Trip Summary
- Duration: 12 Days, 11 Nights
- Trip Name: 12 Day Bhutan Motorcycle Expedition led by Joe Cummings
- Expedition Leader: Joe Cummings
- Total Riding Distance: Approximately 1,350 km
- Motorcycle: Royal Enfield Himalayan
- Maximum Elevation: 3,800 meters
- Riding Level: Experienced mountain riders
- Arrival: Paro International Airport PBH
- Departure: Paro International Airport PBH
This 12 Day Bhutan Motorcycle Expedition led by Joe Cummings crosses Bhutan from subtropical foothills at 250 meters to high Himalayan passes approaching 4,000 meters. The route has been designed with natural altitude progression and built in acclimatisation. Each riding day connects landscapes, culture, and terrain into a continuous Himalayan traverse led personally by Joe Cummings.
BHUTAN
Bhutan is one of the last places on earth where travel still feels like a privilege rather than a product. Tucked deep in the Himalayas between India and Tibet, this small Buddhist kingdom has protected its landscapes, traditions, and way of life with a quiet determination that makes every journey feel rare—and every mile feel earned.
For motorcycle riders, Bhutan is pure magic. The roads climb through pine forests and rhododendron valleys, twist along rivers fed by glacial melt, and rise into high mountain passes draped with fluttering prayer flags. One moment you’re carving smooth switchbacks with snowcapped peaks on the horizon; the next you’re rolling into a remote village where farmers work the fields by hand and children wave as you pass.
But Bhutan is more than scenery. It is a living culture—monasteries clinging to cliffs, ancient dzongs guarding fertile valleys, and festivals filled with masked dances, horns, and drums. Even the simplest roadside stop becomes a window into a country shaped by spirituality, hospitality, and deep respect for nature.
This 12 Day Bhutan Motorcycle Expedition ride is not just a tour. It’s an invitation into the heart of the Himalayas—an unforgettable adventure in a place the modern world has barely touched.
JOE CUMMINGS
Your Bhutan adventure will be led by Joe Cummings, a veteran travel writer and one of Asia’s most respected travel experts. With decades of experience exploring back roads, hidden valleys, and cultural heartlands across Asia, Joe brings far more to this journey than simple navigation. Instead, he offers deep regional insight, trusted local access, and the seasoned instincts of someone who has spent his life researching, documenting, and leading travellers through extraordinary places. As a result, you gain perspective that goes beyond the route itself, along with context that strengthens every mile of the expedition.
Beyond his work as a writer, Joe is also a seasoned tour leader and travel consultant, trusted by an impressive roster of international clients that includes Mick Jagger, Steven Tyler, Anthony Bourdain, and Disney Studios. His ability to blend logistics with local knowledge—and to turn travel into something deeper and more authentic—has made him a sought-after guide for travelers who want more than just highlights.
Joe is also a passionate motorcyclist and the proud owner of a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. As a result, he rides regularly and knows the machine inside and out. Consequently, he brings practical riding experience to every expedition. In addition, his hands on familiarity with Royal Enfield motorcycles ensures confident leadership on challenging mountain roads.
For this 12 Day Bhutan Motorcycle Expedition, each participant will ride a rugged and reliable Royal Enfield Himalayan—the perfect machine for Bhutan’s mountain roads, high passes, and winding valleys.
With Joe leading the way, this is more than a motorcycle tour. Instead, it is a rare opportunity to experience Bhutan through the eyes of someone who truly understands the art of travel. As a result, you gain deeper access, richer context, and a more meaningful journey from start to finish.
THE TRIP
Our 12-day itinerary starts by following Bhutan’s more-established riding corridors through the inspiring central mountains from west to east. From there, we get into less-explored territory, riding from central to southern Bhutan. Unpaved and semi-paved roads wind through lower mountains and valleys and take us to rarely visited Zhemgang, which boasts the best-preserved traditional village in the country. From there our route continues to Gelephu, a small district where Gelephu Mindfulness City, an international Buddhist smart city, is currently under development.
The trip then heads into scenic and historic Punakha Valley, followed by Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu, to indulge in both culture and comfort. Between Thimphu and Paro, we’ll ride over Chele La (3,988 meters/13,083 feet), Bhutan’s highest motorable mountain pass, into Haa Valley, known for quiet roads, traditional life, and distinctive local cuisine, and the following day finish at Paro, Bhutan’s second largest town and site of the international airport.
