Bhutan Motorcycle Tours
E-01 · Bhutan motorcycle tour

Dragon’s Spine

Bhutan’s classic motorcycle route follows the lateral road from the Paro valley to Bumthang in the centre of the country. It crosses three passes above 3,000 m (Dochula, Pele La and Yotong La), drops to the river confluence at Punakha, and passes the great dzongs of Thimphu, Punakha and Trongsa on the way.

Start ParoFinish BumthangHigh point Yotong La 3,425 mPasses Dochula, Pele La, Yotong LaPrice Custom quote
Get a quote for this route →Trace it on the map
The 108 chortens at Dochula pass on the road from Thimphu to Punakha, Bhutan

The route, stop by stop

  1. Rinpung Dzong above the Paro Chhu river, Paro, Bhutan
    Photo: Rinpung Dzong · B. Gagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
    Stop 01

    Paro

    Approx. 2,200 m

    Home to Bhutan’s only international airport, so most rides start here. Rinpung Dzong guards the Paro Chhu, and Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) clings to the cliffs above the valley.

  2. Tashichho Dzong, the seat of government in Thimphu, Bhutan
    Photo: Tashichho Dzong · C. J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
    Stop 02

    Thimphu

    Approx. 2,330 m

    The capital, and famously without traffic lights. Tashichho Dzong houses the throne room and government offices on the banks of the Wang Chhu.

  3. The 108 Druk Wangyal chortens on Dochula pass, Bhutan
    Photo: Druk Wangyal Chortens · B. Gagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
    Stop 03 · Mountain pass

    Dochula

    Approx. 3,100 m

    The pass between Thimphu and Punakha, crowned by the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens. On clear days the eastern Himalaya lines the horizon.

  4. Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, Bhutan
    Photo: Punakha Dzong · B. Gagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
    Stop 04

    Punakha

    Approx. 1,250 m

    The former capital, in a warm, low valley. Punakha Dzong sits where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet, at the bottom of a long descent from Dochula.

  5. Gangtey Goemba monastery above the Phobjikha valley, Bhutan
    Photo: Gangtey Goemba · Prof. Mortel · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
    Stop 05

    Phobjikha

    Approx. 2,900 m

    A wide glacial valley watched over by Gangtey Goemba, and the winter home of endangered black-necked cranes.

  6. Chorten and prayer flags at Pele La pass, Bhutan
    Photo: Chorten at Pele La · RPSkokie · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
    Stop 06 · Mountain pass

    Pele La

    Approx. 3,420 m

    The crossing of the Black Mountains and the traditional divide between western and central Bhutan. Yak pasture and dwarf bamboo near the top.

  7. Trongsa Dzong on a ridge above the Mangde Chhu gorge, Bhutan
    Photo: Trongsa Dzong · C. J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
    Stop 07

    Trongsa

    Approx. 2,180 m

    The ancestral seat of Bhutan’s royal family. Trongsa Dzong spills down a ridge above the Mangde Chhu gorge, and the road reveals it long before you arrive.

  8. Prayer flags on a high Bhutanese pass (stand-in photo for Yotong La)
    Photo: Stand-in: prayer flags near Pele La · D. Broad · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
    Stop 08 · Mountain pass

    Yotong La

    Approx. 3,425 m

    The last big climb of the lateral road, between Trongsa and Bumthang, through fir and rhododendron forest.

  9. Jakar Dzong overlooking the Chamkhar valley, Bumthang, Bhutan
    Photo: Jakar Dzong · C. J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
    Stop 09

    Bumthang

    Approx. 2,600 m

    Bhutan’s spiritual heartland: four valleys holding some of the country’s oldest temples, including Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey, below Jakar Dzong.

Dates, duration and price

Every departure is quoted individually, based on your dates, group size, riding experience and how many days you want in the saddle. Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee is charged per night on top of the tour price.

Plan your ride →

Before you ride

Do I need a motorcycle licence to ride in Bhutan?

Yes. You need a valid motorcycle licence from your home country, and an International Driving Permit is strongly recommended. Bring both on the ride.

Can I ride in Bhutan without a guide?

International visitors travel with a licensed Bhutanese guide, and travel beyond Thimphu and Paro needs route permits, which are arranged through your tour operator. Rules can change, so confirm current requirements when you book.

What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?

Bhutan charges international visitors a Sustainable Development Fee per person, per night. It is US$100 for most nationalities at the time of writing, with a separate rate for Indian nationals. It is set by the Government of Bhutan, not the tour operator, and is payable on top of the tour cost.

When is the best time for a motorcycle tour in Bhutan?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November) bring the driest roads and the clearest mountain views. The summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and landslides. Winter rides are possible in the valleys, but high passes can see snow and ice.

All questions →