Bhutan Suggested Motorcycling Itinerary 9 days/8 nights
Day 1. Arrive at Paro Airport in Bhutan
On arrival at Paro airport you will be met
by your guide and transferred by road to your overnight accommodation. Late
morning your be given a briefing and orientation of your Royal Enfield
Motorcycle.
Enjoy a Motorcycling Tour of Paro this afternoon. Options include a visit to
the Paro Dzong with it's cantilever bridge, or visit Ta Dzong the national
museum housed in an ancient watchtower and view the fine collection of ancient
Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and other artifacts.
Overnight Paro Valley - Hotel TBA
Day 2. Explore the Paro Valley.
Today's options include a hike to Taktsang
Monastery (Tiger Nest) viewpoint. The monastery clings impossibly to a cliff of
rock at 3000ft above the valley floor. Take a ride out to the old ruined
fortress of Drukgyel Dzong the historical site of the Fort of Drukpa Victory. On
a clear day views of the 24,000ft sacred Mt Chomolhari snowed domed peaks can be
seen. On your return trip from Drukgyel cross over the suspension bridge Lango
village travel on a farm road which passes through many small villages. If time
permits ride down to south Paro for dinner/cocktails in a very old traditional
Bhutanese village house with the chance to experience a hot stone bath.
Overnight Paro Valley - Hotel TBA
Day 3. Paro Valley to
Thimphu - travelling time 1.5 hrs.
* side trip to Tango Goemba 1hr
10 mins.
This morning travel to Bhutan's
capital Thimphu. Take a ride
north up the Thimphu Valley and hike to Tango Goemba. This
afternoon you options include a visit to the national textile museum,
handicraft
emporium, institute of the thirteen crafts
or take a ride up to
the telecom tower via the Takin Preserve and enjoy a stunning view of the
valley.
Overnight Thimphu - Hotel TBA
Day 4. Thimphu to Phobjikha Valley - travelling time 5hrs.
This morning
depart Thimphu, pass the
Semtokha Dzong built in 1629 and once the oldest fortress of its kind that
guarded the Thimphu valley. Today it is a Theological university.Stop
at Dochu La to view 108 Stupas and on a clear day you will witness a
breathtaking view of the eastern Himalaya. Depending on the time of the
year that you are visiting, the vista can vary from alpine snow to a profusion
of rhododendron blossoms splashed among the soft green of the wild herbs and
forest trees. Enroute you will pass
the dramatic
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong comes into view, notice the large cacti that cover the
hillside below. These were planted long ago to discourage invaders from climbing
the steep slope to the Dzong. On your journey you can also view Rinchengang one
of Bhutan’s oldest villages. This small village did not have access to
water, electricity or schooling until the early 1990’s. The craftsmen of
Rinchengang are sort after for their skills in construction of Dzongs and
Lhakhangs.
Around the valley the only
electricity is from solar or mini hydro plants. The valley is snowbound during
the winter months. Potatoes are this regions primary cash crop and are exported
to India. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black
Mountains and is one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan. It is also
one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country and the winter home
of the rare black necked crane. There are also muntjaks (barking deer), wild
boars, sambars, himalayan black bears, leopards and red foxes. While you are
here why not stop and visit the Black Crane nature information centre, carpet
factory and the sacred Gangtey Monastery. Between late October and early
February you can view the roosting place of the black cranes from a hide about
15 minute walk from the road.
Overnight Phobjikha Valley – Hotel TBA
Day 5. At leisure today in the Phobjikha Valley.
At leisure to explore the Phobjikha Valley as
per the suggestions above. Why not try one of the many hikes available in this
region.
Overnight Phobjikha Valley - Hotel TBA
Day 6. Phobjikha Valley to
Punakha Valley - travelling time 2hrs 30mins
* side trip approx 1hr
Transfer westwards to the Punakha Valley.
Perhaps
take a detour at Wangdue
down the valley to
view the rare Golden Languars (monkeys) or just wander through the traditional
shopping strip (soon to be demolished).
If time permits this afternoon visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama
Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman), is a 20 minute walk from the
road at Sepsokha to the temple. It is believed that childless women who visit
the temple will conceive after receiving a “wang” (blessing).
Watch out for Great Black Cormorants fishing
beside the river.
Overnight Punakha Valley - Hotel TBA
Day 7. At leisure in the Punakha Valley.
Visit
the Punakha Dzong, the second of Bhutan’s Dzongs which previously served as the
seat of the government. Punakha Dzong is still the winter residence of the
Dratsheng (Central Monk Body) and holds the title as the winter capital because
of its more temperate climate. Enjoy one of the many hikes available this
afternoon.
Overnight Punakha Valley - Hotel TBA
Day 8. Punakha Valley to Paro Valley - travelling time 4hrs 30mins.
After a leisurely breakfast this morning
enjoy your ride back to the Paro Valley. This afternoon your motorcycle
need to be returned. Tonight enjoy your farewell dinner.
Overnight Paro Valley - Hotel TBA
Day 9.
Depart your hotel this morning for your onward flight from Bhutan.
Bhutan motorcycle tours 08/09 registration form