Approx. distance: ~210–215 km
Altitude range: 1,200 m → ~2,600 m → ~300 m
Riding time: 7–8 hours (plus stops, lunch & dzong visit)

The day begins in the fertile Punakha Valley with a guided visit to the magnificent Punakha Dzong. Set dramatically at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (male river) and Mo Chhu (female river), this riverside fortress is one of Bhutan’s most important and beautiful landmarks — rich in history, symbolism, and spiritual significance.

Leaving Punakha, the road drops to the valley floor and reaches the bridge at Wangdi beneath the impressive Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which historically guarded the route south toward India. From here, the ride follows the banks of the Punatsangchhu, flowing along a beautiful riverside road that hugs the water before climbing high above it to cross torrents spilling down from the surrounding mountains.

Midway through the journey, stop for lunch in Tsirang (1,400 m), a peaceful hill district renowned for its orange orchards, rice terraces, and rural charm. Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese meal overlooking the valley — a welcome pause before the ride pushes deeper into Bhutan’s southern foothills.

As the journey continues, the descent becomes increasingly dramatic. Tight bends lead through dense jungle, bamboo groves, and humid lowland valleys, with a clear shift in climate, vegetation, and atmosphere as Bhutan transitions from the central Himalaya to its subtropical south.

By late afternoon, arrive in Gelephu, surrounded by thick forest and alive with the rhythmic sounds of cicadas. This region is also the future site of Bhutan’s Mindfulness City project — an ambitious national development near the Indian border, blending sustainable urban design with Bhutan’s deep spiritual and environmental values.

Approx. distance: ~170 km
Altitude range: ~250 m → ~2,100 m (Gongphu La) → ~200 m
Riding time: 6–7 hours (plus stops & river visit)

Continue your adventure with a spectacular ride from Gelephu (250 m) to Panbang (200 m), travelling through one of Bhutan’s most remote and biodiverse regions. The route follows the southern foothills before climbing steadily toward Gongphu La, a forested mountain pass marking the transition back toward central Bhutan.

Gongphu La is locally renowned for its native stingless bees and traditional forest honey, produced deep within these protected woodlands. As the road rises, the air cools and dense mixed forest replaces the subtropical jungle below, offering a striking contrast in landscape and riding conditions.

Beyond the pass, the route skirts the edge of Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan’s oldest and most celebrated wildlife reserve. This wild region is home to elephants, golden langurs, rhinoceros, and Bengal tigers — a rare glimpse into Bhutan’s untamed natural world.

Before reaching camp, stop at the dramatic confluence of the Mangde Chhu and Drangme Chhu, where these powerful rivers merge to form the Manas River. This is a place of deep natural and spiritual significance, symbolising the union of Bhutan’s great river valleys.

As evening falls, settle into a tented riverside camp near Panbang, at the edge of the forest. Surrounded by flowing water and the nocturnal sounds of the jungle, this tranquil setting is the perfect place to unwind, share stories by the fire, and fall asleep beneath a canopy of stars — the pure essence of Bhutan’s wild frontier.

Approx. distance: ~165 km
Altitude range: ~200 m → ~500 m → 1,600 m
Riding time: 6–7 hours (plus stops)

Today’s ride carries you deep into the eastern heartlands of Bhutan on a 165 km journey through some of the country’s most dramatic and least-travelled terrain. Leaving the warm, tropical lowlands of Panbang (200 m), the road begins a steady ascent through forested hills toward Zhemgang, tracing the course of the Kuri Chhu.

A short stop in Nganglam (500 m) offers time to refuel and observe everyday life in Bhutan’s southern foothills before the ride becomes increasingly spectacular.

Beyond Nganglam, the route follows an extraordinary modern mountain road, carved directly into sheer cliff faces high above the rushing Kuri Chhu. This is one of the most exhilarating riding sections of the journey — smooth tarmac, long flowing curves, and uninterrupted views across deep gorges, waterfalls, and villages clinging to impossibly steep slopes.

As altitude increases, the environment shifts once again. Dense subtropical jungle gives way to pine and rhododendron forest, and the air cools noticeably as you climb eastward. By mid- to late afternoon, you arrive in Mongar (1,600 m), a lively eastern town known for its distinctive stone-and-wood architecture, traditional markets, and energetic local culture.

We have timed the journey to coincide with the Mongar Tshechu, a vibrant annual festival drawing monks and travellers from across eastern Bhutan. The town comes alive with colour, music, and ritual, creating a rare and immersive atmosphere. Time is set aside the following morning to attend sacred mask dances and experience the festival — one of the cultural highlights of the entire journey.

