Lux, Women-Only
BHUTAN – THE LAST HIMALAYAN KINGDOM | WOMEN-ONLY | 17–25.04.2027
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TOUR TYPE:
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DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
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MOTORCYCLE:
The tour price includes the rental of a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and motorcycle fuel. Its upright riding position, predictable handling and easy power delivery make it an excellent partner for Bhutan’s narrow mountain roads and seemingly endless sequences of bends.
PRICE OPTIONS:
- Motorcycle rider: €4,850
- Rider with pillion: €8,800 total for two people
- Passenger in the 4×4: €3,950
- Motorcycle rider + passenger in the 4×4: €8,800 total for two people
- The 4×4 option is a passenger seat in the tour vehicle. It is not a self-drive option.
TOUR DESCRIPTION:
Bhutan looks small on a map. On a motorcycle, it is anything but.
This special Women-Only LUX expedition takes us through the Himalayan kingdom at one of its most beautiful times of year. Spring brings flowering rhododendrons, fresh green valleys and traditional Buddhist festivals, while the mountain roads offer an almost endless succession of curves.
Over nine days, including six in the saddle, we follow one continuous route through Bhutan’s western and central valleys. From Thimphu we ride to Phobjikha, Bumthang and Trongsa, descend to the warmer southern foothills at Gelephu, then climb back towards Punakha and Paro.
The daily distances may look modest. The roads still demand attention. Long sequences of bends, narrow mountain sections, changing surfaces and occasional roadworks keep the riding interesting from start to finish. Most of the route is paved, so this is not an off-road expedition. It is a Himalayan road tour where concentration and smooth riding matter more than speed.
We are not going to rush through Bhutan collecting photographs. Dochula, Phobjikha, Bumthang, Trongsa and Punakha belong naturally to our route. Dzongs rise above the valleys, monasteries stand beside the road and prayer flags mark the mountain passes. On the final full day, we leave the motorcycles behind and hike to Taktsang—the Tiger’s Nest monastery above Paro.
A MotoBirds leader rides with the group, while our licensed Bhutanese guide and local support team manage the permits, luggage and practical side of the journey. The group remains small and the pace is deliberate: enough riding to make every day count, with enough time to experience Bhutan properly.
We travel in a small group of women who share a passion for motorcycling, discovering new places and experiencing different cultures. A MotoBirds tour leader rides with the group, while our licensed Bhutanese guide and local support team take care of the permits, luggage and practical arrangements.
This is our LUX way of discovering Bhutan: real Himalayan mountain roads, carefully selected accommodation, full local support and enough time to appreciate the country beyond the handlebars.
TOUR DETAILS
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Six riding days through the spectacular mountain landscapes of western and central Bhutan.
- Dochula Pass, its 108 chortens and panoramic Himalayan views when the weather permits.
- The beautiful Phobjikha Valley, surrounded by mountains, forests and traditional villages.
- Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, with its ancient monasteries and living Buddhist traditions.
- The opportunity to experience Ura Yakchoe, a traditional Buddhist festival celebrated in the Bumthang region, subject to confirmation of the festival programme and local arrangements.
- Trongsa Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive fortress-monasteries.
- The spectacular descent from the Himalayan foothills to subtropical Gelephu.
- Punakha Dzong, standing at the confluence of two rivers.
- Spring rhododendrons and the possibility of visiting the Rhododendron Festival at Lamperi Botanical Park.
- Chimi Lhakhang, Bhutan’s famously unconventional fertility temple.
- The unforgettable hike to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest monastery above Paro.
- A small Women-Only group, Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycles, carefully selected hotels and full local support.
MOUNTAIN PASSES:
- Dochula Pass — approximately 3,100 m
- Pele La — approximately 3,420 m
- Yotong La — approximately 3,425 m
- Possible Haa Valley and Chele La detour — approximately 3,988 m, subject to weather and road conditions
WEATHER:
April is one of the most beautiful seasons to explore Bhutan by motorcycle. Spring transforms the landscape: rhododendrons bloom in the mountains, forests become greener and temperatures are generally pleasant in the valleys.
However, Bhutan’s climate changes dramatically with altitude. During this expedition, we travel from cool Himalayan mountain passes to the warm, subtropical south.
- Paro and Thimphu: Daytime temperatures generally range from 17–23°C, with cooler mornings and evenings around 5–10°C.
- Phobjikha and Bumthang: At higher elevations, expect daytime temperatures of approximately 10–18°C. Mornings and evenings can be cold, occasionally approaching freezing.
- Punakha: The lower valley is considerably warmer, with daytime temperatures often reaching 23–28°C.
- Gelephu: The subtropical south can be hot and humid, with temperatures potentially reaching 30°C or more.
- Mountain passes: At elevations above 3,000 metres, strong winds, cold temperatures, rain and occasionally sleet or snow are possible.
