Bhutan·12 - 20 November 2026
Bhutan : Small-Group Motorcycle Journey
9 day adventure | 6 days in the saddle | Bhutan's western valleys | Paro, Haa, Thimphu, Gangtey, Bumthang and Punakha, and Dochula Pass
Overview
Bhutan doesn't do mass tourism. It does high-value, low-volume, and has built its whole travel policy around keeping it that way. Which is exactly why it's the right country to ride. This is a nine-day journey, 6 days riding through Bhutan's most storied western and central valleys. You'll start in Paro, drop into the remote Haa Valley, ride through Thimphu via Chelela Pass, cross the Dochula Pass at 3,100m into Punakha, sweep through the Phobjikha Valley and up to the spiritual heartland of Bumthang. You'll trek to the Tiger's Nest monastery on your last full day — the one everyone comes to Bhutan for — and have well and truly earned it by then.
Highlights
Type of Rider
You should be comfortable with a four- to six-hour day in the saddle, switchback mountain passes, variable road quality, and the occasional truck or yak on your line. If you've ridden the Alps, the Atlas, Vietnam's Ha Giang Loop or similar — you'll be fine. This is not an endurance ride. It's a cultural-discovery trip with the country's big-name stops, on a bike, with some longer days bookended by valley exploring. Challenge is part of the appeal — but the real reward here is the access, not the mileage.
The Route
Western and central Bhutan, looped. Arrive in Paro, ride south into the remote Haa Valley, north to Thimphu via Chelela Pass, east across Dochula Pass into Punakha, continue to the glacial bowl of Phobjikha (Gangtey), climb to the spiritual valley of Bumthang — then return to Paro for the Tiger's Nest trek and departure.
Your Motorcycle
This is independent travel, without the guesswork. You drive your own Royal Enfield motorbike between hand-picked Bhutanese hotels, using a proven route as your backbone — and taking as many detours as the road invites.
Hosts
Every Large Minority ride goes out with a trip leader who knows the route, the bike, and how to read a group — and on Bhutan, that's Don Nico.
Nicolo Panigada
Don Nico has spent decades leading riders across continents — desert crossings, high-altitude passes, the kind of terrain that doesn't fit on a standard itinerary. He brings deep international experience, certified medical and emergency response training, and the kind of calm that matters most when the weather turns or the terrain bites back.
Well connected across the global motorcycle scene, he rides because he loves it — not because it's his job. On a Large Minority trip, that translates into a leader who reads the group, knows the road, and gets riders to the end of each day with a story worth telling.
Schedule
Previous
Next
DAY 1
Arrival Paro
Touch down at one of the world's most dramatic airports, hemmed in by Himalayan peaks. Your guide meets you on the ground. After lunch, a visit to the National Museum and the iconic Ringpung Dzong sets the tone. Evening briefing with your road captain. The adventure starts tomorrow.
Overnight: Jewel Heritage, Paro — 2,200m
DAY 2
Paro to Haa — 105km
4 hours riding
First day in the saddle. You climb out of Paro via /chunzom before dropping into the Haa Valley — one of Bhutan's most remote and least-visited valleys. Lunch at a family farm home with a taste of Hoentay, a local dumpling made only here. An afternoon ride around the valley floor.
Overnight: Sonam Zhingkham Lodge, Haa — 2,700m
DAY 3
Haa to Thimphu — 109km
4 hours riding
Over Chelela and on to the capital. The riding is as good as it gets — high passes, switchbacks, big views. Lunch at Babesa Village on the outskirts of Thimphu, then a ride up to the giant sitting Buddha overlooking the city and a stop at the Royal Takin Preserve. Evening free to explore Thimphu's surprisingly lively centre.
Overnight: City Heritage, Thimphu — 2,300m
DAY 4
Thimphu to Gangtey — 124km
4 hours riding
The Dochula Pass at 3,100m is the high point — literally and figuratively. On a clear day, the Himalayan panorama from here is one of the best views in the country. Drop down into Punakha for lunch, then push on to the Phobjikha Valley — a glacial bowl and winter home of the endangered black-necked crane.
Overnight: Dewachen or Pinewood Resort, Gangtey — 2,900m
DAY 5
Gangtey to Bumthang — 163km
5 hours riding
You climb steadily into Bhutan's spiritual heartland — a wide, pine-scented valley that feels like the country's quiet centre. Lunch stop at Willing Waterfall Cafe. Afternoon to explore Jakar, the valley's main town.
Overnight: Jakar Village Lodge, Bumthang — 2,800m
DAY 6
Bumthang to Punakha — 215km
6 hours riding
A full day's riding back west, dropping dramatically in altitude as you go. Lunch en route, then a visit to Chimmi Lhakhang — the fertility temple — before checking in to your hotel in the warm, low-lying Punakha valley. You've earned tonight's dinner.
