Day 1 – Arrive Bagdogra, West Bengal India

Roadrunners staff will meet you at the airport. Transfer to our base of operations at a nearby guest house where Himalayan Roadrunners staff are waiting with motorcycles & equipment. Late afternoon briefing followed by bike assignment and a short test ride toward the Nepal Border to get a feel for the bikes. Evening free to relax in the garden after your long flight.

Day 2 – Bagdogra – Darjeeling

Motorcycle tour starts today. After a quick rundown of road safety precautions & a check of personal equipment, we will start out on the backroads of West Bengal and quickly ride into the foothills of the Himalaya through endless Tea Plantations, following the road as it snakes its way up to the small lakeside village of Mirik for lunch. Tour continues North along the Nepal Border, ridge running narrow mountain roads all the way up to the famous hill station of Darjeeling, (Dorje-Ling, Place of Thunderbolts) with commanding views toward Kanchenjunga, the World’s 3rd Highest Peak! Accommodations at a fabulous Days of the British Raj antique residence turned hotel!

Day 3 – Darjeeling – Kalimpong

Morning free to visit the Mountaineering Institute in memory of one of Darjeeling’s most famous residents, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, hike down to the Tibetan Refugee Camp to shop, or just relax at Chowrasta and watch Darjeeling life as it happens! Situated on both sides of a ridge with views into the Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan, Kalimpong once belonged to the Rajas of Sikkim. Dramatic after lunch descent to the Tista River where we will meet the Kalimpong Road and following some amazing loops & switchbacks to our overnight accommodations at another old antique hotel!

 

Day 4 – Kalimpong – Phuntsholing, Bhutan

Early morning departure for our long days ride along the backroads of West Bengal to the India-Bhutan border at Phuntsholing. Packed lunch. Early evening free for a quick wander or sample a Bhutanese spirit at one of the local restaurants. Buffet dinner in our hotel, an old favorite.

Day 5 – Phuntsholing – Paro

Following final clearance of visas & vehicle formalities, our adventure begins into the Dragon Kingdom on the narrow mountain road (National Highway!) toward the beautiful Paro Valley. A wonderfully well deserved hot lunch provided enroute by our friends at Bunakha! Late afternoon arrival at our stunning
overnight antique accommodations overlooking the Paro Valley!

Day 6 – Paro – Thimphu

Morning sightseeing around Paro Valley including the must see National Museum high above Paro Dzong and a ride to the head of the valley for a look at the famous Tigers Nest Monastery & ruins of Drugyel Dzong. Late afternoon ride into Bhutan”s quaint little capital of Thimphu. Group dinner out in a favorite restaurant!

Day 7 – Thimphu – Punakha

Morning sightseeing of Thimphu including the centre of government & religion TashichhoDzong, the National Library and Kings Memorial Chorten, and a chance for some quick shopping before lunch back in our hotel. Early afternoon ride over Dochu La (3150m) and on down into the lush Punakha Valley. Late afternoon visit to Punakha Dzong, another picture perfect setting on the confluence of two rivers!

Day 8 – Punakha – Bumthang Valley

An early start this morning for our long ride acrosss the Black Mountains that divide Western & Central Bhutan, including Pele La (3400m). Hot lunch at Chendebji Stupa, before our first far off glimpse of Tongsa Dzong, one of the more memorable in Bhutan! Late afternoon ride into Bumthang Valley. Accommodations at a cozy original old Bhutanese farmhouse!

Day 9 – Bumthang – Mongar

Another long days ride today over Thromseng La (3750m) one of the most spectacular rides in the country! Incredble decent of over 3200m and back up to Mongar Village for overnight. New guest house accommodations.

Day 10 – Mongar – Chorton Kora – Tashigang

Morning visit to Mongar Dzong, after ride, approximately 4 hours, dcending the Yadi Loops into South Eastern Bhutan. Stop at Chazam (Cha – Iron/Zam-Bridge) named after the Tibetan Iron Bridge Builder Thangtong Gyalpo. Route continues along the Drangme Chhu, where we will stop at Gom Kora, a sacred meditation site of Guru Rimpoche! After a good look around and Kora’s around the Gompa, we will move on to Tashi Yangtse for a late lunch. Early afternoon to explore this important power place, the Stupa here fashioned in 1740 after Boudhanath in Kathmandu! Return ride back to Tashigang for overnight. Guest house accommodations.

Day 11 – Tashigang – India Assam Border

Early morning departure for our decent to the India Border with some of the best motorcycling of the trip, contouring the lower ridgetops of the Far Eastern Bhutan Himalaya, passing by the campus of Bhutan’s only University at Kaglung, the Handloom Weaving Project at Khaling, and on into Doethang for a picnic style lunch. Late afternoon arrival in Samdrup Jongkhar right on the border. Very basic but adequate local Indian style guest house type accommodations.

Day 12 – Ride to Gawahati – Flights Out

Morning transfers across the Bramahaputra River and on to Gawahati Airport for our flight connections back to Calcutta & New Delhi.

Kuzo Zangpo……La!*

Join us for an experience you’ll never forget.