Motorbike Road Trip Bhutan

07:00hrs 

Morning Routine:

Load kit and equipment into the support vehicle. Mechanic will check all the bikes and warm them up. Briefing of the route, roads and weather for the day.

You will be travelling from a hot, wet region of dense Sub-Tropical forest located in South Western Bhutan towards the North West where you will find dry Pine Forests and rugged mountain ranges.

The roads will be black topped but during summer, the rain will wash mud to the road with water and some parts may be foggy.

Lunch at Chukha

From Chukha, Paro is approx. 91Km, 4hrs away.

Paro valley extends from the confluence of the Paro Chhu and the Wang Chhu rivers at Chuzom up to Mt. Jomolhari at the Tibetan border to the North.

This picturesque region is one of the widest valleys in the kingdom and is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley.

Altitude: 2,195 m 176Km 07hr

Overnight Hotel

After driving for around 35mins, Taktsang hike will began early in the morning as it will be cool. You will begin the hike at the Taktsang base where you will see shopkeepers and horseman going about their daily chores. 

Your walk will be through forest for almost 1hr 30mins and you will reach to Taktshang Cafeteria. Here you will have a cup of local tea at spend your time just taking in the spectacular view of Taktsang monastery.

Paro Taktsang:

A temple complex was first built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup, cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. Padmasambhava is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan and is the tutelary deity of the country.

After visiting Taktsang monastery, you will return to Taktsang Cafeteria to have lunch and walk down to the base. Then we’ll drive back towards Paro to visit:

Drugyel Dzong:

Drugyel Dzong, although mostly now in ruins and under construction. It was built in 1647 by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel to commemorate the victory over Tibetan Invaders, which is indicated by the name of the Dzong meaning Victorious Bhutanese Fort.

Overnight Hotel

After breakfast and the morning routine we saddle up and head towards Thimphu via Chelela Pass.

Chelela is located between Haa and Paro which is 50 Km away from the Paro Valley. It is situated at the highest vehicle accessible pass in Bhutan at 3,988 meters. From here you can view some of the highest and unclimbed Himalayan mountains.

On reaching the pass we will see prayers flags fluttering wildly in the breeze and chilly wind. Some of the snow capped mountains can be viewed from here during summer too.

After riding around 30mins, you will have lunch at Haa valley.

Then proceeds towards Thimphu.

Places to visit in Thimphu.

Memorial Chorten:

Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in loving memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, where a multi-storied Stupa and numerous paintings are exhibited providing an insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Trashichhoedzong:

Also known as ”fortress of the glorious religion”, it was initially built in 1641 and later rebuilt in its present form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. The Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan.

The National Assembly Hall is housed in a modern building on the other side of the river from the Dzong. During the warmer summer months, the monk body headed by His Holiness, the Je Khenpo, makes its home in the Dzong.

Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang)

Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.

Towards the evening, we’ll grab some local tea and have a leisurely time walking around the Authentic Bhutanese Craft (ABC) Bazaar. Here you can find products made from raw materials by rural families, craftsmen and farmers. The Bazaar initiative is expected to bring about equal socio-economic development which in turn preserves and promote Bhutan’s unique culture … specifically the 13 different Arts and crafts of Bhutan.

Overnight Hotel

After breakfast and the morning routine we set off towards Punakha.

Thimphu city is spread out laterally in a north-south direction on the west bank of the valley formed by the Raidak River, which is known as the Wang Chuu or Thimphu Chuu in Bhutan.

It is the third highest capital in the world by altitude and is spread over an altitudinal range of 2,248 metres and 2,648 metres. Unusually for a capital city, Thimphu is not served by an airport, but relies on the Paro Airport connected by road some 65 km away.

Dochula Pass is 45km from Thimphu.

At the pass you can see one of Bhutan’s most enchanting views of the Himalaya and a unique cluster of 108 Namgyel Khangzang Chortens that spiral up to the main Chorten known as the “Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens”.

Taking our leisurely time at Dochula to check the views of the Eastern Himalayas, you can have tea, coffee and a bite to eat at the Dochula Cafeteria.

After that your journey towards Punakha starts! The road is 100 percent tarmac and double laned.

Before reaching Punakha you may wish to visit the following:

Chimi Lhakhang

Built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman by the West). It is believed that childless women who visit the monastery will conceive after receiving the ‘wang’ (blessing).

Punakha Dzong 

Punakha Dzong is located strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers. It was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel and served the religious and administrative centre of Bhutan until the mid-1950s. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the early 17th century and where the Bhutanese enthroned the first King.

You can also walk on the longest suspension bridge and enjoy the views if wanted.

