Intensive Bhutan
With extra ordinary Himalayan scenery, colorful festivals and ancient monasteries, Bhutan is a truly fascinating and unexplored kingdom waiting to be explored. Buddhism is everywhere. Countless prayer flags, stupas and monasteries demonstrate the importance of spirituality in Bhutan. Monks, farmers and herdsmen turn it in gods, demons or animal figures. During the journey we encounter not only warm, mostly good-humored people, but also to explore a sensational mountain scenery, lush green forests and wide valleys with fertile rice terraces. In this tour you would ride till heart of Bhutan – Bumthang. Here you would ride across virgin forests, valleys and mountains. During the entire tour, you would enjoy excellent view of the Himalayas, soak in Bhutanese Culture and have an opportunity to interact with the locals and do lot more. The trip also takes you to some of the most popular tourist attractions in the kingdom and complements your motorcycling experience with an indulging cultural treat with something for everyone – a glimpse of living culture and traditions, rich history, medieval fortresses, stunning bio-diversity, panoramic views over the Himalayas, friendly locals and rural lifestyles etc. Great riding during the day, and cozy evenings in comfortable hotels, campsites and local farmhouses is the crux of this riding experience. In short, it’s the perfect cultural experience on wheels.
Riders should have an adequate level of fitness and stamina and be experienced enough in the art of mountain biking. Tours are fully supported by a van following riders. The van allows riders the option to sit in and take a break.
Brief Description of Cities covered in this tour
Phuentsholing: Border Town of Southern Bhutan - Has Headquarters of Bank of Bhutan.
Thimphu: Capital and the largest city of Bhutan - Only capital city in the world that does not have traffic lights - Main center of Commerce, Religion and Government in the country - Most modern city of Bhutan and has abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping center. It is one of the few cities of Bhutan having ATM facilities.
Paro: Small town in the western part of Bhutan - Also home to Paro Airport, Bhutan’s only International Airport - The valley has many isolated small villages and is known for red rice - Also home to most of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries.
Punakha and Wangdue: Punakha and Wangdue is located in the same valley. These two places are located within a distance of 13 km. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955 - The valley is fed by the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu rivers - It is one of very few places in Bhutan which offers Rafting facilities - It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the monk body at present.
Gangtey/Phobjikha: The famous Phobjikha Valley is located in Wangdue district - Phobjikha is the winter roosting place for endangered black necked crane and the valley is considered one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas.
Trongsa: Also known as the Vanguard of the Warriors - The first and Second Kings of Bhutan ruled Bhutan from Trongsa - The Crown Prince normally holds the position of the Trongsa Penlop before ascending to the Throne.
Bumthang: Bumthang District is one of the 20 districts comprising Bhutan - The most historic dzongkhag if the number of ancient temples and sacred sites is counted - Consists of the four mountain valleys of Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor, although occasionally the entire district is referred to as Bumthang valley - Literally, Bumthang directly translates to "beautiful field". "Bum" is said to be the abbreviation for either "Bumpa" (a vessel for holy water) describing the shape and the nature of the Valley, or simply "Bum" meaning Girl, thang means field or ground.
- First had experience of Buddhist Culture and traditional rural village life.
- Hike through pine forests to visit “Tiger’s Nest”
- Visit Phobjika, the most beautiful glacial valley of Bhutan.
- Explore Bhutan’s Central Valley rich with ancient, historical and sacred sites
- Ride through high mountains, offering sensational view of Himalayas.
- Marvel at the country's spectacular, virtually untouched natural beauty
- Ride along the meandering road that takes you to some of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan
- Traverse beautiful landscapes and varied vegetation from alpine shrubs to temperate forests.
- Ride through less traffic, clean air, natural forests, sinuous mountains, meandering rivers, alpine flowers and birds chirping through out the trail, smiling faces, medieval fortresses and temples, far-off villages.
- Support crew through out the tour.
Day 1. Bagdogra - Phuentsholing:
Distance: 160 Kms; Driving Time: 3 hrs 45 minutes.
