Update : 2018 Rides are completed Successfully. Here is our Vlog from Bhutan.
Will Update the next ride dates soon. In case any queries, get in touch through email or facebook or Instagram.
Day 1
Siliguri to Phuentsholing
160kms 5hrs
Day 2
Phuentsholing to Thimphu
170kms 6hrs
Day 3
Thimphu day with local sightseeing and shopping
Walking around and exploring is a good idea.
Day 4
Thimphu to Punakha
90kms 3hrs
Day 5
Punakha to Paro
130kms 4hrs
Day 6
Paro Day. Trekking to the amazing Tiger Nest Monastery is done on this day.
If time permits, you can explore more of Paro.
Day 7
Paro to Phuentsholing
160kms 5hrs
Day 8
Phuentsholing to Siliguri
160kms 5hrs
Bidding adieu to a memorable trip.
* You bring your own bike * If you are joining as a pillion
We provide you a 350cc RE
All necessary permits for the bikes and Visas
Accommodation in 3 star hotels on twin sharing basis
Breakfast on every day
Bike maintenance
Experienced Trip leaders for the whole trip
Helmets and bike spares
Special activities if time permits
Lunch and Dinner
Fuel charges
Monument Entry
Any other expenses not mentioned in the inclusion list
We have 15 slots open for this trip. If you are interested in booking this tour with us, get in touch with us through email or whatsapp.
You can join as a Pillion also depending on the availability. The cost to join as a pillion is 29,999/- Do get in touch with us to know the availability.
Hurry up, Booking will be done on First come First served basis.
Send us a mail at hello@trablogger.com
So what are you waiting for?! Join the adventure of a lifetime, ride with us on a 10 days trip through Bhutan, the land of thunder dragon.
If you have ever dreamed of riding through the mesmerizing and dramatic landscapes of Bhutan, here is your chance.
I am teaming up with an ace rider, traveler and an unsung hero Manjunath Avula, who has done many Himalayan rides and completed almost 80% of India on his motorbike solo. Manjunath will be your ride leader.
Manjunath is an avid traveler and rider. He is part of the Hubli based riding club 99 Cannons.
Only a few of the Indian states are left for him to explore on his motorcycle. Once he has done 8000kms in 16 days from Hubli to Nepal, Bhutan and back to Hubli making a big circle around India. Though he enjoys motorcycle rides more, he has traveled far and wide through other means too. Walking almost 600kms all the way from Hubli to Mumbai is one such feat! He has done many hitchhiking trips in India and abroad. He has ridden bikes through South East Asian countries as well. Also he has trekked many mountains and surfed many waves!
But out of all these things he takes pride to call himself a true rider. In his motorcycling community he is nicknamed as ‘Director’ and has led many group rides for his biking club, 99 Cannons. So for this 10 day ride in Bhutan, you are in some of the safest hands.
I will be co-leading and coordinating this 10 day Bhutan bike ride along with the Ride Leader. I met Manjunath during my indefinite unplanned solo bike ride on my old and trusty 150cc Hunk, to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the bike. On a chance coincidence, we met and we became friends. And now we are organising this trip for you. Hopefully my experience with one month of Basic Mountaineering Course in Jammu and Kashmir can help the group with hiking in Paro towards the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Having led many walking and cycling tours, I believe I can entertain the group with some local stories from Bhutan. We are also planning some travel photography sessions too. For those who are new to my blog you can learn some more about me here.
An international road trip at an affordable price.
A chance to experience the intriguing culture of Bhutan.
A lot of memories to keep. Yes, we take pictures for you!
A lot of stories to share. We can make videos too, for you!!
Practical advice on riding safety and minor bike maintenance.
Bring your own Bungee cord, we will prepare you for your next solo ride!
A short course on improving travel photography.
And many travel stories to share over a dinner.
Day 0 : Arriving at Siliguri
To Reach Siliguri, you can fly in to Bagdogra airport or take a train to New Jalpaiguri railway station. You can walk around, visit a few monasteries in Siliguri and maybe do some last minute shopping needed for your Bhutan motorbike trip.
Day 1 : Riding from Siliguri to Phuentsholing
This is your first day of the ride. We will meet at the designated meeting point. We will do a quick meet and greet and then our Ride Leader will brief you about the ride. After a quick run through to the routes and first day’s schedules, you are almost ready for the ride. Ride leader will tell you more about the ride safety, group riding signals and rules. We recommend you to bring your own riding gear. We provide you with helmets. Also please do carry a couple of bungee cords for your luggage. We want you to experience a real motorbiking trip!
After the briefing, we are ready to ride! Your first ride starts from Siliguri to Phuentsholing. After about 160kms of ride, we will reach Phuentsholing. This will the place we will be halting for the night.