Although April is generally a favourable month for travelling in Bhutan, occasional spring showers become more common during the second half of the month. Cloud cover and haze can sometimes limit the visibility of distant Himalayan peaks.
What does this mean for riding?
Layering is essential. We may start a day in cold mountain air, cross a high pass and finish in a warm valley. Waterproof motorcycle clothing, warm gloves and thermal layers are necessary, but lighter clothing will also be useful in the southern regions.
Spring offers a wonderful combination of comfortable riding temperatures, flowering landscapes and cultural experiences, provided we remain prepared for changing mountain weather.
MOTORCYCLE GEAR:
Every rider must bring complete personal motorcycle gear.
For this journey, bring:
- A full-face or adventure helmet with a clear visor, in good condition and approved for road use
- An abrasion-resistant motorcycle jacket and trousers with shoulder, elbow, back, hip and knee protection
- Waterproof touring or adventure boots protecting the ankles
- Two pairs of gloves: a warm, waterproof pair and a lighter pair for Gelephu and the warmer valleys
- A windproof and waterproof outer layer.
- Thermal base layers, a warm mid-layer and a windproof neck tube
The route crosses high mountain passes and descends into the warm, subtropical south. Spring weather can change quickly, and occasional showers are possible. Adaptable layers are therefore more useful than one heavy winter suit. Keep your waterproof layer, warm gloves and neck protection in your day bag, not at the bottom of the luggage transported in the support vehicle. Ordinary jeans, casual footwear and non-motorcycle clothing do not provide adequate protection.
LUGGAGE:
Travel light – Travel well
The support vehicle carries the main luggage between hotels. The luggage allowance is one bag per person, weighing no more than 20 kg. A durable, soft-sided and weather-resistant travel bag is strongly recommended. Large rigid suitcases and motorcycle panniers should be avoided.
During the riding day, assume that you will not have access to your main luggage. Carry a small waterproof tail bag or day bag containing:
- Waterproof and warm clothing layers
- A second pair of gloves
- Water
- Personal medication
- Passport and essential documents
- Phone, camera and other small personal items
The day bag must be securely attached to the motorcycle. A small backpack may be used, but a tail bag is generally more comfortable during longer riding days.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION:
Getting to Bhutan is part of the adventure, but it should not become a logistical test. MotoBirds coordinates the Bhutanese visa, local formalities and airport transfers. Once the minimum group size is confirmed, we will also help participants choose the most practical flight connection to Paro.
The tour begins at Paro International Airport on Saturday, 17 April 2027, and ends there on Sunday, 25 April 2027.
The dates have been chosen to make the most of two consecutive weekends. However, depending on international flight connections, participants travelling from Europe may need to depart on Friday, 16 April, or return on Monday, 26 April. Flights to Bhutan are operated by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines, with connections typically available from Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Singapore and selected regional cities.
Please do not purchase international or Bhutan flights until MotoBirds confirms that the minimum group size has been reached. Once the tour is confirmed, we recommend booking promptly because the number of flights and available seats is limited. MotoBirds will coordinate the Bhutanese tourist visa. Participants must provide the requested passport copy and personal information within the stated deadline. Each participant remains responsible for checking the entry or transit requirements of the country used to reach Bhutan. An Indian visa is only required when the chosen flight itinerary involves entering India.
Regional flights to Paro may have lower baggage allowances than intercontinental flights. Check the allowance for every section of your journey before departure.
International cards are accepted in many hotels and urban areas, but payment facilities may be less reliable in smaller towns. We recommend carrying a modest amount of cash for drinks, souvenirs and personal expenses. Currency can be exchanged at Paro Airport or in larger towns.
The practical result is simple: arrive in Paro, meet the team and leave the visa, permits, luggage and daily logistics to us.
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE:
3,425 m, Yotong La / 3,988 m, Chele La
metres above sea levelDAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1 — ARRIVAL IN PARO — TRANSFER TO THIMPHU
Flying into Paro is an experience in itself, with the final approach running between the Himalayan ridges. The group is met at Paro International Airport and transferred to the hotel in Thimphu.
After checking in, we meet the MotoBirds leader, Bhutanese guide and local support team. The motorcycles are allocated, and we discuss the route, riding rules and conditions we can expect during the coming days. If arrival times allow, there will be time for a short walk through the capital before our welcome dinner.
DAY 2 — APPROX. 125 KM: THIMPHU — DOCHULA PASS — PHOBJIKHA VALLEY
We descend towards Wangdue before turning onto the quieter road leading to Phobjikha. The final section climbs through forests into the broad glacial valley, one of Bhutan’s most distinctive landscapes. In spring, the valley comes back to life as the surrounding hills turn green. Depending on our arrival time, we visit Gangtey Monastery and explore the peaceful valley and its traditional villages.
