stops, sightseeing and lunch)

Today we leave the remote Lhuentse Valley and retrace our route south, following the river back down through the beautiful forested valley to rejoin Bhutan’s main east–west highway. From the valley floor, the road begins a wonderful climb towards Mongar, rising in a succession of wide, sweeping bends carved into the mountainside. It is superb motorcycling country, with increasingly expansive views as we gain altitude and eventually reach Mongar, dramatically positioned high above the surrounding valleys. Beyond Mongar, we continue east and climb once again towards Kori La Pass (2,450 m). The road crosses through forests of pine and rhododendron before beginning another long and spectacular descent towards Trashigang, with the landscape gradually opening into the warmer valleys of far eastern Bhutan. By afternoon we arrive in Trashigang, the historic heart and principal trading centre of eastern Bhutan. Set dramatically on steep mountainsides above the confluence of the Drangme Chhu and Gamri Chhu rivers, the town has for centuries been an important crossroads for the remote communities of eastern Bhutan and trade routes towards India and Tibet. Overlooking the valley is the impressive Trashigang Dzong, built in the 17th century to defend eastern Bhutan. We should have time in the late afternoon to explore the town, wander through its small streets and enjoy the atmosphere of this fascinating eastern outpost before tomorrow’s journey takes us even deeper into the mountains.

Overnight: Trashigang

Highlights: Lhuentse Valley, sweeping climb to Mongar, Kori La Pass, mountain roads, Trashigang and Trashigang Dzong

Approx. distance: ~80–90 km
Altitude range: Trashigang ~1,100 m → Sakteng ~2,950 m
Estimated riding time: 3–4 hours (excluding stops)

Today is a shorter and more relaxed riding day as we leave Trashigang and head north-east into the remote mountains towards Sakteng.  Leaving the main roads behind, we follow a beautiful mountain road that climbs steadily through increasingly remote countryside. As we gain altitude, the warmer valleys around Trashigang give way to forests, open hillsides and high mountain pastures. Traffic becomes increasingly scarce and small traditional settlements appear amongst the mountains as we enter the homeland of the Brokpa people. We aim to arrive in Sakteng around lunchtime, giving us the whole afternoon to explore this extraordinary mountain community at a relaxed pace. Sakteng is one of Bhutan’s most remote and distinctive villages, lying at around 3,000 metres close to the Tibetan frontier. For generations, the semi-nomadic Brokpa people have lived amongst these high valleys, traditionally herding yak and maintaining their own distinctive dress, customs and way of life. The afternoon is free to wander through the village, visit local homes, meet the people and explore the surrounding valley on foot. With its traditional houses, mountain pastures and spectacular setting, this is a place where it is worth slowing down and simply spending time. Tonight we stay locally in Sakteng, giving us the opportunity to experience the hospitality and atmosphere of this remarkable community after the day visitors have gone.

Overnight: Sakteng

Highlights: Remote mountain roads, Sakteng Valley, Brokpa culture, traditional village life and an afternoon exploring Sakteng

Approx. distance: ~215 km
Altitude range: Sakteng ~3,000 m → Trashigang ~1,100 m → Kori La 2,450 m → Mongar ~1,600 m
Estimated riding time: 5–6 hours

Our spring departure is timed to coincide with the final day of the Sakteng Rhododendron Festival, giving us the opportunity to experience this unique celebration before beginning our journey west. The festival is a wonderful showcase of Brokpa culture and the traditions of this remote mountain community, with local music, dancing, traditional dress and celebrations surrounded by the spectacular spring landscapes of the Sakteng Valley. It gives us a very different experience of Sakteng and a memorable conclusion to our time in one of Bhutan’s most isolated regions. After the festival, we leave Sakteng and descend through the mountains towards Trashigang at around 1,100 metres. From here, we begin climbing again through the forests and mountain scenery of eastern Bhutan towards Kori La Pass at 2,450 metres. Crossing the pass, the road sweeps down towards Mongar, with superb riding and expansive views across the surrounding mountains. We arrive in Mongar during the late afternoon, where there is time to relax at the hotel or take a stroll through the town before dinner.

