Approx. distance: ~160 km
Altitude range: Paro 2,200 m → Dochula Pass 3,100 m → Punakha 1,200 m
Riding time: 4–5 hours (plus stops, lunch and visits)

Arrive in Paro, where the dramatic Himalayan approach offers a fitting welcome to Bhutan. After completing arrival formalities, we transfer to Thimphu, stopping for lunch along the way as the landscape shifts from wide valley floors to forested hillsides. In Thimphu, we meet our guides and collect our Royal Enfield motorbikes, followed by a short briefing to familiarise ourselves with the bikes and the style of riding in Bhutan. The afternoon ride begins with a gentle climb to the iconic Buddha Dordenma, where the great golden statue overlooks the Thimphu Valley — a memorable place to begin the journey. Leaving the city behind, the road climbs steadily through cool pine forests towards Dochula Pass at 3,100 m. Crowned by 108 white chortens and lined with prayer flags, Dochula offers sweeping Himalayan views on clear days before we begin the long descent towards Punakha. Dropping down from the pass, the landscape changes dramatically. Pine forests gradually give way to terraced rice fields, riverside villages and fertile hillsides as we descend almost 2,000 metres into the warmer Punakha Valley. The route reaches the bridge at Wangdi beneath the impressive Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which historically guarded the routes south towards India and north towards Tibet. From here it is a short final ride to our hotel and a relaxed evening after a first day that has already taken us across one of Bhutan’s great mountain passes and into one of its most beautiful valleys.

Overnight: Punakha

Highlights: Paro arrival, Thimphu, Buddha Dordenma, Dochula Pass (3,100 m), 108 chortens, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and Punakha Valley

Distance: approx. 142 km
Riding time: approx. 5–6 hours (excluding sightseeing stops)
Highest point: Pele La Pass – 3,420 m

After breakfast, we begin the day with a full visit to Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and historically important fortress-monasteries. Built in the 17th century at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, the dzong was the seat of government until the capital moved to Thimphu and remains the winter residence of Bhutan’s central monastic body. Its great courtyards, temples, intricate woodwork and spectacular riverside setting make it one of the cultural highlights of the journey.

Leaving Punakha, we follow the river briefly before the road begins to climb steadily out of the warm subtropical valley. Almost immediately, the riding character changes — tighter bends, cooler air and long mountain gradients as we head east into Bhutan’s central highlands. The route passes through Wangdue Phodrang before continuing deeper into forested hills and increasingly remote terrain. Pine and rhododendron forests line the road, broken by small villages, prayer wheels and roadside chortens. Traffic is generally light, making this a wonderful introduction to riding through the Bhutanese mountains. As we gain altitude, the road climbs towards Pele La Pass at 3,420 m, the traditional boundary between western and central Bhutan. Prayer flags mark the pass and, in clear weather, views open across the rolling ridgelines of the Black Mountains. It is a natural place to stop before leaving western Bhutan behind and beginning the descent into the heart of the Kingdom.

From Pele La, the descent towards Trongsa is one of the most dramatic rides of the trip. The road winds through dense forest and deep valleys, with spectacular viewpoints high above the Mangde Chhu River. Long descents and sweeping bends eventually bring us to Trongsa, dramatically positioned on a ridge above the gorge. Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong in Bhutan and the ancestral seat of the Wangchuck dynasty, dominates the valley. After a long and rewarding day on the road, we settle into our hotel overlooking the mountains, ready to continue our journey the following morning.

Overnight: Trongsa

Highlights: Punakha Dzong, Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, Wangdue Phodrang, Pele La Pass (3,420 m), Black Mountains and the spectacular approach to Trongsa

Distance: approx. 220 km
Riding time: approx. 7–8 hours (plus stops)
Highest point: Chele La Pass – 3,988 m

Our final riding day is a long but spectacular journey across western Bhutan. Leaving our homestay at Talo after breakfast, we descend towards Punakha before beginning the climb back into the high mountains. The road winds steadily upwards through changing vegetation to Dochula Pass at 3,100 m, giving us another chance to enjoy its 108 chortens and, on a clear morning, magnificent views of the snow-covered Himalaya. From Dochula, we descend through pine forests into Thimphu for a quick stop before continuing west on quiet mountain roads towards the remote Haa Valley. Long closed to outside visitors, Haa remains one of western Bhutan’s quieter and less-visited valleys.

The ride into Haa passes through forests, open pastureland and traditional villages, with scattered farmhouses beneath the surrounding mountains. We stop in the valley before beginning the final major climb of the journey. From Haa, the road twists steadily upwards towards Chele La Pass at 3,988 m. As we gain altitude, forests thin and views open across the surrounding Himalayan ranges. On clear days, the sacred peak of Jomolhari can be seen rising above the horizon. Thousands of prayer flags mark the pass, making this a fitting high point for our final day on the bikes. From Chele La, there is one last wonderful descent through forests towards the Paro Valley. Sweeping bends carry us down from almost 4,000 metres to the valley floor, where we finish our ride in Paro and hand back the bikes after an extraordinary journey across Bhutan.

