Bhutan is swiftly developing its reputation as a premier destination for adventure sports. Set amongst the majestic Himalayas our kingdom is the perfect location for all manner of exciting activities including Hiking, Trekking, Kayaking, Mountain Biking and Fishing. Whether it’s rafting down crystal clear, glacier-fed rivers or trekking through lush, virgin forests Bhutan offers a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers seeking adventure in an unspoiled and unexplored environment. All the necessary arrangements for adventure activities can be made through your local tour operator. They will provide you with well-trained and experienced guides to ensure your safety at all times.
Cycling
The rugged, mountainous landscape of Bhutan lends itself well to both on-road or off-road mountain biking and the sport is seeing increasing popularity among both visitors and Bhutanese alike. There are a variety of biking routes available ranging from smooth journeys on paved roads to challenging off-road dirt trails that wind through rough terrain. The sport offers a certain intimacy with the environment that is seldom experienced in vehicles. With better roads replacing the old and the increasing number of off-road roads, biking is now becoming a very unique and original way of seeing and interacting with the country, people and the Bhutanese environment.
Most biking trips go through well paved roads while others trail on to dirt roads and trails. Traffic is still relatively very light and the experience very intimate. The more adventurous have the option of making side excursions for more “off-the-road” ventures if prefer. The trails accommodate most types of frames: including MTB, Hybrid, and Road, depending on your cycling style and experience. Biking trails mostly meander through small towns and villages and rural areas; it’s just you, your bike, the tour group and the agrarian and natural scenery.
There are also numerous opportunities for optional hikes with a bit of climbing thrown in. There are some challenging climbs with one in particular that is more than seven hours. You peddle the pads over two miles (3,400 meters) above sea level. Your effort is rewarded with a breathtaking view and an unforgettable experience. Riders should have an adequate level of fitness and stamina and be experienced enough in the art of mountain biking. Tours are fully supported by a van following riders. The van allows riders to rest should they require it. Many of the biking trails lead through small villages and temples which can provide interesting and informative diversions should you wish to take a break.
Kayaking and Rafting
The crystal clear rivers of Bhutan are one of the kingdom’s best kept open secrets. Fed by the glacial-melt of the Eastern Himalayas, six major rivers (Wang Chhu, Sunkosh, Puna Tsang Chhu, Mangde Chhu, Kuri Chhu and Dangme Chhu and their tributaries), have been scouted for kayaking and rafting.
They cut through high valleys and low plains to meet up with the Brahmaputra River in India. The pristine natural setting and the sheer variety of the rivers’ courses provides a unique opportunity to explore Bhutan’s beautiful wilderness. Adventurous travelers will not be disappointed by the rugged, untamed waterways of Bhutan. The rivers are plentiful with strong currents varying between slow, gentle flows in some places and powerful, raging torrents can be found throughout the country. Although adventure sports and tourism are relatively recent introductions to Bhutan, they are rapidly gaining in popularity.
The river courses available in Bhutan offer something for all visitors, regardless of experience: There are easy routes for beginners and hair-raising runs for the veterans. Besides the rafts and the kayaks, Bhutanese agents also organize walking and trekking expeditions along the scenic river banks. The best time for rafting and kayaking is from March to April and November to December.
Trekking
Explore what truly sets Bhutan apart from anywhere else and discover one of the most remote kingdoms on earth.
Whether you are looking for a day hike or a gruelling 31 day adventure, Bhutan has it all. Pristine mountain lakes, imposing glaciers and some of the world’s most endangered species await you in the mountainous amphitheatre of the Himalayas.
Let us give you a selection of some of the country’s finest treks. Note: Trekking routes on this website are general guides only and may have inaccuracies. They are not to be used for navigation. Your trek guide is the expert on the route to take.
Rhododendron Festival Motorcycle Adventure
Get acclimated to the altitude in Thimphu and begin your 9 day motorcycle journey traversing from west all the way to east Bhutan, absorbing unique cultural landscapes along the way. Visit the nomadic community of the Merak and Sakteng region. Ride over passes and countryside enjoying the breathtaking and scenic views of mountains and villages. Make stops at villages, towns and nomad camps. Enter the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary to see the Rhododendrons in full bloom.
This tour will take you to the best scenic sites in Merak and Sakteng in East Bhutan in a short time out of your busy schedule. At the same time you will also witness the first ever Rhododendron festival from April 03-09, 2025 in East Bhutan jointly organized by the Dept. of Tourism and Trashigang district.
