9 Days 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, 2026 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 Route: Thimphu – Bumthang – Trashigang – Merak – Sakteng – Mongar – Thimphu – Paro
Trip Type
Adventure tour & sightseeing, scenery, festival, temples, monasteries, villages, tribes, remote towns
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
- Fully escorted 09 days motorcycling
- Rhododendron festival immersion
- Nomadic customs, traditions & lifestyle
- Landscapes, mountainscapes sightseeing
- Village visits
Group size
Minimum 4 person
Motorcycle Make/Model:
Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 cc
Map of Tour
Itinerary
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 Partner Hotel
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 Partner Hotel
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 Partner Hotel
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 Partner Hotel
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 Partner Hotel
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
From Sakteng, retrace our ride back to Mongar. (Drive time: 8 hrs) (Distance: 217 km)
Overnight at Hotel Trogon Villa, Yongkola
From Mongar, ride to Thimphu. (Drive time: 11 hrs 30 min.) (Distance: 370 km)
Overnight at Hotel Pamtsho
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
Prompt and precise service
We feel fortunate to share the beauty of our Himalayan home with you.
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Company
Contact
Tel:+975 77104455
Email:pematenzee@gmail.com