Often described as the gateway to Eastern Bhutan, Mongar is where old and new Bhutan intersect — a fitting place to rest after a day of high roads, deep valleys, and unforgettable riding.

Approx. distance: ~190–200 km
Altitude range: 1,600 m → 3,750 m → 2,600 m
Riding time: 7–8 hours (plus festival time & cultural visits)

The day begins amid the vibrant energy of the Mongar Tshechu, where the air fills with the sound of horns, drums, and chanting as monks perform sacred masked dances (cham). Locals gather in their finest traditional dress, creating an atmosphere of joy, reverence, and deep spirituality — a powerful expression of Bhutan’s living culture. Time is set aside to witness the dances and absorb the festival atmosphere before leaving town, offering a rare and deeply immersive cultural experience in Eastern Bhutan.

Departing Mongar, the road winds west through rugged, forested mountains, climbing steadily toward the legendary Thrumshingla Pass (3,750 m) — the highest motorable pass on this route and one of the great highlights of the entire expedition. The ascent delivers a thrilling blend of sweeping switchbacks, mist-shrouded cliffs, and vast mountain panoramas. At the summit, prayer flags flutter in the wind as wave upon wave of untouched Himalayan ridgelines stretch into the distance.

From the pass, the descent toward Bumthang Valley (2,600 m) reveals a gentler landscape of open meadows, pine forests, and broad glacial valleys — a striking contrast to the wild eastern slopes left behind.

Often described as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, Bumthang is home to some of the country’s oldest monasteries and most sacred pilgrimage sites. Visit the revered Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where legend tells of sacred treasures revealed by the great saint Pema Lingpa, and explore ancient temples that have shaped Bhutan’s spiritual heritage for over a thousand years.

The day ends in quiet reflection, surrounded by the serenity, history, and timeless beauty that define one of Bhutan’s most sacred valleys — a fitting close to one of the most spectacular riding days of the Tour of the Dragon.

Approx. distance: ~155 km
Altitude range: 2,600 m → 3,420 m → 2,900 m
Riding time: 5.5–6.5 hours (plus sightseeing & lunch)

Today’s ride heads west through some of central Bhutan’s most historic and scenic landscapes. Departing Bumthang Valley, the road twists and climbs across forested ridges before opening out to sweeping views of the Black Mountains, delivering classic high-Himalayan riding from the very start.

By mid-morning, arrive at the majestic Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan’s largest and most strategically important fortress. Dramatically perched on a steep ridge, it once controlled the only east–west route through the kingdom. For centuries, every Bhutanese king served as Penlop (Governor) of Trongsa before ascending the throne, making this dzong central to Bhutan’s royal history. Its tiered roofs, whitewashed walls, and commanding position above the gorge create one of the most striking sights in the country.

Just above the dzong, visit the Tower of Trongsa Museum, housed in a restored watchtower. The exhibits provide clear insight into Bhutan’s monarchy, military past, and the unification of the kingdom — essential context for understanding modern Bhutan.

Lunch is enjoyed at a scenic restaurant overlooking Trongsa Dzong, with panoramic views across the deep gorge below — a memorable pause before the afternoon ride.

Leaving Trongsa, the road climbs steadily through rhododendron forest and high alpine terrain, crossing Pele La Pass (3,420 m) — the traditional boundary between central and western Bhutan. From the pass, the landscape opens into rolling highlands before descending gently into the wide glacial bowl of the Phobjikha Valley.

By late afternoon, arrive in Gangtey (2,900 m). Settle into your accommodation overlooking the vast openness of the valley, part of the Phobjikha Conservation Area, internationally recognised for its natural and cultural importance. In season, the endangered black-necked cranes can often be seen grazing peacefully in the fields near the lodge, adding a rare sense of harmony and stillness — a fitting and unforgettable end to the day.

Approx. distance: ~165–175 km
Altitude range: 2,900 m → ~3,300 m → ~2,700 m
Riding time: 6–7 hours (plus stops, lunch & dzong visits)

Today is widely regarded as one of the great highlights of the Tour of the Dragon. The morning begins in the stillness of the Phobjikha Valley, often accompanied by the soft calls of the endangered black-necked cranes as they arrive on their winter migration, which continues well into December. Waking to this rare and beautiful sound is a privilege unique to this glacial valley.

Leaving Gangtey, the road climbs gently over Lawa La Pass (approx. 3,300 m) — a small but scenic pass marking your departure from the highlands. In the clear morning light, this is an ideal place to pause for photographs, with wide skies and sweeping views across the surrounding mountains.