Overnight: Paro

Highlights: Talo village, Dochula Pass (3,100 m), Thimphu, Haa Valley, Chele La Pass (3,988 m), Himalayan views and the final descent to Paro

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. You transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight, carrying with you unforgettable memories of an extraordinary Himalayan journey.

From the sweeping high passes of Chele La to the serene valleys of Haa and Bumthang, every kilometre has revealed a different facet of Bhutan — its raw beauty, deep spirituality, and timeless rhythm of life. The roads, the people, the rituals, and the landscapes all combine to create an experience far beyond a simple ride.

As your flight lifts above the mountains, take one last look at the valleys and ridgelines that defined the adventure — a fitting farewell to the Thunder Dragon Ride, an experience that will stay with you long after the journey ends

◉ Experience the spectacular Punakha Tshechu Festival on our 27 February departure, one of Bhutan’s most colourful religious celebrations

◉ Ride Bhutan’s legendary mountain roads, crossing Dochula Pass (3,100 m), Pele La (3,420 m) and Chele La (3,988 m)

◉ Visit magnificent Punakha Dzong and Trongsa Dzong, two of Bhutan’s greatest fortress-monasteries

◉ Explore the beautiful Phobjikha Valley and visit historic Gangtey Monastery, surrounded by the Black Mountains

◉ Spend a night in a traditional homestay at Talo, experiencing genuine Bhutanese village life and hospitality

◉ Ride through the peaceful Haa Valley, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and least-visited regions

◉ Experience an extraordinary variety of landscapes, from the warm Punakha Valley to high Himalayan passes and remote mountain valleys

◉ Visit Thimphu and Paro, Bhutan’s fascinating capital and historic gateway to the Himalaya

◉ Finish the journey with the unforgettable hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic sacred site

◉ A fully guided motorcycle journey combining Bhutan’s finest roads, high mountain passes, traditional culture and spectacular Himalayan scenery

• Group Size: 2–10 riders, ensuring a personal experience.

• Riding Skill: Suitable for experienced riders; roads are paved but mountainous, with many curves and high passes.

• Altitude: Routes range from around 1,200 m in the Punakha Valley to nearly 4,000 m at Chele La Pass, with acclimatisation built into the itinerary.

• Support: Every trip includes a professional Bhutanese motorbike guide riding with the group, a mechanic riding with the group (whose bike serves as the spare bike if needed), and a back-up support vehicle with driver carrying luggage, tools, and spare parts. The vehicle is available at any time should a rider need assistance or a rest day off the bike. This is the minimum level of support we offer, providing the best possible coverage for all incidents.

• Safety: Guides are trained in first aid, with support always close at hand.

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, but expect patchy coverage in remote areas — part of Bhutan’s charm.

✓ International arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu
✓ Single pick-up (from) and drop-off (to) Hotel Shanker in Kathmandu (recommended group hotel) for the Bhutan flights
✓ Airport transfers within Bhutan
✓ 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 (Bhutan)
✓ All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee)
✓ Entry fees to monuments, dzongs, and museums
✓ Bhutan government royalties, taxes, and permit fees
✓ 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

⨯ International flights to and from Bhutan

– We are happy to arrange your flights to Bhutan from Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok
– We will recommend the most convenient routing and best available fares
– We will normally book these flights for you at the time we take your tour deposit

⨯ Hotels, airport transfers and meals before or after the tour in Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok

If arriving via Kathmandu:

– We normally recommend Hotel Shanker, Kathmandu, as the group meeting point
– Accommodation can be booked on your behalf and paid directly at the hotel
– If staying at Hotel Shanker, the hotel can arrange complimentary airport transfers to and from Kathmandu Airport

⨯ Personal travel insurance – mandatory and must explicitly cover motorcycle riding, medical treatment and emergency evacuation

⨯ Personal riding gear – helmet, boots, jacket, gloves, etc.

⨯ Alcohol, soft drinks and snacks outside included meals

⨯ Optional single-room supplement

⨯ Tips for staff

– Tipping at hotels is not required
– For our riding team and support staff, we suggest allowing approximately US$10–20 per rider per day
– We normally collect this towards the end of the trip and make a group presentation to the team on the final evening

Every night on the ride is carefully chosen to be more than just a place to sleep. We stay in a thoughtfully curated mix of comfortable hotels, boutique lodges, eco-retreats, and traditional Bhutanese farmstays, all locally owned and rich in character.

These are places that reflect Bhutan’s culture and landscapes — warm hospitality, peaceful settings, and genuine connections with the people who live here. After long days in the saddle, you’ll enjoy hot showers, clean and comfortable rooms, and generous home-cooked meals, allowing you to rest well and fully recharge for the next day’s ride.

Accommodation is offered on a twin-share basis, with a single supplement available on request.