DAY 3 — APPROX. 155 KM: PHOBJIKHA VALLEY — TRONGSA — BUMTHANG
This is a proper Bhutanese mountain-road day. We leave Phobjikha, cross Pele La and continue through a long sequence of forested ridges, valleys and bends. The road passes Chendebji Chorten before reaching Trongsa, whose enormous dzong dominates the valley.
From Trongsa, we continue across Yotong La and descend into Bumthang. The distances on the map are not large, but the succession of mountain roads makes this a full and satisfying day in the saddle.
DAY 4 — APPROX. 80 KM: BUMTHANG — TRONGSA
Today offers a special opportunity to experience one of Bhutan’s traditional Buddhist festivals. After breakfast, we set off towards the Ura Valley, travelling through the beautiful mountain landscapes of Bumthang. Our aim is to visit Ura Yakchoe, a religious festival held in the village of Ura, where local communities gather for traditional masked dances, ceremonies and celebrations.
Unlike performances created for tourists, these festivals remain an important part of Bhutanese religious and community life. We hope to spend time observing the ceremonies, discovering the colourful costumes and experiencing the atmosphere of this remarkable celebration. In the afternoon, we return towards Bumthang and continue across Yotong La to Trongsa, where we spend the night. Attendance at Ura Yakchoe is subject to confirmation of the festival dates, ceremony schedule, road conditions and local arrangements. If attendance is not possible, we will follow the original programme of monastery visits in Bumthang and the shorter ride to Trongsa.
DAY 5 — APPROX. 190 KM: TRONGSA — GELEPHU
Today Bhutan changes character completely. We leave the high central valleys and follow the mountain road south, gradually descending from pine forests into increasingly lush, subtropical vegetation.
This is one of the longer and more remote stages of the journey. The road may include rough asphalt, gravel and sections affected by ongoing repairs, but the constantly changing landscape makes it one of the tour’s most rewarding riding days. By the time we reach Gelephu, the air is noticeably warmer.
DAY 6 — APPROX. 200 KM: GELEPHU — PUNAKHA
We turn north again and climb away from Bhutan’s southern foothills. The road works its way through forested hills and isolated settlements before returning to the higher valleys of western Bhutan.
With approximately 200 kilometres of mountain road, this is another full day in the saddle. On reaching Punakha, we visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong if daylight and opening hours allow. Otherwise, the visit takes place the following morning.
DAY 7 — APPROX. 125 KM: PUNAKHA — THIMPHU — PARO
Our final riding day begins with a visit to Punakha Dzong if we were unable to visit it the previous afternoon. We then stop at Chimi Lhakhang, Bhutan’s famously unconventional fertility temple. From Punakha, the road climbs once again towards Dochula Pass, offering another wonderful sequence of mountain curves.
Spring brings a different character to this region, with flowering rhododendrons and lush forests along the mountain slopes. We plan to visit the Rhododendron Festival at Lamperi Botanical Park, near Dochula Pass. The celebration brings together local traditions, flowers, music, cultural performances and Bhutanese food in a beautiful mountain setting. We then continue through Thimphu and follow the river towards Paro, completing our final kilometres on the Royal Enfield Himalayans.
After six days of riding across Bhutan, we return the motorcycles and settle into our hotel for the final two nights. Our visit to the Rhododendron Festival remains subject to confirmation of the official festival programme and local arrangements.
DAY 8 — PARO — TIGER’S NEST HIKE
Today we exchange motorcycle boots for hiking shoes. The trail climbs through pine forest to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest monastery built against the cliffs above Paro. It is a substantial uphill walk, but we take it at a steady pace with time for rest and photographs.
Participants who prefer not to hike may be offered an alternative excursion toward Chele La and the Haa Valley or a visit to Dzongdrakha Monastery, depending on weather, road conditions and available logistics.
After returning to Paro, there is time to rest before our farewell dinner.
DAY 9 — DEPARTURE FROM PARO
Breakfast and group transfer to Paro International Airport according to the confirmed flight schedule. The tour ends at the airport.
The route, distances and daily programme are subject to change because of weather, road conditions, opening hours or local regulations. Any adjustments will be made by the MotoBirds leader and Bhutanese team with safety and the overall quality of the journey as the priorities.
WHAT OUR RIDERS SAY
GOOGLE REVIEWS
Google rating score: 5.0 of 5,based on 47 reviews
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
MOTORCYCLE
4X4 OPTION
GUIDE
SUPPORT VEHICLE
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE TRANSFERS
PERMITS
ACTIVITIES
Entrance fees for the scheduled dzongs, monasteries, museums and other attractions included in the programme, including the visit to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest monastery.
INSURANCE
- Basic travel insurance.
- Tourist Guarantee Fund fee.
- Tourist Support Fund fee.