Overnight: Mongar

Highlights: Sakteng Rhododendron Festival, Brokpa culture, Sakteng Valley, Trashigang, Kori La Pass and the mountain roads to Mongar

Approx. distance: ~220 km
Altitude range: Mongar ~1,600 m → Panbang ~650 m
Estimated riding time: 6–7 hours (excluding stops, sightseeing and lunch)

Leaving Mongar, we begin one of the finest riding days in Bhutan. The road descends dramatically towards Nganglam, twisting through dense forests and beneath towering cliffs on a beautifully engineered mountain highway. With smooth tarmac, flowing bends and very little traffic, this is a motorcyclist’s dream and undoubtedly one of the riding highlights of the entire tour. After a break in Nganglam, we continue on another spectacular mountain road through increasingly lush subtropical forest. Crossing Rinchenzor La Pass, the scenery changes once again as bamboo forests, tropical vegetation and broad river valleys replace the cool mountain forests of eastern Bhutan. By late afternoon we arrive at our riverside tented camp near Panbang, beautifully situated at the confluence of the Mangde Chhu and Drangme Chhu rivers. Surrounded by jungle and the sounds of the forest, this is one of the most unusual and memorable overnight stops of the journey.

Overnight: Riverside tented camp, Panbang

Approx. distance: ~240 km
Altitude range: Panbang ~650 m → Trongsa ~2,200 m
Estimated riding time: 6–7 hours (excluding stops, sightseeing and lunch)

Today we leave the warm subtropical forests of southern Bhutan and begin a spectacular climb back into the Himalayan heart of the Kingdom. Rising more than 1,500 metres from Panbang to Trongsa, the dramatic change in landscape makes this one of the most varied riding days of the journey. Leaving our riverside camp in Panbang, we follow the Mangde Chhu Valley north through Tingtibi before continuing towards Zhemgang, where the road begins its long climb into the mountains. The highway provides superb riding, with sweeping bends, spectacular scenery and very little traffic. As we gain altitude, broadleaf and subtropical forests gradually give way to pine, fir and rhododendron, while the air becomes noticeably cooler. In the course of a single day, we ride from tropical river valleys back into the cool forests of the central Himalaya. By late afternoon we arrive in Trongsa, the historic heart of central Bhutan. Dominated by its magnificent fortress monastery, Trongsa Dzong, the town occupies a dramatic position high above the Mangde Chhu Valley and provides a fitting setting for another memorable evening in the Kingdom.

Overnight: Trongsa

Highlights: Mangde Chhu Valley, Tingtibi, Zhemgang, sweeping mountain roads, dramatic changes in altitude and landscape, and Trongsa

Approx. distance: ~170 km
Altitude range: Trongsa ~2,200 m → Pele La 3,420 m → Phobjikha ~3,000 m → Punakha Valley ~1,200 m → Talo ~2,800 m → Punakha ~1,200 m
Estimated riding time: 5–6 hours (excluding stops, sightseeing and lunch)

Leaving the historic town of Trongsa, we continue west along Bhutan’s spectacular central highway, climbing steadily through forests towards Pele La Pass at 3,420 metres. Traditionally regarded as the gateway between central and western Bhutan, the pass is marked by colourful prayer flags and, on clear days, offers glimpses towards the high Himalayan peaks beyond the forested ridges. From Pele La, we make the beautiful detour into the Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan’s most peaceful and picturesque landscapes. This broad glacial valley is famous as the winter home of Bhutan’s revered black-necked cranes, which migrate here from the Tibetan Plateau. On our spring departure, the cranes will normally have already begun their journey north, but the valley remains one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and fascinating places to visit. Leaving Phobjikha, we descend dramatically through changing forests and increasingly warmer countryside towards the Punakha Valley, losing almost 2,000 metres from the highest point of the day. Before finishing in Punakha, we turn off once again and climb towards Talo. The road winds high above the valley through terraced fields and traditional villages, with magnificent views across the surrounding mountains and countryside. Talo is one of the Punakha region’s most attractive traditional villages, known for its beautifully kept houses, gardens and impressive monastery. We take time to explore the village and monastery before enjoying the final descent through the mountains to Punakha.

