BHUTAN / Gross National Happiness
At a Glance ...
| Best traveltime | April - May, September - October |
| Start/Finish | Bagdogra / Guwahati |
| Duration | 12 days (11 in Bhutan) / 11 nights (10 in Bhutan) / 10 driving days (all in Bhutan) |
| Distance covered | around 1.100 mi / 1.700 km |
| Day rides | 50 - 130 mi / 80 - 210 km |
| Roads | Tarmac with stretches of gravel and dirt (depending on previous winter or monsoon) |
| Motorcycles | Royal Enfield Bullet 500cc, left side gear shift, e-start, front disk break |
| Rider's requirements | Very winding roads up and down hill. Drive carefully and you'll be ok. |
| Group size | Min. 4 and max. 10 riders - space for pillion rider in our follow up car. |
| Accommodation | Overnight stays in carefully selected hotels (3-4 star category) and middle class guesthouses. Comfortable luxury tents in Panbang. |
| What's included | All meals, water / soft drinks with meals, entrance fees, gasoline, escort vehicle, mechanic, domestic flights, US$ 200 per person/day tourist tax, Experienced German and English speaking guide during the whole trip (Guide trained in Austria and Germany) |
| Highlights | Darjeeling, Himalaya, Bhutan people and architecture ... |
| Important | VISA needed! Visa on-arrival might be possible for you. Check online please! |
Druk Yul - Ride the Dragon
| Day 1 | Delhi - Bagdogra - Jaigaon: We will fly from Delhi to Bagdogra early in the morning and be picked up by Tenzin, our guide. From there, we will continue by car for about 3 hours through the plains of West Bengal to the border town of Bhutan Jaigaon (160 km), which is still on the Indian side. We will spend the night on the Indian side of the border. |
| Day 2 | After completing the entry formalities, we will continue our journey to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The journey will take us from almost 200 meters above sea level to 2300 meters above sea level through subtropical forests and alpine forests. |
| Day 3 | Thimphu - Punakha (about 70 km): This will be an easy and beautiful day as the journey is only 70 km long and takes us over the scenic Dochola Pass (3400 m) with magnificent views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival in Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, we will visit the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan. In the afternoon, there will be an optional excursion to the Phochu Valley. |
| Day 4 | Punakha - Gelephu (about 190 km): After breakfast, we will continue our journey to Gelephu. This day will bring us close to the Indian border and into a different climate zone. The drive will be a mix of paved and somewhat rugged roads, but overall nicely rideable. We will ride through the fertile Tsirang Valley among alpine forests and pass Sarpang as we enter the tropical region of Bhutan where Gelephu town is located. |
| Day 5 | Gelephu - Panbang (210 km): Today's motorcycle route will take us to Panbang, a remote community in south-central Bhutan. It lies in the heart of subtropical biodiversity and borders the Royal National Manas Park. This side trip was a big hit on our last journey because we get to experience a lot of local color. |
| Day 6 | Panbang - Joka - Panbang (110 km): We will spend the day visiting one of the oldest villages in Bhutan, Joka. We will ride about 55 km to the village and explore; visiting local farmers is always a highlight because we get to learn so much about the way of life in this enchanting country. |
| Day 7 | Panbang - Trongsa (160 km): In the morning, we will leave Panbang and drive to Trongsa, which is located in the central region of Bhutan. The highlight of the city is the Trongsa Dzong. This massive structure sits on multiple levels and hugs the contours of the hill on which it is perched. The various courtyards and small temples reflect the close relationship between political and religious power. |
| Day 8 | Trongsa - Bumtang (70 km): Today we will go to the beautiful Bumtang, also called the Switzerland of Bhutan. Between Trongsa and Bumthang, there is another pass (Yotong La 3600 m). Bumthang is a beautiful valley, and just before entering Bumthang, you can see local weavers at work. |
| Day 9 | Bumtang - Phobjikha Gangtey (150 km): We will take a leisurely ride on good roads heading west. We will ride over the Pele la pass (3400 m) and spend the night in Phobjikha in Gangtey. This picturesque valley is home to one of the rarest birds in the world: the black-necked crane. |
| Day 10 | Day 10: Gangtey - Paro (160 km): Today we will leave early and head to Paro, where we will spend the last two nights of our Bhutan trip. |
| Day 11 | Paro via Haa Valley and Chile La Pass - Paro: A highlight at the end of the trip is the hike to the Tiger's Nest, the legendary monastery of Guru Rimpoche, which is located on a steep cliff about 600 m higher than the valley. The ascent and return journey will take about 4 hours. It is well worth the hike. |
| Day 12 | Paro - Phuentsoling - Bagdogra - Delhi: We will leave the kingdom and drive back to the Indian border. The motorcycles will be left in Bhutan, and we will continue by car to Bagdogra and by flight back to Delhi. It will be a long travel day that takes us from the heights of the Dragon Kingdom to the Indian capital. After midnight, we will take the plane back home. |