IMPORTANT: For an additional fee, there is an option to independently extend the insurance within the Signal Iduna Safe Travels and/or Global Rescue partner offer. The price of the tour includes basic travel insurance.
WELCOME PACK
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
THE FEW THINGS YOU TAKE CARE OF
To keep the tour price clear and transparent, the following services and personal expenses are paid separately:
- International and regional flights to and from Paro. Please do not purchase flights until MotoBirds confirms that the minimum group size has been reached.
- Entry or transit visas required for countries travelled through on the way to Bhutan. The Bhutan visa, its processing and the applicable Sustainable Development Fee are included.
- Passport expenses, motorcycle licence documentation and an International Driving Permit if required. MotoBirds will confirm the necessary documents before departure.
- Vaccinations, medical tests or health certificates if required.
- Personal motorcycle clothing and protective riding equipment.
- A single room, available on request and subject to availability.
- Additional hotel nights, private transfers or services outside the published itinerary.
- Medical treatment, evacuation, repatriation or other expenses exceeding the basic travel insurance included in the package.
- Optional cancellation or interruption insurance, upgraded motorcycle or adventure-sports cover, and services such as Global Rescue.
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, speciality coffees, snacks and personal food orders outside the included meals.
- Laundry, telephone calls, SIM cards, minibar, room service and other personal expenses.
- Tips for the local guide, support team and hotel staff.
- Horse or mule assistance on the Tiger’s Nest trail and any optional activity or excursion not specifically listed as included.
MOTORCYCLE SECURITY DEPOSIT:
A refundable security deposit of US$300 in cash is collected locally from each motorcycle rider. It is returned after the motorcycle has been handed back, provided no new rider-caused damage has been identified. If the cost of rider-caused damage exceeds the deposit, the rider is responsible for the difference. The deposit does not limit the rider’s liability for damage resulting from misuse or negligence.
BEFORE YOU RIDE BHUTAN
Straight answers to the questions riders and passengers most often ask before booking.
IS THIS AN OFF-ROAD TOUR?
No. Most of the route follows paved mountain roads, but Bhutan is not a polished motorway destination. Expect narrow roads, constant bends and occasional stretches of broken asphalt, loose gravel, dust or roadworks. You should be a confident road rider, comfortable with long, technical days in the mountains.
HOW MUCH RIDING IS THERE?
The itinerary includes six riding days and approximately 875 km. The longest stages are around 200 km—but in Bhutan, 200 km can fill an entire day. Progress is measured in mountain passes, bends, villages and photo stops, not motorway averages.
WHICH MOTORCYCLE WILL I RIDE?
Riders use the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Motorcycle rental, fuel and technical support are included. A support 4×4 carries the main luggage throughout the journey.
CAN I JOIN WITHOUT RIDING MY OWN MOTORCYCLE?
Yes. You can travel as a pillion passenger or join the complete itinerary as a passenger in the support 4×4 with a professional driver. You stay with the group and share the same accommodation, meals and experiences.
ARE THE BHUTAN VISA AND GOVERNMENT FEE INCLUDED?
Yes. The tour price includes the Bhutanese tourist visa, visa processing and the mandatory Sustainable Development Fee applicable to the eight nights of our April 2027 programme. MotoBirds and our Bhutanese partner handle the local formalities. Visas and entry requirements for countries used to reach Bhutan remain the participant’s responsibility.
WHAT WEATHER AND ALTITUDE SHOULD I EXPECT?
April brings spring to Bhutan, with flowering rhododendrons, pleasant temperatures in the western valleys and increasingly green landscapes. Weather conditions vary considerably with altitude. Phobjikha and Bumthang can still be cold, particularly in the mornings, while Punakha and Gelephu are considerably warmer. Occasional spring rain is possible. The standard route reaches approximately 3,425 m at Yotong La. If the Ura Valley detour is included, we may cross Ura La at approximately 3,600 m. The optional Chele La excursion reaches about 3,988 m. We do not spend the night at these elevations. The main route reaches approximately 3,425 m at Yotong La. The optional Chele La route reaches 3,988 m. We do not spend the night at either of these elevations.
IS THE TIGER’S NEST HIKE COMPULSORY?
No. The hike to Tiger’s Nest is one of Bhutan’s great experiences, but participation is optional. If you prefer not to hike, speak to us before departure. Depending on the weather and local logistics, an alternative drive towards Haa Valley and Chele La may be possible.
HOW DO I GET TO BHUTAN?
International access is via Paro Airport, using Drukair or Bhutan Airlines from a limited number of regional gateways. The official tour dates are 17–25 April 2027, with group airport transfers included on those dates. Depending on available international connections, participants travelling from Europe may need additional travel time before or after the official programme. Please do not purchase flights until MotoBirds confirms that the minimum group size has been reached.