Over night Hotel.

From here you can have an Ariel view of the Punakha valley.

Altitude: 2,320m to Punakha altitude: 1,310m 142 km / 3hrs

After breakfast your journey begins from Punakha to Wangdue. As you approach to Phobjikha valley through a forest of oak and rhododendron, it will be colder. The road will be mostly black topped but in some places, the widening of the road is still on going. 

You will have lunch at Nobding a small town located in between Wangdue and Phobjikha.

Phobjikha is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and the chosen home of the black necked cranes, which migrate from the central Asiatic Plateau to escape its harsh winters.

Reaching to Phobjikha, we can visit:

Gangtey Goenpa

Gangtey Goempa, the Gangtey monastery, is perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor. Gangtey, which is now controlled by the government, is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s and is also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. It is directed by Gangtey Tulku, the ninth reincarnation (Tulku) to bear that name.

Black Necked Crane Information Centre 

Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane information Centre has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The centre also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. There is also a small gift shop, which sells handicrafts produced by the local people.

Phobjikha Valley 

At an altitude of 2900m, it falls under the district of Wangduephodrang and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-white water).

Overnight at Hotel or farm house/home stay.

After breakfast we proceed to Bumthang.

Stopping along the way at Trongsa for lunch, which will be served in a local restaurant, famous for its cuisine. You will be now officially entering Central Bhutan. The road is still a double lane though under construction which adds to the challenge of the ride.

The vegetation seen along the route consists of shrubs of edgeworthia (high altitude dwarf bamboo), which are used for making paper.

The following sightseeing will be on the way to Bumthang.

Chendebji Chorten 

The chorten is situated at the point believed to be where the three ridges and the three edges of the sky meet. It is an important chorten in Bhutan, and is recognized by its roundish shape and eyes painted on its sides … which bears similarity to the Jarung Khashor (Bodhanath) stupa in Nepal.

You will have lunch at Trongsa Town followed by sightseeing after lunch:

Trongsa Dzong

Trongsa Dzong is the largest Dzong fortress in Bhutan, located in Trongsa (formerly Tongsa) in Trongsa district, in the centre of the country. Built on a spur overlooking the gorge of the Mangde River, a temple was first established at the location in 1543 by the Drukpa lama, Ngagi Wangchuk son of Ngawang Chhojey.

In 1647, his great-grandson Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal constructed the first Dzong to replace it, calling it Chökhor Rabtentse Dzong, with a shorter version being Choetse Dzong.

You will travel to the most extensive protected area networks in Bhutan. The northern two-thirds of the district (the gewogs of Chhoekhor and Tang) belong to Wangchuck Centennial Park, buffered by pockets of biological corridors. Southern Bumthang (the gewogs of Chhumig, Tang and Ura) is part of another protected area, Thrumshingla National Park. Bumthang is known for its important population of black-necked cranes migrating in winter.

Overnight at Hotel.

Bumthang directly translates as ”beautiful field” – ”thang” means field or flat place, and ”bum” is said be an abbreviation of either bumpa (a vessel for holy water, thus describing the shape and nature of the valley), or simply bum (”girl,” indicating this is the valley of beautiful girls).

Bumthang 

Jakar Dzong

Jakar Dzong was constructed in 1549 by the great grandfather of the first Zhabdrung. The Dzong was initially built as a monastery, but was upgraded in 1646, after the Zhabdrung had firmly established his power. Jakar Dzong is now used as the administrative center for Bumthang valley, and also houses the regional monk body.

Bumthang farms yield buckwheat, dairy products, honey and apples among other products.

Membar Tsho (Burning Lake)

Where sacred scriptures hidden by Guru Rimpoche in the 8th century where later recovered by Pema Lingpa in the 15th century

Kurje Lhakhang 

Located further along the valley, Kurje Lhakhang comprises of three temples. The right temple was built in 1652 against the rock face where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century.

The middle temple is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of the Guru’s body, and is therefore considered to be the most holy. The temple on the left was built in the 1990s by H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother. These three temples are surrounded by a 108 Chorten wall.

After sightseeing, you will have lunch at Chamkhar Town and followed by sightseeing after lunch also:

Jambay Lhakhang

Jambay Lhakhang is one of the most ancient temples in Bhutan. It is built in 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. It is one of 108 monasteries which he built to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region. Its present architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century.

Tamshing Lhakhang

Tamshing Lhakhang is the most important Nyingmapa temple in the country. Located across the river from Kurje Lhakhang, this temple was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, a re-incarnation of Guru Padmasambhava. There are very old religious paintings around the inner walls of the temple, which was restored at the end of the 19th century.

