Himalayan Highway Tour Land Package Costs
US$3778.00 per person twin share. (rider)
US$3618.00 per person twin share. (pillion)
Payments by credit card are accepted however a 1.5-2.5% surcharge applies.
Drukair airfares to from Paro are additional
Please click here for Drukair schedules and costs
Motorcycle Bhutan Land Package Inclusions
Motorcycle Hire
Services of trained mechanics
Rental charges of support truck
Comprehensive insurance on motorcycle
Spare parts for normal wear & tear.
Accommodation with private facilities – 3 star standard
All Meals
Entrance Fees
Sightseeing
Airport Transfers
Guide and back-up luggage vehicle
Witness the spectacle of the Padsel-Ling Kuchod (festival)
Complimentary cocktail party
Motorcycle Fuel Additional – please budget US$12.00 per day.
Available On Request
Single Room Supplement (US$ 330.00)
Upgrade to Business Class on Drukair
Ex-Australia Flight Arrangements
Bangkok Stopovers & Additional Travel Arrangements.
Monday 04 June
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 you’ll be given a briefing and orientation of your Royal Enfield Motorcycle.
Enjoy a motorcycle tour of Paro this afternoon. Take a ride out to the old ruined fortress of Drugyel Dzong the historical site of the Fort of Drukpa Victory. On a clear day views of the 24,000ft sacred Mt Chomolhari snow domed peaks can be seen. On your return trip from Drugyel cross over the suspension bridge at 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 – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel
Tuesday 05 June
Explore The Haa Valley.
Today take a full day excursion ride to Haa Valley via the Chelela Pass on Bhutan’s highest road. Picturesque Haa is an isolated valley south west of Paro and was only opened to tourists in 2001. Around the Haa valley are many scattered monasteries and reputedly the oldest nunnery. The staple crops in this large fertile valley are millet, wheat, barley and potatoes.
Overnight Paro Valley – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel
Wednesday 06 June
Paro Valley to Punakha Valley (4 hrs 30 mins)
This morning depart Paro for Punakha valley. Stop at Dochu La (pass) to view the 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.
If time permits this afternoon visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman), which is a 20 minute walk from the road at Sepsokha. 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 – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel
Thursday 07 June
Punakha Valley to Trongsa, (4hrs 30mins)
Enroute you will pass the dramatic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. When this 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 sought after for their skills in construction of Dzongs and Lhakhangs. Continue on to Trongsa via the Pele La (Pass) which crosses through the Black Mountains National Park and divides western and central Bhutan and this can often be the best place in Bhutan to see yaks from the road.
Passing the village of Rukubji, surrounded by extensive fields of mustard, potatoes, barley and wheat, keep a watchful eye out for Rhesus Macaques (Brown Monkeys) which can congregate on the side of the road in large numbers. Trongsa Dzong is perched at the end of the ridge and seems to hang in space at the head of the valley. The Dzong’s location afforded it great power over this part of the country as the only foot and mule trail between east and western Bhutan lead straight through Trongsa and through the Dzong itself. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the Royal Family of Bhutan.
This afternoon, if time permits, ride south of Trongsa to the winter palace of the second King Jigme Wangchuck and passing Takse Goemba, several huge waterfalls and the fertile rice terraces of the Mangde Chhu valley.
Overnight Trongsa – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel
Friday 08 June
Trongsa to Bumthang Valley (Jakar) (2 hrs 30 mins) FESTIVAL
Continuing eastwards to the central Bumthang region which encompasses four major valleys Choekhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume. Today and tomorrow you have the option to witness the spectacle of the Padsel-Ling Kuchod festival held at the Padsel-Ling Gompa in Choekhor valley. Alternatively take a walk through the main town and up to the Tamshing Monastery, where about 200 Monks reside, or visit Wangdicholing Palaceand the Jambay & Kurjey Lhakhangs, which are the oldest monasteries in the kingdom. All the Kings of Bhutan are cremated at Kurjey Lhakhang.
Overnight Bumthang Valley – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel
Saturday 09 June:
At leisure to explore the Bumthang Valleys. FESTIVAL
Aside from the festival your options today include a visit to the Swiss farm to taste sweet cheese, apple brandy and locally brewed wine and beer. Notice the large fields of buckwheat that cover the valley, and so buckwheat noodles and pancakes are a Bumthang specialty. Also consider a visit the Mebartsho (Burning Lake), a short walk from the roadside, which is one of the many sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites or a longer day excursion to the village of Ura in the Ura valley. This is the highest valley in Bumthang and believed by some to have been the home of the earliest inhabitants. Ura gives you an insight into how the central Bhutanese lived in ancient times and the cobbled streets of this very traditional village give a medieval feel. The old women of this region still wear sheepskin shawls on their backs which double as a blanket and cushion.
Overnight Bumthang Valley – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel
Sunday 10 June
Bumthang Valley to Phobjikha Valley. (4 hrs 30 mins)
This morning return westwards to the Phobjikha Valley. The valley is snowbound during the winter months and potatoes are this regions primary cash crop which 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 and our favourite! It is also one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country and the winter home of the rare Black Necked Crane where between late October and early February you can view the roosting place of these birds from a hide about 15 minutes walk from the road. There are also muntjaks (barking deer), wild boar, sambar, himalayan black bear, leopard and red foxes. While you are here why not stop and visit the Black Crane nature information centre, carpet factory, the sacred Gangtey Monastery and be sure not to miss a hike on one of the valley nature trails.
Overnight Phobjikha Valley – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel
Monday 11 June
Phobjikha Valley to Punakha Valley (4 hrs) incl side trip.
At leisure this morning to explore the Phobjikha Valley before departing for Punakha. See above for options in the valley. Consider a detour at Wangdue and travel south down the valley to view the rare Golden Languars (monkeys).
Overnight Punakha Valley – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel
Tuesday 12 June
At leisure in the Punakha Valley.
This morning visit the Punakha Dzong, the second of Bhutan’s Dzongs, and the finest in the Kingdon, 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. This afternoon, if time permits, enjoy one of the many short hikes or village walks available in this area or take a ride up to Laptshaka for a beautiful view of the mountains.
Overnight Punakha Valley – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel
Wednesday 13 June
Punakha Valley to Thimphu (2hrs 45 mins)
A leisurely morning ride westwards back over the Docu La to Thimphu, Bhutan’s quirky capital city. Pass the Semtokha Dzong built in 1629, and once the oldest fortress of its kind that guarded the Thimphu valley, but today is a Theological university. This afternoon choose between a number of visits including the handicraft emporium, Zorig Chusum (institute of the thirteen crafts), Textiles Museum (well worth a look), a saunter through the city to check out shops, bars and snooker halls… or take a ride up to the telecom tower via the Takin Preserve and enjoy a stunning view of the valley. Thimphu’s nightlife is safe and fun so enjoy some local bars and nightclubs!
Overnight Thimphu Valley – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel
Thursday 14 June
Thimphu Valley to Paro Valley (1hr 15mins)
After a leisurely breakfast this morning enjoy your ride back to the Paro Valley. Cap off your Bhutan experience with an afternoon hike to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest) viewpoint (2hrs round trip maximum). The monastery clings impossibly to a cliff of rock at 3000ft above the valley floor. Return your motorcycle this afternoon and tonight enjoy your farewell dinner.
Overnight Paro Valley – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel
Friday 15 June
Early morning departure to Paro airport for your onward flight.
