11 - Dagen Bhutan Motortour

​A massive shoutout to the Bhutan Rides team and our guides! They weren't just knowledgeable about local culture, dzongs, and history, but they also knew the roads inside out. Their priority was always our safety, comfort, and ensuring we had the experience of a lifetime.

When my brother-in-law asked me to join him and his local motorcycle club riders for an adventure in Bhutan, I was a bit unsure but thank goodness I signed up as it turned out to be a great adventure. Our route from Thimphu to Bumtahng took us over valleys, high passes and numerous villages through the beautiful country. About 90% of the riding was on good tarmac roads and that made it far more comfortable than what I had expected of a Himalayan motorcycle adventure. The roads in Bhutan are good quality and fun to ride as there are hardly any traffic one we pass the capital city of Thimphu. Looking back, it was without question one of the greatest adventures any of us had experienced. What made the difference was the team at Bhutan Rides. When things went wrong—we knew we were in exceptionally capable hands. Our mechanic fixed our issue on one of the bikes at the roadside with ease. Punctures were dealt with almost before we had time to complain. Inner tubes were replaced in under ten minutes. And throughout it all was Pelden, our tour leader. Friendly, calm, knowledgeable and endlessly helpful, he somehow managed to keep seven increasingly exhausted riders moving in the right direction. We are a very well-travelled group. Between us, we have visited some incredibly remote and challenging parts of the world. Yet every single one of us agreed on the same thing: This was the trip of a lifetime. The scenery was extraordinary, the riding was unforgettable and the people of Bhutan are some of the most friendliest, and Bhutan Rides was the bridge to the stories behind the faces.

We are a group of friends and we go on a trip every year. We found Bhutan Rides on the Internet and we were convinced they were the right tour organizer for us right from the first call with Pelden. They understood our riding style, and designed the perfect trip for us which was focusing a lot on the rural side that included gravel and a lot of deep tracks to places not known by visitors. For more than 90% of our trip, we did not come across another motorcycle tour, except towards the end when we reached Paro. 10 days of great riding with camping, bonfire, great food prepared by our amazing chef leki, good back-up vehicle, far-flung villages and cozy farmhouse stays, we really saw the part of Bhutan that not many people get to see. Of course the last day to Tiger’s nest was the way to complete a perfect trip in Bhutan. Do me a favour, book with them and experience a phenomenal ride across southern and eastern Bhutan.

During our six-day motorbike tour with Bhutan Rides, we saw a lot of the country, including remote villages, fantastic storytelling and mythical tales, camping by the river, stunning Himalayan views, happy faces, wild yaks, lovely winding roads, comfortable resorts, and homestays. Riding a motorbike was, in my opinion, the best way to see Bhutan. I would unquestionably suggest this firm to anyone seeking a fantastic experience to Bhutan.

A friend who rode with Pelden came back from a Bhutan trip and was sharing stories at our local bike club. I was intrigued by the country and the stories of riding in Bhutan and got in touch with Bhutan Rides. Unlike my friend, I wanted a private motorcycle journey with my wife and like a feeling of discovering a new place in the world than being on a guided trip. Pelden was quick on designing a tour and made it so easy with international bank payments via a credit card. We got there and got our bike, and it was almost new. The Royal Enfield Himalayan was a perfect ride with my wife on the back. Ours was a 12 day tour going from west in Paro to eastern Bhutan where there is hardly any tourism. After central Bhutan, the roads became single-laned and it was fun riding the mountains and lush valleys going east. Pelden was there as a companion rather than a guide and it was perfect. He let us go ahead some days because we wanted to be on our own without the pressure of following a guide. We exited overland to India and explore Guwahati in Assam before flying back home out of Delhi. It was a dream trip that will stay in our memory forever.

We recently returned from a 12 - day motorcycle tour of Bhutan hosted by Sherub and Huckpa from Bhutan Tour Club. From our first contact with Bhutan Tour Club, communication, travel plans and payments were seamless. Our tour hosts Sherub and Huckpa became family, showcasing their country, culture, religion, food and personal lives with us. We had a magical time riding 400 cc Royal Enfield's around Bhutan, along great roads, climbing mountains and always felt safe considering I haven't riden a motorbike for nearly 30 years. Sherub rode on a motorbike with us and my wife travelled in the support car driven by Huckpa. She felt so safe and was able to share everything we experienced on bikes, minus the rain!!!! Every day was an adventure, and we were mesmerised by the natural beauty and the amazing forts, temples, and home stays. We cannot thank Sherub and Huckpa enough for the incredible experience we had in Bhutan. We really felt we experienced everything we hoped for. Without hesitation, I would recommend the company and make sure you ask for Sherub and Huckpa. And we will return again in the future.

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We have just returned from a fabulous 13 days in Bhutan, organised by Pelden Dorji, aka Bhutan Rides. We are 2 couples from Australia, who have ridden, unguided extensively through India and Nepal, but wished to experience the delights of Bhutan. We organised the whole trip online, via a number of back and forth emails with Pelden. There is always the slight doubt about diving in and paying for something, sight unseen, but all worked out exactly as promised, if not better !! We were also a bit concerned about the need to have a guide on the trip, but our guide SP (and his aide Suba), sussed us out immediately and was there when needed and retreated out of sight when not ! The price quoted by Pelden covered absolutely everything, including all visa fees, monument entries, bike hire, fuel, hotels and food. We honestly only spent money on beer (and a well earned tip for SP and Suba at the end !). I would have no hesitation in recommending Pelden if you wish to experience a motorcycling trip through Bhutan and would be more than happy for him to give you my contact details if you would like to ask any questions. Many thanks Bhutan Rides, Paul & Fiona.

Did a motorcycle tour with Bhutan Rides and it was absolutely unreal. The roads, the culture, the scenery — all of it was amazing. Can’t believe how well everything came together, especially since the trip was planned pretty last minute. Pelden handled all the planning like a pro — everything was smooth and super well thought out. Sherap was our guide and he was awesome. Super chill, knew his stuff, and made the whole trip even more fun. Riding through Bhutan was something else, but the real highlight was the hike to Tiger’s Nest. That place is straight out of a dream — so beautiful and mystical. If you're thinking about riding in Bhutan, just go for it. And definitely hit up Bhutan Rides — you won’t regret it.

Motorcycle riding through the varied landscapes of Bhutan with all the adventure and stunning scenery Bhutan offers. Motorcycling gave us the chance to gain an intimate insight into the culture, traditions, food and interactions with the beautiful Bhutanese people.

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Our motor cycle trip through the varied landscapes of Bhutan was all the adventure and stunning scenery you imagine, and the trip gave an intimate insight into the culture, traditions and food of the beautiful Bhutanese people. We were able to take part in a local festival, eat with the local people and understand the rich history of the fortresses and monasteries, led by Sonam with his deep knowledge and wonderful sense of humor, and the rest of the Bhutan Rides team in the background who ensured the trip of a lifetime.