From the pass, a flowing descent leads toward Wangdue Phodrang, completing the great loop through southern, eastern, and central Bhutan. You are now back on familiar roads from earlier in the journey, but the adventure is far from over.

Lunch is taken at a beautiful riverside restaurant beside the Punatsangchhu, offering a relaxed pause before the afternoon ride. From here, the road continues north, passing once again the majestic Punakha Dzong, its whitewashed walls rising gracefully at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

Before settling in for the night, a short but rewarding climb leads to Gasa Dzong, dramatically perched high above the sacred Mo Chhu. One of Bhutan’s most remote and atmospheric fortresses, it once guarded the northern approaches to the kingdom and routes into the high Himalayas. In the soft late-afternoon light, the views and photo opportunities are exceptional.

The day concludes with a descent to a traditional homestay near the Gasa Tshachu. Staying with a local family offers genuine insight into Bhutanese rural life while directly supporting the community in this remote region.

As evening falls, gather around a campfire beneath a canopy of stars. With the gentle sound of the river nearby and mountains silhouetted against the night sky, there is time to relax, share stories, and reflect on what has already been an extraordinary journey.

Approx. distance: ~155–165 km
Altitude range: ~2,700 m → ~2,800 m → 3,100 m → 2,300 m
Riding time: 5.5–6.5 hours (plus stops & lunch)

Today marks the penultimate day of riding, turning north and east toward Bhutan’s capital while allowing time to savour the final moments of the journey. Departing Gasa after breakfast, the road follows the sacred Mo Chhu south through quiet forested valleys, delivering a relaxed and scenic start to the day.

Before reaching the main valley floor, the route climbs gently toward Talo, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and characterful highland villages. Perched above the Punakha Valley, Talo offers sweeping views, traditional farmhouses, and a final, intimate encounter with rural Bhutanese life — a fitting pause after days of big mountains and remote roads.

Descending from Talo, the road leads back into the Punakha Valley, where lunch is taken in a warm, low-valley setting. This is a chance to rest, hydrate, and reflect on the journey so far before the final high pass of the expedition.

In the afternoon, the road climbs steadily through pine forest toward Dochula Pass (3,100 m). If skies are clear, this is an ideal moment for late-afternoon photography, with the 108 white chortens glowing softly as the light fades and Himalayan ridgelines stretching into the distance.

From Dochula, a smooth and familiar descent brings you back into Thimphu, returning to the same hotel as earlier in the journey. With the riding day complete, there is time to enjoy a little of town life — perhaps a relaxed café stop, some last-minute shopping, or a few quiet koras at the Thimphu Memorial Chorten, bringing the journey gently full circle before the final day.

Approx. distance: ~180 km
Altitude range: 2,300 m → 2,700 m → 3,988 m → 2,200 m
Riding time: 6–7 hours (plus stops & ceremony)

Today’s journey is pure Himalayan magic — a sweeping final ride through alpine passes, remote valleys, and crisp mountain air. Leaving Thimphu, the road climbs west toward the serene and secluded Haa Valley (2,700 m), one of Bhutan’s hidden gems. The valley unfolds gently, with traditional farmhouses, buckwheat fields, and quiet villages set beneath snow-dusted peaks.

From Haa, the ride intensifies as the road climbs toward the spectacular Chele La Pass (3,988 m) — Bhutan’s highest motorable road. The ascent is exhilarating: a ribbon of tarmac carved into the mountainside, delivering expansive views across the high Himalaya and, on clear days, the snow peaks of Mount Jomolhari.

At the pass, take a short walk above the road to a small chorten overlooking Chele La. Here, each rider ties a set of prayer flags, adding to the hundreds already strung between the trees. In Bhutanese belief, prayer flags carry mantras and intentions on the wind, spreading compassion, peace, and goodwill across the landscape — a symbolic and deeply meaningful moment to mark the completion of the journey together.

The descent winds through forests of blue pine and rhododendron before opening into the wide Paro Valley. Arrive in Paro (2,200 m) by late afternoon or early evening, with time for relaxed exploration and last-minute shopping — Paro is particularly well known for local crafts and handicrafts.

This evening marks the farewell to your Royal Enfield motorbikes and some of the support crew who have shared the road throughout the expedition. A celebration dinner follows — a chance to raise a glass, share stories, and properly close an extraordinary Himalayan adventure.

No biking today — instead, you conclude your Himalayan adventure with Bhutan’s most iconic and deeply symbolic experience: the pilgrimage to Paro Taktsang, the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To enjoy the cooler air and quieter trails, the walk begins at 7:00 am.