The roads are paved but mountainous. Riders should be comfortable with sustained climbs, tight curves, high passes, and shifting mountain weather. This expedition is suited to confident riders with prior touring experience.
Itinerary for 12 Day Bhutan Motorcycle Expedition led by Joe Cummings
Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport, transfer to Thimphu
Arrive in Paro and meet your riding team. Private transfer to Thimphu for a relaxed first evening and a short acclimatisation to altitude.
Day 02: Thimphu to Trongsa
Ride east along Bhutan’s main mountain highway, crossing high passes and changing ecosystems as you move into central Bhutan. This is a full riding day.
Day 03: Trongsa to Zhemgang Valley
Ride from Trongsa into the less-travelled south-central region, entering the Zhemgang landscape of deep valleys and forested ridgelines.
Day 04: Zhemgang exploration, heritage village focus
A full day to explore Zhemgang’s rural character and traditional settlement life. This day stays intentionally light on riding to allow meaningful time on foot, local interactions, and photography.
Day 05: Zhemgang to Gelephu
Descend from the interior hills toward Bhutan’s southern plains, with warmer air, broader horizons, and scenery seldom seen by most international visitors.
Day 06: Gelephu to Punakha via Tsirang
Ride north again through Tsirang, climbing from the lowlands back into the central valleys, finishing in Punakha.
Day 07: Punakha sightseeing day
A full day in one of Bhutan’s signature valleys. Visit the Buddhist fortified monastery of Punakha Dzong and key valley viewpoints, with time for a short optional ride loop if the group prefers.
Day 8: Punakha to Thimphu
Return ride to the capital via scenic Dochula Pass, arriving in Thimphu for a comfortable evening and city access.
Day 09: Thimphu sightseeing day
A full day to cover Thimphu’s highlights, market areas, and cultural landmarks, with flexibility built in for rider rest, bike checks, and shopping.
Day 10: Thimphu to Haa Valley, then continue to Paro
Ride over Bhutan’s highest motorable mountain pass into Haa Valley, known for quiet roads, traditional life, and distinctive local cuisine, then continue to Paro for overnight.
Day 11: Tiger’s Nest hike, Paro valley ride to Drukgyel and Jomolhari area viewpoints.
Early hike to Taktsang Temple, then a late-afternoon ride option in the upper Paro valley toward Drukgyel and the Jomolhari trek trailhead zone. Depending on weather and road conditions, ride to viewpoints near Tshendona village or toward Lhading Gompa for Paro Chhu valley views.
Final celebration evening in Paro.
Day 12: Depart Bhutan
Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure.
Trip Route Map
Notes
- This itinerary follows proven Bhutan motorcycle routing for west and central highlights, then adds the less common Zhemgang and Gelephu sector for a rare south-central riding experience. 
- The Trongsa, Zhemgang, and Gelephu segments are long, remote, and high value for serious riders. We need full days here due to terrain and limited roadside services. 
- Gelephu adds a different Bhutan, warm lowlands and the site of the planned Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Expedition Support and Safety on this 12 Day Bhutan Motorcycle Expedition
Every departure operates with a full professional support structure.
- A Bhutanese motorcycle guide rides with the group.
- A dedicated mechanic rides with the group, whose motorcycle functions as a spare if required.
- A support vehicle with driver follows throughout, carrying luggage, tools, and spare parts.
- The vehicle remains available at all times should a rider require assistance or choose to rest off the bike. This level of coverage reflects the operational standards of Truly Bhutan Travel.
- Guides are trained in first aid. Daily briefings review route conditions, elevation, and weather.
Connectivity
- Wi Fi is available in most hotels. Coverage becomes limited in remote valleys and high mountain regions.
Accommodation
- Accommodation has been selected for comfort, authenticity, and character. You stay in a curated mix of boutique hotels, regional lodges, eco retreats, and traditional Bhutanese farmhouses, all locally owned.
- After long days in the saddle, you return to hot showers, clean rooms, and generous meals prepared with regional ingredients.
- Twin share is standard. A single supplement is available on request.
What Is Not Included
- Personal travel insurance. Coverage must explicitly include motorcycle riding and medical evacuation.
- Personal riding gear including helmet, boots, jacket, and gloves.
Alcohol, soft drinks, and snacks outside scheduled meals. - Optional single room supplement.