Upon your exit from the Airport, you would be greeted by our local representative. You would be driven to Phuentsholing, the border town of Bhutan. On the way we shall be stop for lunch. After arriving in Phuentsholing, if time permits, we start the immigration formalities to cross the border in the morning and start our ride through the Thunder Dragon Kingdom. Your guide shall assist you with the Immigration Formalities and then check in to hotel. This is one the few occasions where you cross into a new country over foot. As soon as you enter Bhutan, you would notice how drastic the transition is. You leave the crowd and the congestion behind. You would notice how cleaner the roads are with little or no litter. The architects of the building, increases the feeling that you have entered into new country. Later you may choose to relax in the hotel.
Meals – Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Phuentsholing.
Day 2. Phuentsholing - Thimphu:
Distance: 176 Kms; Riding Time: 5 hrs - 6 hrs; Altitude of Thimphu 2,350 m
Have your breakfast, in the morning. Later, you would start your uphill ride to Thimphu. On the way, you can make few stops for photography opportunities. While riding you would notice dramatic change in the flora, fauna and vegetation. You would find yourself in sky heights above the clouds. You shall come across diverse flora, fauna, beautiful landscapes, villages and other elements of nature such as waterfalls. You would also have the opportunity of enjoying the panoramic views of the Himalayas during the ride. Enroute stop for lunch. After reaching Thimphu, check in to the hotel. Evening free for leisure.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3. Thimphu Sightseeing:
Altitude of Thimphu: 2350 m.
Today you visiting key sightseeing points in and around Thimphu. After breakfast you would visit
- Kuensel Phodrang, the gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park.
- National Memorial Chhorten, a Stupa built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Every morning till night old people and young people circumambulate the Chhorten. You may choose to light butter lamps and also circumambulate around the Chorten.
- Zorig Chusum, Premier institute of traditional arts and crafts in Thimphu established with an objective of preserving “thirteen arts and crafts of Bhutan”.
- Folk Heritage, traditional house giving an insight to the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households
Thereafter, you would be taken to a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon you would visit
- Sangaygang View Point, also known as BBS Tower offering panoramic view of Thimphu Town situated at an elevation of 2,685 m.
- Changangkha Monastery, popular temple perched on a ridge above Central Thimphu built in 15th Century by Lama Phajo Drugom Zhipo.
- Takin Preserve Centre, see Takin here (National animal of Bhutan) It is a unique combination of Goat and an Antelope
- Tashichhodzong, or ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. Initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails. It houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body and opens after 5 PM.
On the completion of sightseeing, ride back to your hotel. After relaxing for sometime you shall be served with dinner.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4. Thimphu - Gangtey / Phobjika:
Distance: 140 kms, Riding Time: 6 hrs - 7 hrs, Altitude of Gangtey: 2900 m.
Early in the morning you would start your ride to Gangtey/Phobjika, for your next leg of the tour. On the way, you would stop at
- Dochula Pass, lies at an elevation of 3,150 m and is a great place to view the higher Himalayas. The landmarks around the pass includes 108 Druk Wangyal Stupas built under the patronage of Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.
During the ride, you would enjoy the blacktopped and smooth roads as well as unpaved roads due to road widening work. After having breakfast at Dochula Pass, we would continue our ride to Phobjika / Wangdue. Enroute, we would stop for lunch. While in Gangtey, visit the
- Gangtey Goemba, an important monastery of Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. It is one of the the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan.
- Phobjikha Valley, one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas. It lies at an elevation of 3,000 m. It is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the monastery. Phobjikha is best known for the rare black necked cranes that migrate here from the Tibetan Plateau to avoid the extremely cold winters.
After the completion of sightseeing, you are driven back to your hotel. Evening free for relaxation.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Phobjika/Gangtey.
Day 5. Gangtey - Trongsa - Bumthang:
Distance: 188 kms, Riding Time: 8 hrs - 9 hrs, Altitude of Bumthang: 2600 m.
After breakfast, check out from hotel and ride to Trongsa across Pele-La-Pass (11.120 ft.). Here you would witness an abrupt change in vegetation, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboos. Today is one of the longest rides for this trip. On the way stop to view and photograph
- Chendbji Chhorten, built during the 18th century by Lama Shida in the style of the great Boudhanath Chhorten of Nepal to cover the remains of an evil spirit which is said to have manifested as a gigantic snake.
- Trongsa Dzong, the seat of power over Central and Eastern Bhutan. It was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa was later enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family. The first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong.