Overnight: Punakha

Highlights: Pele La Pass, Phobjikha Valley, traditional winter home of the black-necked cranes, Talo village and monastery, spectacular changes in altitude and Punakha

Approx. distance: ~190 km
Altitude range: Punakha ~1,200 m → Dochula 3,100 m → Thimphu 2,320 m → Haa 2,700 m → Chele La 3,988 m → Paro 2,200 m
Estimated riding time: 6–7 hours (excluding stops, sightseeing and lunch)

We make an early start from Punakha for one of the biggest and most spectacular riding days of the journey—a fitting finale to our adventure through Bhutan. Leaving the warm Punakha Valley, the road climbs steadily through changing vegetation towards Dochula Pass at around 3,100 metres. The pass is famous for its 108 chortens and, on a clear morning, magnificent panoramic views across Bhutan’s snow-covered Himalayan peaks. From Dochula, we descend towards Thimphu before continuing west into the mountains towards the secluded Haa Valley. At around 2,700 metres, Haa is one of Bhutan’s most beautiful valleys, with traditional farmhouses, cultivated fields and quiet villages surrounded by forested mountains. From Haa, the ride becomes even more spectacular as we begin the long climb towards Chele La Pass at 3,988 metres, the highest road point of our entire journey. The narrow mountain road winds upwards through forests before emerging onto the high ridge, with increasingly expansive views across the Himalaya and, on clear days, towards the magnificent summit of Mount Jomolhari. At the pass, there is time for a short walk to a small chorten overlooking Chele La. Here, each rider ties a set of prayer flags, adding to the hundreds already fluttering in the mountain wind. In Bhutanese tradition, the flags carry prayers and blessings across the landscape, making this a symbolic and memorable way to mark our final day together on the motorcycles. From almost 4,000 metres, we make the long, twisting descent through forests of blue pine and rhododendron into the broad Paro Valley at around 2,200 metres. Tonight we bid farewell to our Royal Enfield motorcycles and to the support crew who have shared the road throughout the journey. Our farewell dinner is an opportunity to celebrate the adventure, share stories from the road and raise a glass to an extraordinary journey through the hidden kingdoms of eastern Bhutan.

Overnight: Paro

Highlights: Dochula Pass and its 108 chortens, Haa Valley, Chele La Pass, Mount Jomolhari views, prayer flag ceremony, Paro Valley and farewell celebration

There is no riding today. Instead, our Himalayan adventure concludes with Bhutan’s most iconic and deeply symbolic experience: the hike to Paro Taktsang, the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To enjoy the cooler morning air and quieter trails, we set off at 7:00 am. The trail climbs steadily through fragrant pine forests scented with juniper and incense, opening to sweeping views across the Paro Valley below. With each step, the outside world seems to fall away, replaced by a growing sense of calm, purpose and quiet anticipation. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to this cliff on the back of a tigress in the 8th century, meditating here and helping to establish Buddhism in Bhutan. Standing before the monastery, seemingly suspended between sky and earth, it is impossible not to feel humbled by both the setting and its extraordinary history. The stillness, the scale and the devotion embedded in this remarkable place provide a fitting and unforgettable conclusion to Hidden Kingdoms of the East. As we descend towards Paro, there is time to reflect on the roads travelled, the high passes crossed, the remote valleys explored and the friendships formed along the way. After a journey that has taken us from the high mountains of eastern Bhutan to subtropical forests and back across the Himalaya, Tiger’s Nest is a remarkable place for the adventure to end.