While riding in Merak and Sakteng region, you will be exploring the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna. Popularly known as the “Paradise of Rhododendrons”, the Sanctuary is home to 35 species of Rhododendrons out of the 46 species found in the country. It is also home to some of the globally threatened and endangered mammals like the Red panda, Himalayan serow, Wild dog, Goral, Common leopard, Capped langur, Himalayan black bear, and Musk deer among others. You will also visit famous sites like monasteries, monuments, villages, and nomadic homes while still enjoying visiting renowned cultural sites. Some short hikes are included on the visit with this 9-day tour
Trip Duration:
08 nights 09 days
Trip Route:
Thimphu – Bumthang – Trashigang – Merak – Sakteng – Mongar – Thimphu – Paro
Trip Type:
Adventure tour & sightseeing, scenery, festival, temples, monasteries, villages, tribes, remote towns
Trip Highlights:
• Fully escorted 09 days motorcycling
• Rhododendron festival immersion
• Nomadic customs, traditions & lifestyle
• Landscapes, mountainscapes sightseeing
• Village visits
Group Size:
Minimum 4 pax
Motorcycle Make/Model:
Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 cc
Cost Information:
US $ 250/- per person per night
Tour price start from $ 2250/-
MAP OF THE TOUR
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive Bhutan-Thimphu (L/D)
Arrive by flight to Paro International Airport. Meet and transfer to a hotel in Thimphu for proper rest and acclimatization. (Drive time: 1 hr) (Distance: 54 km)
Overnight at Hotel Pamtsho
Day 2: Excursion to Bumthang valley (B/L/D)
After early breakfast we begin our ride to Bumthang via Wangduephodrang and Trongsa district traversing Dochula pass, Pelela pass, and Yutogla pass eventually reaching Chumey into the beautiful Bumthang valley. (Drive Time: 9hr) (Distance: 259 km)
Overnight at Chumey Nature Resort
Day 3: Ride towards Mongar en route to Trashigang (B/L/D)
Early morning from Bumthang we take a spectacular ride across Thrumshingla pass to reach Mongar and then traverse Korila pass to reach Trashigang town, the easternmost district of Bhutan. En route sightseeing at Ura, Thrumshingla, Sengor, Yongkola, Lingmethang, and Yadi. (Drive Time: 9hr.) (Distance: 261 km)
Overnight at Hotel KC
Day 4: Trashigang – Rangjung – Sheytemi – Merak (B/L/D)
From Trashigang, ride to Merak via Rangjung town (16 km/30 min) and Sheytemi. Visit Rangjung Woselcholing Monastery and en route Merak halt at Sheytemi (26 km/40 min) to witness the Rhododendron festival. After the festival, ride towards Merak village (19 km/36 min). Sightseeing at Radhi village, Mendrula pass and Jigmeling. (Drive Time: 1 hr 46 min.) (Distance: 61 km)
Overnight at Red Panda Homestay, Merak
Day 5: Merak-Phongmey-Sakteng (B/L/D)
Visit Merak village: Gyengu temple, Merak Lhakhang, ride to the starting point of Jomo Panda Trail, visit nomads home, interaction and photo session with the local community. After lunch, ride towards Sakteng via Phongmey village. (Drive time: 2 hrs) (Distance: 45 km)
Overnight at Dema Tshering homestay, Sakteng
Day 6: Visit sights in Sakteng (B/L/D)
Visit Sakteng village: Borangtse temple, hike to Guru Kushu Monastery, ride to canopy view point for sightseeing, visit nomads home, interaction and photo session with the local community. Evening cultural programme hosted by Sakteng community.
Overnight at Dema Tshering homestay, Sakteng
Day 7: Sakteng – Mongar (B/L/D)
From Sakteng, retrace our ride back to Mongar. (Drive time: 8 hrs) (Distance: 217 km)
Overnight at Hotel Trogon Villa, Yongkola
Day 8: Mongar – Thimphu (B/L/D)
From Mongar, ride to Thimphu. (Drive time: 11 hrs 30 min.) (Distance: 370 km)
Overnight at Hotel Capital
Day 9: Tour end and departure (B)
Transfer to the airport at Paro in time for your departure flight back to your onward destination.
N.B: The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the type of meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE COST:
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) 100 US$ per night per person to RGOB
- All meals as indicated by B/L/D
- Visa and all other documentations
- Standard accommodations certified by Dept. of Tourism
- Royal Enfield Motorcycle
- First Aid Services
- English speaking licensed Bhutanese guide
- Experienced Mechanic
- Fuel
- Backup Pickup truck
- Spare parts
- Water
- Experienced Motorcycle tour guide with bike
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST:
- Personal Insurance
- Any airfare/air tickets
- Personal expenses like phone call, laundry, alcohol beverages, soft drinks, etc
- Tips
- Motorcycle damage
- Monuments entry fee