- Tips for staff, at your discretion.
- USD 570 refundable cash damage deposit per rider, payable locally and refunded after inspection at the end of the expedition.
What to Bring
Riding Gear
- Bring your own properly fitted full face helmet and protective riding gear.
- Armoured jacket and pants.
- Protective gloves.
- Sturdy over the ankle riding boots.
- Waterproof outer layer.
- Eye protection or goggles.
Helmets are compulsory for riders and pillions. An indemnity form must be signed prior to departure. Proper riding gear is required at all times.
Clothing
- Layered clothing for subtropical valleys and high altitude passes.
- Thermal base layers.
- Warm fleece or down jacket.
- Casual evening wear.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
Essentials
- Sunglasses.
- High SPF sunscreen.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Personal toiletries.
- Small daypack.
Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months.
- Bhutan visa clearance arranged through us.
- Valid motorcycle license.
- International Driving Permit recommended.
Motorcycle Specifications
- Royal Enfield Himalayan
- 411 cc LS410 air cooled single cylinder engine with fuel injection.
- Five speed manual transmission.
- Fuel capacity approximately 15 liters.
- Telescopic front suspension and rear monoshock.
- Configured as an adventure tourer designed for mountain terrain.
Preparation and Readiness
- Arrive physically prepared for consecutive riding days at altitude.
- Riders should be confident handling narrow mountain roads, tight switchbacks, and changing weather conditions.
Travel insurance must include motorcycle touring and emergency evacuation. Bhutan drives on the left. Road conditions vary and livestock crossings are common in rural areas.
Emergency Response
- The support vehicle enables immediate response for mechanical or medical situations.
- Major hospitals are located in Thimphu and Paro.
- Evacuation procedures are activated when required in accordance with established safety protocols.
This expedition is structured for riders who value preparation and mechanical reliability. In addition, it rewards disciplined execution as much as scenery and cultural access. As a result, you gain both operational confidence on the road and meaningful immersion off the bike.
PRICE
USD 6,442.32 per person, calculated on a minimum group size of 10-12 paying riders. This pricing applies to the full 12-day Bhutan motorcycle tour using the route above and includes all components, including government mandated fees, motorcycles, operational support, accommodation, meals, permits, logistics, and on-ground crew.
Contact Joe directly for further information.
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +66 89 755 5095
- Connect Joe on WhatsApp
FAQs for 12 Day Bhutan Motorcycle Expedition led by Joe Cummings
Is Bhutan good for a motorcycle tour?
- Yes. Bhutan offers high mountain passes, smooth paved highways, and low traffic density. This expedition covers 1,350 km across western, central, and south Bhutan. Riders cross Chele La at 3,988 meters and descend to subtropical lowlands at 250 meters. The terrain includes sustained climbs, tight curves, and changing weather, suited to experienced mountain riders.
Who leads the 12 Day Bhutan motorcycle expedition?
- The expedition is led by Joe Cummings, a veteran Asia travel writer and experienced motorcycle tour leader. Riders use the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc. Joe owns and rides a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and brings decades of regional experience across Himalayan terrain.
What route does the 12 day Bhutan motorcycle tour follow?
- The route begins in Paro and moves east toward Trongsa before entering the remote district of Zhemgang. Riders descend to Gelephu in the southern plains, then climb north through Punakha and Thimphu. The expedition crosses Chele La into Haa before finishing back in Paro. The design follows natural altitude progression for acclimatisation.
What support and safety measures are included?
Each departure includes:
• Bhutanese motorcycle guide riding with the group
• Dedicated mechanic riding with the group, whose bike functions as a spare
• Support vehicle carrying luggage, tools, and spare parts
• First aid trained crew
• Daily safety briefings on route and elevation
Major hospitals are located in Thimphu and Paro. The support vehicle remains available throughout the expedition.
What is included in the Bhutan motorcycle tour price?
The price is USD 6,442.32 per rider based on 10 to 12 paying riders.
Included:
• 12 days and 11 nights accommodation
• All meals during the expedition
• Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle
• Professional guide and mechanic
• Vehicle with crew and driver
• Permits and route logistics
• Government mandated tourism fees
Not included:
• Travel insurance covering motorcycle riding and evacuation
• Personal riding gear
• Alcohol and personal expenses
• USD 570 refundable damage deposit
