West Bhutan Loop 1 – Paro, Thimphu, Haa Valley & Chele La Pass
From From $345 (based on min 2 riders)
Duration: 1 Day
Any dates available
Status: Open
This is one of the finest single-day rides in western Bhutan — a complete loop combining high mountain passes, remote valleys, and some of the region’s most spectacular scenery.

DAY 1 [ Chele La Pass ]

Approx. distance: 210 km
Altitude range: 2,200 m → 2,300 m → 2,700 m → 3,988 m → 2,200 m
Riding time: 6.5–7.5 hours (plus stops)
This is one of Bhutan’s finest single-day rides — a complete experience linking the capital, remote western valleys, and the highest pass in the country, all in one unforgettable day.
Leaving Paro (2,200 m), we head east toward Thimphu, climbing gently through forested valleys before taking the road up to the Buddha Dordenma, which offers sweeping views across the valley — a perfect early stop to take in the scale of the landscape.
Descending again, we rejoin the main road and continue to Chuzom, where the rivers meet and the road turns south toward India. After crossing the river, the ride becomes noticeably quieter and more remote, following the valley into the beautiful and little-visited Haa Valley (2,700 m) — a landscape of traditional farmhouses, open fields, and a deep sense of Himalayan stillness.
From Haa, the ride becomes more dramatic as the road climbs higher into the mountains toward Chele La Pass (3,988 m) — the highest road in Bhutan. The ascent is spectacular, with sweeping bends and ever-expanding views across the Himalayas. On a clear day, you’ll see the sacred peak of Mount Jomolhari rising on the horizon.
At the pass, we stop to take in the views and walk up to a small chorten above the road. Here, riders traditionally hang prayer flags — a meaningful Bhutanese custom where the wind carries blessings, peace, and goodwill across the mountains.
The descent is just as rewarding — winding down through forests of blue pine and rhododendron before opening out into the wide and fertile Paro Valley.
We return to Paro by late afternoon, completing a truly memorable day of riding through some of Bhutan’s most iconic landscapes — a day of striking contrasts, pure adventure and serenity in equal measure.
Highlights
- Buddha Dordenma Lookout – Begin with a short ascent to this towering golden statue overlooking Thimphu Valley — a calm and elevated start with wide views across the capital.
- Chele La Pass (3,988 m) – Cross Bhutan’s highest motorable road, with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and lines of fluttering prayer flags.
- Haa Valley – Ride into this quiet and little-visited valley, a landscape of pine forests, traditional villages, and deep Himalayan stillness.
- A Day of Varied Riding – Flowing mountain roads, tight bends, high alpine sections, and tranquil valley stretches — all combined into one exceptional day.
What's included
✓ Motorbike rental (Royal Enfield Himalayan 450) and fuel
✓ Professional Bhutanese motorbike guide (riding with the group)
✓ Lunch, tea/coffee)
✓ 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
What's not included
⨯ Personal travel insurance (mandatory; must explicitly cover motorbike riding)
⨯ Personal riding gear (helmet, boots, jacket, gloves, etc.)
⨯ Alcohol, soft drinks, and snacks outside meals
⨯ Tips for Guide (entirely at your discretion)
⨯ US$300 cash damage deposit per rider, payable locally, to cover minor damage, scratches, or incidental repairs to the motorbikes (refundable at the end of the trip, subject to inspection)
Accomodation
Accommodation is not included on our one-day tours, as we assume you will already be in Bhutan and staying in either Paro or Thimphu. However, we are very happy to arrange this for you. We work with a selection of trusted hotels in both locations — well positioned, comfortable, good value, and motorbike-friendly. Airport transfers and additional transport can also be arranged if required. Please let us know if you would like accommodation and/or transfers included as part of your itinerary.
What to bring
For this one day ride, we understand that many riders will be travelling light and may not wish to carry full riding equipment for such a brief experience. Motorcycle helmets, gloves, and basic riding clothing can be hired locally in Bhutan, which works well for those coming from a wider journey. That said, we do recommend bringing your own helmet and personal riding gear if you have it, as fit and familiarity always make for a better ride. At a minimum, we suggest bringing warm layers and a good riding jacket, along with your preferred boots. Anything you don’t have, or choose not to bring, can be hired as required.