The 5–6 hour round-trip hike winds steadily upward through pine forests scented with incense, juniper, and prayer flags, opening to sweeping views across the Paro Valley below. With each step, the outside world falls 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 bringing Buddhism to Bhutan.

Standing at the monastery, suspended between sky and earth, it is impossible not to feel both humbled and inspired. The stillness, the scale, and the devotion embedded in this place offer a moment of profound reflection — a fitting and unforgettable conclusion to the Tour of the Dragon.

As you descend back toward Paro, there is time to reflect on the roads travelled, the passes crossed, the friendships formed, and the spirit of Bhutan that now travels with you — not as a memory alone, but as something quietly woven into the journey ahead.

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.

 ◉ November 2026 highlight — Mongar Festival — Timed to coincide with the late-autumn Mongar Tsechu, this journey reaches eastern Bhutan at one of the most atmospheric moments of the year. With the harvest complete and the air crisp and clear, villagers gather in their finest traditional dress for sacred mask dances, monastic rituals, and communal celebration. Far from the main tourist routes, the Mongar Festival offers a deeply authentic cultural experience, set against wide Himalayan views and the quiet beauty of eastern Bhutan in November.

◉ A 9-day motorbiking odyssey across Bhutan — Ride deep into the mystical Land of the Thunder Dragon on an epic journey designed for riders seeking both adventure and meaning.

◉ From alpine west to the wild eastern highlands — Begin in the alpine valleys of Paro and the capital Thimphu, then ride south into Bhutan’s untamed frontiers before climbing back into the sacred heartlands of the east.

◉ Some of the most breathtaking mountain roads on Earth — Flowing Himalayan tarmac winds through deep gorges, glacial valleys, and forested ridgelines, where every corner delivers freedom, focus, and connection.

◉ Ride legendary high passes — Cross Bhutan’s great mountain thresholds, including Chele La (3,988 m) and Thrumshingla Pass (3,750 m), where prayer flags snap in the wind and the Himalaya stretches endlessly ahead.

◉ Bhutan in all its contrasts — Travel from subtropical forests and rushing rivers to cool pine forests and windswept highlands, discovering how dramatically the landscape changes in just a few days.

◉ Cultural depth, not just distance — Visit ancient dzongs and remote monasteries, explore timeless villages, and stay in traditional homestays, where daily life still follows seasonal rhythms.

◉ Sacred valleys and quiet wilderness — Experience iconic regions including Bumthang, the serene Phobjikha Valley, and the remote Haa Valley, each offering its own blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty.

◉ A journey for the senses and the soul — Each day balances exhilarating riding with moments of reflection, cultural immersion, and stillness, making this as enriching spiritually as it is physically rewarding.

◉ A powerful finale at Gasa Dzong — Conclude the adventure at Gasa Dzong, dramatically perched above the sacred Mo Chhu River. One of Bhutan’s most remote and commanding fortresses, it guards the gateway to the high Himalayas — a fitting, symbolic end to a journey defined by wilderness, silence, and scale.

◉ The ultimate Bhutan motorcycle journey — Epic in scope, rich in meaning, and experienced properly from the saddle.

• Group Size: 2–10 riders per departure, 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 250 m in the subtropical south 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 flights Kathmandu–Paro–Kathmandu, including PBH (Paro) and KTM (Kathmandu) airport taxes
   – Clients wishing to fly from Bangkok or Delhi: prices available on request

✓ 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

⨯ Personal travel insurance (mandatory; must explicitly cover motorbike riding)
⨯ Personal riding gear (helmet, boots, jacket, gloves, etc.)
⨯ Alcohol, soft drinks, and snacks outside meals
⨯ Optional single-room supplement
⨯ Tips for staff (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)
⨯ Hotels and transfers in Kathmandu are not included

   – 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 also arrange complimentary airport transfers from Kathmandu Airport

Every night on the Thunder Dragon 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.

• Riding Gear: Helmet, armored jacket, riding pants, gloves, and boots (we recommend bringing your own for best comfort/fit).
• Clothing: Layered clothing for a wide range of temperatures — from warm subtropical valleys to chilly high mountain passes.
• Essentials: Sunglasses, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, personal toiletries, small daypack.
• Documents: Passport (valid for 6+ months), Bhutan visa (we assist with arrangements), valid motorcycle license (international license recommended).
• Optional: Camera/GoPro, lightweight rain gear, power bank, small first-aid kit.