Ride further to Bumthang over the Yutong-La-Pass (11,155 ft.). Enroute stop for lunch. While in Chumey valley in Bumthang (if time permits), visit the
- Yathra Weaving Factory, located in the Zungye village in Chumey, around 17 kms approximately, before reaching the main town of Bumthang. Yathra is the most famous textile product of Bumthang. Yathra is a hand woven fabric made from the wool of sheep or Yak.
On arrival check in to the hotel. Evening free for leisure.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at hotel in Bumthang.
(Note: the roads to Bumthang are not good due road widening work going on)
Day 6. Bumthang Sightseeing:
Today you have a date with the history. After breakfast, visit
- Jakar Dzong, literally meaning the Castle of White Bird. The current structure was built in 1667. Jakar Dzong is now the main administrative center for Bumthang District, the Dzong also houses the regional monk body.
- Jambay Lhakhang, built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet in the 7th century and is one among the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan Region. October one of the most spectacular festival, “Jambay Lhakhang Drup” is staged here.
- Kurjey Lhakhang, named after body print of Guru Rimpoche. It consists of three temples. The first temple was built in the year 1652 on the rock face, where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century. The second temple is considered to be the most holy as it is built on the site of the cave which contains the imprint of the Guru's body. In the year 1990, Ashi Kesang, the Queen mother built the third temple. All the three temples are surrounded by 108 chorten wall.
Thereafter you would be taken to a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon you would ride to
- Tamshing Lhakhang, literally meaning the Temple of the good message. It was established in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa and has ancient religious paintings such as 1000 Buddhas and 21 'Taras' (female form of Bodhisattva).
- Membar Tsho, also known as “The burning Lake”. It is one of the most sacred sites in the region and relates to the famous treasure revealer, Terton Pema Lingpa. Following a prophecy by Guru Rinpoche, Terton Pema Lingpa unearthed a treasure from the bottom of the lake. He dived into the lake with a burning butter lamp and reappeared with the butter lamp still burning and a chest and scroll of paper in his hand (treasures)
The evening ends visit a local handloom weaving house and Interact with the weavers. Finally, return to the hotel.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at hotel in Bumthang.
Day 7. Bumthang - Punakha/Wangdue:
Distance: 220 kms, Riding Time: 8 hrs - 9 hrs, Altitude of Punakha: 1310 m.
After early breakfast, check out from hotel and ride to Punakha/Wangdue. Today is the longest day of the tour. On the way stop for Lunch. Post arrival check into the hotel. Evening free for leisure.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at Hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 8. Punakha/Wangdue Sightseeing:
After breakfast, hike to
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Monastery, a monastery that stands majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha valley. Built over a period of 9 years, Bhutanese craftsmen consulted holy scriptures rather than engineering manuals, to construct this 4-storey temple. It takes an hour to hike to the Temple passing through rice fields on the way.
After lunch, you would visit
- Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second King, it served as the seat of the Government. It is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo (The Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan)
- Chhimi Lhakhang, a famous Temple, which is also known as “The Temple of Fertility” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley.
Later you would come back to your hotel. Evening free for leisure.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at Hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 9. Punakha - Paro:
Driving Distance: 135 kms, Driving Time: 4 hrs - 5 hrs, Altitude of Paro: 2280 m
After breakfast, you would check out of the hotel to proceed to Paro for the final leg of the tour. On the way stop at
- Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi, also known as the Rhododendron Garden. It is the first Botanical Garden of Bhutan. It is famous for 46 species of rhododendrons.
After arriving at Paro, you would be transferred to you Hotel for Check In. Post lunch, you explore the Paro valley in your Motor Bikes.
Later you ride back to the hotel. Evening is free for leisure activities and shopping.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 11. Paro - Phuentsholing:
Distance: 180 Kms; Riding Time: 5 hrs 6 minutes; Altitude of Paro 2,280 m
Today after breakfast, you ride back to Phuentsholing.
Day 12. Drive to Bagdogra and Depart:
Today we will bid farewell to this beautiful country. We hope by now you must have made some good friends and also have taken photographs and beautiful memories of Bhutan. We certainly hope of serving you again on your next visit to this great country or the Last Shangri-La. Tashi Delek.