Bhutan Motorcycle Tour -12 Days

Itinerary of Bhutan Motorcycle Tour -12 Days

Includes/Excludes

Best Season and Weather for the Bhutan Motorcycle Tour

Choosing the right season plays an important role in enjoying the Bhutan Motorbike Tour. Different altitude changes in Bhutan have been the result of diverse weather and therefore the weather can be different in each valley. The spring and autumn are the most appropriate times of the year to ride because these seasons present a stable weather and good temperatures.

The months between March and May are pleasant and bright during the day and full of colorful scenery due to the flowering of flowers. Mornings tend to be bright with the rides being fun and scenic and afternoons might have light rainfall occasionally. Autumn, from September to November, is another excellent time for the Bhutan Motorcycle Tour. The weather is clear with mountain looks at their finest after the monsoon. The daytime temperatures are pleasant and the nighttime temperatures are cool which is perfect to ride and explore.

The summers (between June and August) are warmer and greener though they have more rain. Riding can also be practiced and we will have shorter riding hours to prevent heavy showers. Winter, which falls between December and February is dry and serene though colder and in the high areas. Certain mountain roads can be snowy.

Mountain weather can change rapidly regardless of the season. We suggest wearing layered clothing and waterproof gear. Safety is always a priority of our guides which will change the route in case weather conditions demand it.

Food and Drink during the Bhutan Motorcycle Tour

During the Bhutan Motorcycle Tour, we will make sure you eat well and comfortable throughout the journey. The tour is organized on a full board basis, that is, all the breakfast, lunch, and dinner include. Dining is done in some of the hotels and restaurants where clean and nutritious food is served to the riders.

You will have a blend of Bhutanese, Indian and Continental foods. Common foods comprise rice, vegetables, soups, and lentils as well as meat products like chicken or beef. Bhutanese food is famous in use of chilies and cheeses particularly the national food Ema Datshi. On behalf of our guests we ask milder ones, and spicy condiments are served separately to those who want more spiciness.

Veggie cuisine is quite accessible and we make sure that we have appropriate selections at each of the stops. In case you have special dietary requirements like vegan or food allergies, then we are requesting that you advise us in advance. We will also organize with hotels and kitchens to suit your requirements.

Drinking water is provided daily, and tea or coffee is usually served with meals. Light refreshments like fruits and snacks are transported in the support vehicle on the long riding days. Alcoholic beverages are excluded and should only be taken after riding hours to be on the safe side.

Visa Process and Entry Rules for the Bhutan Motorcycle Tour

Traveling to Bhutan requires proper documentation, and we will take care of the process for you as part of the Bhutan Motorcycle Tour. The majority of foreign travelers need a Bhutan visa that has to be obtained prior to travel through a licensed tour operator. After you make your reservation with us we will take care of the visa application in place of you.

You will have to provide us a clear copy of your passport and this should not be older than 6 months of your travelling date. We will provide the required information to the tourism division in Bhutan. The government fees and visa fee are in your tour price. We will also issue you a formal visa clearance letter before departure. You need this document in order to fly to Paro and it will be stamped into your passport on arrival.

The Indian citizens do not need a visa but should obtain an entry permit. We will help Indian riders in this process and will take them through the formalities at the airport or border point.

Entry regulations may change; we will inform you of any updates. We recommend all travelers to bring their travel documents, their insurance papers and other necessary certificates with them during traveling. We will be happy to receive you and make your entry into Bhutan smooth and stress free.

Bike Options and Riding Gear for the Bhutan Motorcycle Tour

In the case of the Bhutan Motorcycle Tour, we offer well maintained and reliable Royal Enfield Motorcycles which are intended to be used in the mountainous roads and during long distance journeys. Royal Enfield Himalayan and Thunderbird are our standard mountain bikes, they are comfortable to ride and balance well, and can perform well even on hilly climbs and the winding roads.

Our mechanic inspects each Motorcycle prior to the start of the tour. A support vehicle accompanies the group with tools and spare parts and a spare bike to provide assistance during the trip. They include fuel and basic maintenance so that you can concentrate on the ride.

We will supply a standard safety helmet where necessary, but again we highly suggest carrying your own helmet in case it is more comfortable and fits better. It is also recommended that the riders bring their equipment such as a protective jacket, riding pants, riding gloves and ankle-protecting durable boots. There is a possibility that the weather can change, and one has to be dressed in a waterproof and warmed up.

The support vehicle transports the luggage and only carries day necessities in the bike. In case you have special needs like comfort of the seat or you have certain preferences about bikes, then we need to know ahead of you. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident, safe, and comfortable throughout the Bhutan Motorbike Tour.

Travel Insurance Requirements for the Bhutan Motorcycle Tour

Travel insurance is mandatory for joining the Bhutan Motorcycle Tour. When going through mountain and remote areas, it is important that one is covered so that they will be safe and have peace of mind. Specifically, all participants should obtain proper travel insurance prior to the start of the tour.

Medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation should be a part of your insurance policy. It should also explicitly cover high altitude travel and include Motorcycle riding as an activity. A few standard travel policies do not cover Motorcycles and we recommend that you read the policy provisions well.

The emergency evacuation is of particular importance since in uncommon situations, the helicopter rescue service can also be necessary. In Bhutan, medical centers exist but severe cases might require the transfer to bigger hospitals. These costs should be covered completely by your insurance.

We also suggest insurance with cover of trip cancellation, trip interruption and personal belongings. We will also ask you to send a copy of your insurance information and emergency contacts before the tour.