Bumthang farms yield buckwheat, dairy products, honey, apples, potato, rice, woolen products and many other products. Bumthang is rich in producing wheat and buck wheat.

Ogyen chholing museum in Tang valley (40 Km approx.)

The family that owns Ogyen (or Ugyen) Chholing have turned part of the complex into a museum to preserve its legacy and provide a place for religious studies, research and solitude. The fascinating and well-captioned exhibits offer real insights into the lifestyle of a Bhutanese noble family.

Highlights include a book of divination, a dakini dance costume made of bone and the revelation that petrified yak dung was one of the ingredients for Bhutanese gunpowder, dyeing and weaving, architectural overview, grain stores, agriculture, trade, tools and implements, kitchen, arms and armoure. Textiles, bed room, living and administrative room, bamboo and rattan ware, library, printing

Bumthang town 

Something unique for outsiders because of its structural, architectural design and a geographical location. One can sit in A cafe, enjoy your coffee and soak in your experience in the wilderness.

Overnight at Hotel.

The journey from Bumthang to Mongar is one of the most beautiful in the Himalayas crossing 3800m high Thrumshing la (pass). Gushing waterfalls, steep cliffs with even steeper drops, blazing flowers and constantly changing vegetation combine to make this journey as varied as it is beautiful. Mongar also marks the beginning of Eastern Bhutan.

The second largest town in the sub-tropical east, Mongar, like Trashigang, is situated on the side of a hill, in contrasts to other towns of Western Bhutan which have been built on the valley floor. 

Attraction:

1. Mongar Town: Like many other settlements in Eastern Bhutan Mongar town is situated atop a hill rather than within a valley. This town is considered the main trade and travel hub of eastern Bhutan and most travelers and merchants active in East pass through here often spending the night at one of the local hotels.

The main street is lined with traditionally painted stone buildings with wooden facades and verandas. Near the clock tower there is a large prayer wheel around which people often gather to meet old friends and chat. The local restaurants offer a decent variety of Bhutanese and Indian cuisine.

1. Mongar Dzong: Although built in the 1930s and one of Bhutan’s newest Dzongs, it was constructed in the same way as all earlier dzongs, without plans or nails. 

However unlike the earlier Dzongs, that are located in strategic positions, Mongar Dzong is located on a small gently sloping area just above the town. A visit to Mongar Dzong demonstrates how traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the centuries.

1. Zhongar Dzong: The ruin of Zhongar Dzong endures to this day as a testimony to the skill of its builders, most notably the renowned master craftsman, Zowo Balip.

It is located on a hilltop overlooking the village of Themnangbi and is visible as one descends to Lingmenthang from the highway. Constructed in the 17th century, the Dzong is believed to have been built at a site where the master architect Zow Balip saw a white bowl.

A visit to the ruins can be a memorable experience and will give you a sense of medieval Bhutanese administration.

Overnight at Hotel

Altitude: 2,800m to Mongar

Altitude: 1,600m 

198km, 07hrs

The travel towards Tashigang will be mostly through rough road which leads to taking more time even for shorter distances. The beginning of the journey is through leafy forest filled with ferns and later road descends rapidly through corn fields and banana groves arriving at the famous Zigzags of Yadi, which is a recent settlement.

Tashigang is the center of the biggest and most populated district in the country. Trashigang Dzong, standing at the extreme end of the spur, overhanging the Gamri River, serves as the administrative seat for the district and part of the Dzong is occupied by the Drukpa monastic community.

After that follows the Gamri River until the bifurcation to Dametsi, this temple is perched on top of a steep hill and was founded by Choeden Zangmo. It is the most important monastery of eastern Bhutan.

About 30km onwards lays Tashigang at 1000m.

Reaching to Tashigang, you will have lunch in the town followed by sightseeing’s:

1. Trashigang Dzong: Trashigang Dzong or ‘The Fortress of the Auspicious Hill’ was built in 1659, to defend against Tibetan invasions. This imposing fortress is strategically situated high atop a spur overlooking the Dangmechu River.

According to legend it is said that upon seeing the Dzong, invading Tibetan armies remarked that the Dzong was “not on the ground. It has been the political stronghold of Eastern Bhutan for over 300 years.

Mount Meru is the site of the palace of the Druk Chhoglay Namgyal (victory of Bhutanese Over enemies in all directions). It is accessible only from the north, via a narrow road, paved by blasting through the cliff-side.

Due to its location Trashigang Dzong is one of the most strategically placed Dzongs in Bhutan. The present Dzong was enlarged by Dzongpon Dopola, in 1936.