Day 2 : Riding from Phuentsholing to Thimphu
On this day we need to get some permits before we can begin to ride in rest of Bhutan. After breakfast, for the next few hours we will be busy procuring the required permits. Once the permits are ready, we will start our exciting trip through Bhutan. The ride is from Phuentsholing to Thimphu. It takes around 6 hours or more depending upon how relaxed you want to ride enjoying the scenic beauty of Bhutan. Night halt will be at Thimphu. If time permits, you can walk around and explore Thimphu. If you are looking for some night life in Bhutan, Thimphu is the best place!
Day 3 : Exploring Thimphu city
Thimphu is the capital of Kingdom of Bhutan. It is one among the two capital cities in Asia without traffic lights. The main traffic is controlled by traffic police-men wearing white gloves. This itself will be a different experience for the riders!
During the city tour Clock tower square, Buddha Dordenma, Changangkha Lhakhang, Semtokha Dzong, Tashichhodzong view point, National Textile Museum, Memorial Chorten are some of the important places that we will visit. It is a good mix of scenery, culture and spirituality.
Day 4 : Riding from Thimphu to Punakha
After breakfast we will start riding towards Punakha through one of the most beautiful mountain passes in the world, Dochula pass. If weather permits, you get grand views of the Himalayan range. On the way we can visit Druk Wangyel Monastery too. Punakha Dzong is another major stop on the day which is one of the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. Also there is this beautiful confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu. At the end of the day chill at the hotel room getting ready for the next day’s ride. Depending on the time availability some fun activities or story sharing sessions will be arranged.
Day 5 : Riding from Punakha to Paro
Finally the day you were waiting all the while is coming closer. We are riding towards Paro. For most of the people the first thought that comes to their mind after hearing the name Bhutan would be ‘Tiger’s Nest Monastery’ in Paro. Punakha to Paro is a very short ride compared to other days. Once we reach Paro almost after two hours of ride, its time to explore Paro. You can take it slow and visit Paro market, spend some time shopping and get some souvenirs to take back home. If you feel like riding some more Drugyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang some of the options which are not too far.
Day 6 : Hiking in Paro
Finally the day has arrived which you were waiting for all the while. We are going to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Our point of interest is clinging from a cliff 3,000 feet high! Due to its location, the only way to get to the monastery is by hiking. It is three hours hike uphill from the road point. The view of Paro valley from the monastery is breathtaking. We are giving ample time of 6 to 7 hours to finish the hike. If you still have much energy left at the end of the trek, the evening is free for you to explore Paro more.
Day 7 : Riding from Paro to Phuentsholing
Its time to make the return journey. We will be riding back to Phuentsholing after breakfast. Its about 160kms and 5 hours of ride. If you are feeling fresh and ready to explore Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, Karbandi Monastery and Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre are some of the options you can try by yourself.
Day 8 : Riding from Phuentsholing to Siliguri
Time to get back to India and back to usual life! We will be riding after the breakfast from Phuentsholing. We will be tracing the same route back to Siliguri. Once we reach Siliguri and a group photograph and exchanging numbers and goodbye we will part our ways with a promise to meet again soon.
Bhutan is so much different from India. The laws are stricter and fines are higher. So you have to be extra careful while riding in Bhutan. Helmets are mandatory. Rash driving is an offense. CCTVs are everywhere and watching you. So no more cutting corners.
Bhutan is one of the least corrupt countries in the world. So please DO NOT even think about any shortcuts.
Public smoking and drinking is not allowed and invites heavy fines.
Indian ATM cards might not work in Bhutan all the time. So it is better you are prepared and carry enough cash. 500s and 2000s have to be converted into Bhutanese ngultrum at the border itself. (1 INR = 1 BTN)
Carry at least one more original ID proof apart from your Driving License. It is always a good idea to have more photocopies of your ID proofs with you. Aadhar card is NOT recommended much. You should have passport AND voters ID.
Fuels prices are much cheaper in Bhutan compared to India, so you don’t have to worry too much about fuel costs!
Booking Charges : 50% of the total cost.
Before 10 days before the trip, full refund of booking Charges.
Less than 10 days before the trip, No refund on booking charges.
Documents
Ride related items
Personal Items
Do try to pack minimal and carry a light weight luggage.
Update : Contest Winner has been announced on Trablogger Instagram Page. Check it out for more updates. But worry not, if you are still ready to bring in more people, you might still get a full cashback on your trip!
Here is your chance to win this trip for FREE. All you have to do is, Share the Contest post which we have published on Facebook and Instagram and follow the instructions we have mentioned there. So head over to the Facebook and Instagram page and join the party.