Overnight: Paro

Highlights: Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro Valley, Himalayan forest trails and the spiritual heart of Bhutan

This morning, bid farewell to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight, carrying with you unforgettable memories of this remarkable Himalayan journey. From the sweeping high passes of Chele La and Thrumshingla to the serene valleys of Bumthang and Haa, every kilometre has revealed a different facet of Bhutan — its beauty, spirit, and timeless rhythm of life. As your flight lifts above the mountains, take one last look at the landscapes that defined your adventure — a fitting farewell to the Thunder Dragon Ride, an experience that will stay with you long after the journey ends.

◉ Traverse Bhutan from west to east, from the high Himalaya to the subtropical jungles of the south, before returning through the Kingdom’s spectacular central mountains.

◉ Journey into Bhutan’s remote east, visiting Lhuentse and Sakteng, some of the least-visited communities in the Kingdom.

◉ Visit Sakteng, home of the unique Brokpa people, and spend an unforgettable night in a traditional Bhutanese homestay.

◉ On our Spring 2027 departure, experience the Sakteng Festival on 9 April, a rare opportunity to witness Brokpa culture and traditions in this extraordinary mountain setting.

◉ Ride the spectacular Mongar–Nganglam Road, one of Bhutan’s finest motorcycling routes, carved dramatically into steep mountainsides high above the valleys below.

◉ Spend a memorable night at our riverside tented camp in Panbang, surrounded by the subtropical forests of southern Bhutan.

◉ Ride from the jungles of Panbang into Bhutan’s central mountains and the historic fortress town of Trongsa on one of the Kingdom’s newest and finest roads.

◉ Explore the beautiful Phobjikha Valley and visit some of Bhutan’s great fortress-monasteries, including Punakha Dzong, Trongsa Dzong and Gangtey Monastery.

◉ Ride through the Haa Valley and across Chele La Pass (3,988 m), one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes, with panoramic Himalayan views.

◉ Conclude your journey with the unforgettable walk to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, clinging to the cliffs high above the Paro Valley.

✓ Motorbike rental (Royal Enfield Himalayan 450) and fuel
✓ Back-up support vehicle for luggage and emergencies
✓ Professional Bhutanese motorbike guide (riding with the group)
✓ Mechanic riding with the group, plus spare bike and essential parts
✓ Accommodation throughout the trip
✓ All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee)
✓ Entry fees to monuments, dzongs, and museums
✓ Bhutan government royalties, taxes, and permit fees
✓ Airport transfers within Bhutan
✓ Motorbike insurance for major accidents only, covering the bike and third-party damage
– This insurance does not cover medical expenses or evacuation
– Riders must hold their own comprehensive travel insurance, explicitly covering motorbike riding, medical treatment, and emergency evacuation

Accommodation on Hidden Kingdoms of the East is an integral part of the experience and has been carefully selected to reflect the extraordinary diversity of Bhutan itself. Throughout the journey, we stay in a thoughtfully curated mix of comfortable hotels, boutique lodges, traditional Bhutanese guesthouses, a unique riverside tented camp and an authentic family homestay. Each has been chosen for its character, hospitality, location and ability to provide a genuine connection with the places we visit.

One of the highlights is our unforgettable night spent with a local family in Sakteng. This is not simply a place to sleep, but a rare opportunity to experience authentic Bhutanese hospitality and daily life. Home to the unique Brokpa people, this remote mountain community offers an insight into one of Bhutan’s most distinctive cultures, sharing meals and stories with our hosts in a village that has remained remarkably isolated for generations.

A completely different experience awaits in the subtropical south, where we spend a night at our riverside tented camp near Panbang, beautifully situated at the confluence of the Mangde Chhu and Drangme Chhu rivers. Surrounded by tropical forest and the sounds of the jungle, it offers a memorable evening in one of Bhutan’s least-visited regions.

Throughout the journey, every overnight stop has been selected to enhance the experience, ensuring that the accommodation is as much a part of the adventure as the riding itself. For many guests, these evenings become some of the most memorable moments of the entire journey.