Trashigang: The Jewel of the East – Trashigang spans the easternmost corners of the kingdom, skirting up to the edge of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is the country’s largest district, with an altitude ranging from 600m to over 4000m.

Overnight Hotel

Altitude: 1,600m to Tashigang

Altitude: 3,773m

91km, 04hrs

After travelling for 55km, you will reach to Tashi Yangtse. Bomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is located in north-western part of Bhutan and covers an area of 1,545 sq. km with 420 sq. It has one of the richest temperate Fir forests in the eastern Himalayas and provides an ideal protected habitat for big cats like Tigers and Leopards.

The district is also home to a number of other rare animals including Barking Deer, Himalayan Black Bears, Red Pandas and hundreds of Black Necked Cranes that migrate to the region every winter.  

Attraction:

1. Gom Kora – 24 km from Trashigang, the temple of Gom Kora is set on a small alluvial plateau overlooking the river. Surrounded by rice fields and clumps of banana trees, it looks like an oasis in an arid landscape.

It is one of the famous places where Guru Rinpoche meditated in order to subdue a demon that dwelt in a huge black rock.

Have lunch at Tashi Yangtse Town followed by visiting:

1. Chorten Kora – a dazzling white stupa situated on the riverbank below the town. Constructed in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Loday, it is built in the same style as Bodhnath stupa in Nepal, with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. During the second month of the lunar calendar there is an interesting celebration here, known as ’Kora’.

1. Zorig Chusum (13 traditional arts and crafts): This art and craft institute south of town was opened in 1997 to provide vocational training opportunities for those who are not continuing in the higher education system.

Ten of the Zorig Chusum (13 traditional arts and crafts) are studied here, including thangka painting, embroidery, sculpture, metalwork and wood-turning. .

The people of the region have developed incredible skill at woodworking and paper making. The items they produce such as traditional wooden bowls are prized throughout the country. An Institute for 13 Arts and Crafts (Zorig Chusum) has been established in the region leading to a greater number of skilled artisans. You will return back to Tashigang.

***Here you have another choice in Trashigang, either visit Tashi Yangtse or we can also ride high up in the Nomads land and stay with them for one night in their house which can will be a totally unique experience. Otherwise you can extend one more days and visit both.

Ride to Merak or Sakteng

Situated at an altitude over 3,500 meters, the exotic valleys of Merak and Sakten have been home to the Brokpas for centuries since their displacement from Tsona in southern Tibet. The nomadic indigenous group of eastern Bhutan, the Brokpas seasonally move their herds of livestock from the lower valleys

Riding towards Merak and Sakteng will be a different experience. The road is a farm road as of now and you will be away from any communication or mobile network until your destination.  You will be completely away from civilisation!!

If Tashi yangtse excursion than Druk Deothjung Resort or otherwise a home stay.

Altitude: 3,773m excursion to Tashi Yangtse

55km, 02hrs

Travelling towards Samdrup Jongkhar will be fifty fifty of rough road and double laned tarmac road. The ride will be through a hotter climate compared to Tashigang.

Samdrup Jongkhar is a small border town with a few hotels and restaurants. Although Samdrup Jongkhar region is not a popular destination, the town’s proximity with Indian town makes it an important place.

1. The Town market is an interesting mixture of Bhutanese and Indian shops and eateries. There are two hospitals in the dzongkhag, 13 Basic Health Units and some more outreach Clinics. Water supply and electricity is available to most of the households in the Dzongkhag. There is one hydroelectricity generation plant in the Dzonkhag, the Kurichu Hydropower.

You will have Lunch at the town after taking some walk around followed by sightseeing after lunch:

Attractions:

1. Zangtopelri Lhakhang: Zangtopelri is a new monastery located across from the entrance to the dzong. Even though made of cement and lacking the character of older monasteries, Zangtopelri is perhaps S/Jongkhar’s only tourist site.

1. Shopping Market: Just past the border gate is an Indian market called Mella Bazaar. Here, there are an array of stalls selling goods at much lower prices than in S/Jongkhar and some specializing in Assamese and northern Indian food. The chaos and noise is quite a contrast to the peace and harmony that exists just the other side of the gate in Bhutan.

1. Bhangtar: A picturesque village inhabited by Bhutanese of Nepalese descent.

The town in Samdrup Jongkhar is one of the oldest in Eastern Bhutan and has seen gradual development over the years. It is a bustling little town with shopkeepers and hawkers coming from the nearby border of Assam to sell their wares. It also houses the oldest cinema theatre in the country that is popular among the Assamese from across the border for the Bollywood films it screens.

Overnight at Tashi Gatsel Hotel