Although basic first aid and help in cases of emergency is provided by our guides, personal insurance is mandatory. With the right cover, you will be able to travel to Bhutan in the Motorcycle Tour without any fear or insecurity.

Language and Communication in Bhutan

When on Bhutan Motorcycle Tour, it is easy to communicate and comfortable to international travelers. Bhutan has their national language, which is called Dzongkha and is spoken by natives. However, English is widely spoken in the country, particularly in hotels, restaurants and shops and tourist areas. All guides, hotel staff and officials with whom you come in contact on the tour are able to communicate clearly in English.

We will provide you an experienced English speaking Bhutanese guide who will help you all the way throughout. The guide is useful for translations, informs about cultural practices and helps with communication with local communities whenever necessary. This enables you to kick back and enjoy the ride without having to worry about language barriers.

Mobile phone coverage is available in the majority of towns as well as major highways, though signals can be weak in high mountain passes and remote valleys. We suggest buying a local SIM card in Paro or Thimphu and we will help you with this if needed. Most hotels have Wi Fi access but internet speed may fluctuate in rural areas.

There is a reliable supply of electricity and charging facilities in hotels. It is helpful to carry a power bank on long riding days. Overall, communication during the Bhutan Motorbike Tour is smooth, well supported, and traveler friendly.

Tour Leader and Support Team Staff

The Bhutan Motorcycle Tour is led by a professional and experienced Bhutanese tour leader who is also a skilled rider. From the first day to the final departure we will ensure that the tour leader will always be available to guide, support and help the group. The tour leader rides in the front, sets a safe riding pace and ensures that all riders are riding together and following traffic rules.

Each morning, we will give a briefing to explain the route and road conditions, riding distance and stops planned in during the day. The tour leader also passes on information about Bhutanese culture, history and local traditions, which makes the journey educational as well as enjoyable.

There is a dedicated support team that travels with the group in a backup vehicle. This includes an experienced driver as well as a professional mechanic. The support vehicle carries luggage and tools, as well as spare parts, drinking water and first aid. If a rider feels tired, unwell or does not wish to ride for a section of a ride, he or she may ride in the support vehicle at any time.

On the back of the scenes, our team is busy handling the logistics so that you can rest back into riding and appreciating the view. During the tour, we will offer a friendly, respectful and reliable service.

Health and Safety

Your health and safety are our highest priorities during the Bhutan Motorcycle Tour. The itinerary is planned with the gradual increase of the altitude so we can get a proper acclimatization and the chances of the discomforts associated with the altitude are minimized. We advise all riders to take lots of water, get good food and have regular rest break which we plan out carefully along the journey.

Our guides are trained to identify common travel related health issues and have basic first aid kits with them at all times. The support vehicle is also always close by, so that help can be provided quickly, if necessary. Riding speeds are maintained at a moderate level and we place a focus on safe riding practices, particularly in mountain roads where there are curves and changes in elevation.

Medical facilities are available in towns and district centers and larger hospitals in Thimphu and Paro. In rare emergencies, evacuation services will be arranged. For this reason, valid travel insurance which includes Motorcycle riding and emergency evacuation is mandatory for all participants.

We also strictly follow local traffic laws and encourage respectful riding behaviour. Helmets are mandatory and protective riding gear is highly encouraged. Our experienced team, well laid routes and the helpful attitude of it make Bhutan Motorbike Tour a safe and enjoyable adventure to all riders and of all ages.

What Not to Do on a Bhutan Motorcycle Tour

While travelling through Bhutan, we humbly request all the guests from respecting the local customs and traditions and laws. Bhutan is a rich country with a rich culture and spiritualism, and the respectful behavior is key here. During the Bhutan Motorbike Tour, riders should avoid loud or disruptive actions, especially near monasteries, temples, and villages.

Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited during riding hours. Alcoholic drinks should only be consumed after riding hours and in moderation. Reckless riding, racing or overtaking of danger is not permitted as our main concern is safety. Always do as the tour leader instruct and do not deviate from the group discipline.

Photography is not normally allowed inside monasteries and religious buildings. Please ask the guide to take pictures. It is also important not to touch religious objects or interfere with prayer activities Littering is highly discouraged as Bhutan is very keen on environmental conservation.

We ask our guests not to give money, sweets or gifts directly to children as this could lead to long term social issues. If you would like to support the local communities, the guide can recommend appropriate ways. Respectful behavior means that it is a positive experience for both the travelers and the local people.

Tips for First Time Bhutan Tourist

For first time visitors, the Bhutan Motorcycle Tour offers a wonderful introduction to the country’s landscapes and culture. We recommend packing layered clothing since the temperatures can change throughout the day because of the variations in altitude. Warm clothes, waterproof clothing and sun protection are all helpful throughout the ride.

Bring well-fitting riding gear with which you are already comfortable. Wearing new boots/jackets before the tour will help avoid any discomfort. Keeping important things like passport, insurance papers, medication in a small day bag is also recommended.

Small personal expenses that need cash include cash because card facilities are not always available. Bhutanese are polite and silent, and reserved and respectful nature is valued. The little things like shaking the people hands and seeking permission before taking photographs help a lot.

Be ready to eat local food and to know about Buddhist customs. Bhutan is a country best enjoyed at a slow pace thus patience is a virtue. Our team will assist and answer any questions during the tour, ensuring you are comfortable at all times. With the right mindset, your Bhutan Motorcycle Tour will be a memorable and rewarding journey.