The Secret Kingdom - Michael Lichter Edition - BHUTAN $5799

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DAY 1: LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON

NEW DELHI TO PHUENTSHOLING (7 HOURS TRAVEL)

Arrive early at Indira Gandhi airport in New Delhi for a scenic flight over the Himalayas to Bagdorga in Darjeeling. From here, private vehicles take you through verdant landscape to Phuentsholing. Pass through a gate at the border check point and enter the Thunder Dragon Kingdom.

DAY 2: ON THE DRAGON’S TRAIL

PHUENTSHOLING TO PARO (150 KM/ 5 HOURS)

There’s a rider refresh over breakfast before you get the keys to your motorcycle. 

You’ll ride north out of Phuentsholing towards Paro. The road inclines quickly and winds through densely forested mountain landscapes. The Bhutanese put high value on conservation and this is the only carbon negative country in the world, covered up to 72% by forests. In addition to the lush landscape, you’ll pass beautiful Gedu University and several monasteries along the way. 

Arrive in Paro in time for lunch and take the rest of the day to visit the local temples and Dzongs (fortresses).

Tonight’s dinner and accommodations are in a comfortable hotel. 

DAY 3: IN THE CLOUDS

PARO TO THIMPHU (65 KM/ 1 ½ HOURS)

Rise early this morning and set out to visit Paro Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest Monastary. According to legend, Padmasambava, the Second Buddha of Bhutan, arrived here on a flying tiger and spent four months meditating in a cave before spreading Buddhism through Bhutan. The monastery was constructed at this spot starting in the 17th century and has since become arguably the most famous landmark in Bhutan.

The hike is 4 hours round trip, and at over 10,000 ft. elevation the climb up can be taxing, but the destination is well worth your effort. 

The hike back down is considerably easier and you will enjoy the wind in your face as you ride through lush valleys to the capital city of Thimphu, the fourth highest capital in the world.

Dinner and hotel accommodations are in Thimphu with time to explore the city.

DAY 4: KUENSEL PHODRANG

THIMPU TO PHOBJIKHA VIA PUNAKHA (168 km / 6 hours)

A short way out of Thimphu is the Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point), one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, constructed of bronze and gilded in gold. Take in the views of the Thimphu valley before the ride continues towards Phobjikha.

Tackle Dochu La (pass) at 10,300 ft. where you will get sweeping views of the snow-capped Himalayas before descending towards the Phobjikha Valley. Stop in Punakha for lunch and a visit to Punakha Dzong before arriving at the final destination of Pajo for dinner and overnight in a hotel. 

DAY 5: BEAUTIFUL FIELDS

PHOBJIKHA TO BUMTHANG VIA TRONGSA (180 km / 7 hours)

This morning starts early. After breakfast, visit Trongsa Dzong, an 18th century fortress that played many important roles through Bhutan’s history, and Ta Dzong, the fortress’ watchtower, offering commanding views of the landscape. 

You’ll hop on your bike and ride east towards Bumthang District. Directly translated, Bumthang means ‘beautiful fields’, and you will understand why as you ride past fertile fields of buckwheat, rice, apple orchards, and livestock.

Dinner and accommodations at a comfortable hotel. 

DAY 6: HIGH AND LOWS

BUMTHANG TO MONGAR (192  KM/6-7 HOURS)

The ride from Bumthang district to Mongar district is beautiful. Cross two high mountain passes, Sertang la and Trumshing la, at nearly 13,000 ft. elevation before descending into valleys dotted with waterfalls, streams, sheer cliffs, and ever changing vegetation. 

Tonight’s stay is in a comfortable hotel.

DAY 7: MONASTERY TO MONASTERY

MONGAR TO TRASHIGANG VIA RANGJUNG (91 KM / 3-4 HOURS)

Start the day at Trashigang Dzong, one of the largest fortresses in Bhutan. From there you’ll ride further east along the Gamri Chu River towards Rangjung. Visit the monastery here and then ride back towards Trashigang for dinner and free time before turning in for the night at a hotel.

DAY 8: HEADING SOUTH

TRASHIGANG TO SAMDRUP JONGKHAR (180 KM / 6-7 HOURS)

Your destination today is Samdrup Jongkhar, one of the main gateways to India and oldest town in Bhutan . This district contains numerous protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries that are connected via ‘green corridors’, allowing wildlife to move freely with minimal human disruption. You’ll also visit to the Khaling Handloom center where you can watch Bhutanese artisans practice traditional weaving techniques and grab some souvenirs. 

You’ll have free time this evening for exploring the town. Dinner and accommodations are at a hotel. 

DAY 9: LEAVING BHUTAN

SAMDRUP JONGKHAR TO GUWAHATI, INDIA

Alas, all good things must come to an end. Say goodbye to your Royal Enfield and the land of the Thunder Dragon and hop in private vehicles to take you across the border to Guwahati where you will catch your flight out.