Overnight: Zen, Punakha — 1,200m
DAY 7
Punakha to Paro — 115km
3.5 hours riding
A morning visit to Punakha Dzong — the most beautiful fortress monastery in the country, sitting at the confluence of two rivers. Then the final ride back to Paro. Afternoon to stroll the town. Last night on the road.
Overnight: Jewel Heritage, Paro — 2,200m
DAY 8
Tiger's Nest
No bikes today. A short transfer to the trailhead, then a three-hour trek up to Paro Taktsang — the Tiger's Nest monastery, clinging to a cliff face at 3,120m. You've crossed the whole country to get here. Lunch at a family farm home, farewell dinner in the evening.
Overnight: Jewel Heritage, Paro — 2,200m
DAY 9
Departure Day
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight home.
What's Included
What's Included
Accommodation - twin share basis. Single supplement available.
All meals throughout the adventure
Royal Enfield Himalayan 420 Motorbike hire
A qualified Bhutanese guide
Large Minority trip leader
24/7 phone backup throughout the trip
Paro airport arrival & departure transfers
All Bhutanese government fees — Sustainable Development Fee (which covers your entry permit / visa), entry and monument fees, permits
All activities and experiences listed in the itinerary
Backup luggage truck and mechanic crew
All fuel for duration of adventure
A helmet
What's Not Included
International flights
Day to day costs (drinks, gratuities etc)
Single-room supplement (optional - see pricing)
Travel Medical Insurance
Motorbike rental deposit (1000 GBP)
Damage to the motorbike — parts and labor for rider-caused breakdowns, typically £40–£150 depending on severity, billed on the ground
Motorbike gear, jacket, boots etc
Motorcycle licence and International Driving Permit with motorcycle endorsement (required)
Gallery
Trip Tips
You Should Know
This is a supported self-drive adventure. You're the driver. A trip leader rides with the group, a backup vehicle carries luggage, tools and a mechanic. You're independent, but not unsupported. You need motorbike experience and a licence. November in Bhutan is cold. Clear blue skies, crisp riding days, sub-zero nights in the higher valleys. Pack for layers. Altitude sits between 1,200m and 3,120m. Most days are in the 2,000–3,000m band. Take the first day easy. There are six riding days out of nine. Day 1 is an arrival day. Days 2–7 are in the saddle, covering Haa, Thimphu, Gangtey, Bumthang and Punakha before returning to Paro. Day 8 is the Tiger's Nest trek on foot. Day 9 is departure. We're up-front about this — it's a cultural-discovery trip on bikes, not an endurance ride. The access is the reward. Bring your own riding gear (except the helmet). The helmet comes with the bike; everything else is on you. Jacket, gloves, riding trousers, proper boots. Mid-November on a Himalayan 450 at 3,100m is cold, and there's no shop in Bhutan that'll kit you out at short notice — pack what you'd ride the Alps in November in.
Giving Back
Every guest on this trip contributes to various projects from sponsoring a nursing student through the Royal Thimphu College, to partnerships with the Tarayana Foundation, to tree planting in Lamperi Botanical Park with Green Bhutan Corporation.
Add Ons
You'll Be Staying Here
Bhutan Hotels
You’ll be staying in these or similar handpicked hotels/ homestays. Final accommodations may vary depending on availability and group size, but we always ensure properties of the same comfort and standard.
Jewel Heritage, Paro
Sonam Zhingkham Lodge, Haa
City Heritage , Thimpu
Dewachen Hotel
Jakar Village Lodge, Bumthang
Zen, Punakha
FAQs
Do I need a motorbike licence?
Yes. A valid motorbike licence is required. No exceptions.
What bike will I be riding?
ou'll be on a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 — the right tool for the job. Capable, comfortable and well-suited to Bhutan's mountain roads.
What experience level do I need?
You should be comfortable with four- to six-hour days in the saddle, mountain switchbacks and variable road surfaces. If you've ridden the Alps, the Atlas or Vietnam's Ha Giang Loop — you'll be fine.
Is there support on the road?
Yes. A trip leader rides with the group throughout. A backup vehicle follows with your luggage, tools and a mechanic. You're independent, but never unsupported.
What is Bhutan's visa situation?
All visitors to Bhutan require a visa and pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). We'll guide you through the process once booked — it's straightforward but needs to be arranged in advance.
The SDF is included in our price.
How many people are in the group?
This is a small-group trip of about 6 riders. Numbers are kept deliberately low to maintain the quality of the experience.