The Land of the Thunder Dragon Awaits Your Big Bike
Picture this: you’re cruising through pristine mountain passes at 4,000 meters above sea level, prayer flags fluttering in the crisp Himalayan breeze, while snow-capped peaks stretch endlessly before you. Welcome to Bhutan, where Big Bike Tours transforms your wildest motorcycle dreams into reality. This isn’t just another destination on your bucket list – it’s the crown jewel of Asia big bike touring adventures.
Bhutan definitely tops the must-visit bucket list for all motorcycling and traveling enthusiasts, and there’s a pretty spectacular reason why. This mystical kingdom, nestled between the giants China and India, offers something no other Asian destination can match: complete authenticity wrapped in breathtaking scenery, served with a side of pure adventure.
Why Bhutan Rules the Big Bike Touring Scene in Asia
The World’s Happiest Kingdom on Two Wheels
Bhutan is frequently ranked as one of the happiest, most peaceful, and most economically free countries in the world. But here’s what makes it absolutely perfect for big bike touring: Bhutan’s population is smaller than the whole of Nottinghamshire. Translation? You’ll have some of the world’s most incredible roads almost entirely to yourself!
Forget about dodging crazy traffic or competing with tour buses for the perfect photo spot. You don’t need to go off-road if it’s miles of solitary riding you’re after. The main highways offer that rare combination of excellent tarmac and splendid isolation that big bike touring enthusiasts dream about.
Roads That Were Built for Adventure
Straight roads hardly exist, and we’ve counted an average of 10 curves per kilometer. If you’re a rider who lives for those perfect sweeping turns and challenging mountain passes, Bhutan delivers in spades. The capital city of Thimphu doesn’t even have a traffic light! Now that’s what we call motorcycle-friendly infrastructure.
The legendary Chelai La Pass (3950m) the highest motorable pass in western Bhutan offers the kind of high-altitude riding that gets your adrenaline pumping and your Instagram followers seriously jealous. Meanwhile, roads in Bhutan are mainly well surfaced, though adventure seekers can find their fix too – the road from Punakha to Trongsa has sections of thick mud, fallen rocks, deep water, and man-sized potholes for those who like their big bike touring with extra spice.
The Big Bike Tours Difference in Asia’s Hidden Gem
Your Gateway to the Thunder Dragon
When it comes to big bike touring in Asia, Big Bike Tours has been the leading motorcycle tour company in Thailand & Asia since way back. With over 25 years of experience exploring the most scenic roads and providing guided motorcycle tours since 2009, they’ve perfected the art of turning dream rides into reality.
What sets Big Bike Tours apart in the competitive Asia motorcycle touring scene? We are proud to have earned the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence every year since 2014. That’s not just luck – that’s a decade-plus of consistently delivering mind-blowing experiences to riders from around the globe.
Beyond Basic Big Bike Touring
Big Bike Tours doesn’t just stick you on a motorcycle and point you toward the mountains (though the mountains are absolutely incredible). Each tour includes well-maintained motorcycles, comfortable accommodations, dining experiences, and stunning cultural and natural attractions. We’re talking about a full-service adventure that takes care of every detail while you focus on the pure joy of riding.
Group sizes are kept small (10-12 riders) for a safer and more personal experience. This isn’t one of those massive convoy situations where you’re just another helmet in the crowd. You’ll actually get to know your fellow riders and create those lifelong friendships that make big bike touring so special.
What Makes Bhutan the Ultimate Asia Big Bike Touring Destination
Cultural Immersion That Actually Matters
Bhutan maintains an air of mystery, having only opened their borders to tourism in 1974. This late start to tourism means you’re experiencing a culture that hasn’t been diluted by decades of mass tourism. Bhutan still feels relatively untouched by outside influence, offering riders authentic encounters that you simply can’t find elsewhere in Asia.
Their high-value, low-volume approach to tourism makes travelling easy and pleasurable. It is not uncommon to the be the only visitor to a site, making for rich and quality experiences. Imagine exploring ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and sacred sites without fighting crowds for selfie opportunities.
Natural Beauty That Defies Description
Almost 3/4 of Bhutan is under forest cover, most of which is protected. As you navigate those perfect curves on your big bike, you’ll ride through miles of picturesque virgin fir-tree forests with views of snow-capped mountains and waterfalls, and if you’re lucky, even under rainbows.
The diversity is mind-blowing. One day you’re riding beside the mountains inhaling pure Himalayan pine scented breeze, and the next you’re exploring the subtropical Punakha valley. This isn’t just big bike touring – it’s a journey through multiple climate zones and ecosystems.
The Himalayan Challenge
For riders who live for altitude and epic mountain passes, Bhutan delivers the goods. The Dochula Pass offers panoramic view of the eastern Himalayas, while routes take you through passes that test both your riding skills and your camera’s memory card capacity.
The minimal traffic, disciplined motorists, awe inspiring scenery, gentle curves and the open roads offer the ideal conditions for enjoying motorcycle tours in Bhutan. It’s like the entire country was designed specifically for big bike touring enthusiasts.
Your Big Bike Touring Adventure Awaits
The Royal Enfield Experience
The motorcycles on offer will be the legendary Royal Enfield and KTM motorcycles. Both the Enfield and KTM have a longstanding and proven track record for durability and efficiency on the mountainous and rugged roads of the great Himalayas. These aren’t just any bikes – they’re the perfect machines for tackling Bhutan’s diverse terrain.
We kick back and savor the pure joy of cruising on our Bullet motorcycles at a relaxed 30 to 70 kph. This isn’t about speed records or adrenaline rushes (though there’s plenty of both). It’s about savoring every moment, every view, every perfect curve in the road.
Safety and Support That Actually Works
All tours will be accompanied by highly trained mechanics and experienced tour guides. A back-up vehicle will always be provided. When you’re riding in remote Himalayan valleys, having professional support isn’t just nice – it’s essential.
Tours are guided by professional road captains, mechanics, and tour guides with certified first aid training. Big Bike Tours takes the safety aspect seriously because they understand that great adventures require smart preparation.
Planning Your Asia Big Bike Touring Journey
The Logistics Made Simple
We will handle the visa procedures for you. The Govt. will sanction the VISA only after the receipt of full payment in advance. Forget about wrestling with bureaucracy – Big Bike Tours handles the paperwork so you can focus on getting excited about your upcoming adventure.
Passports or Voter ID is required to enter Bhutan. Tourist must pay a sustainability fee at Immigration of Rs1200/- head/ night of stay in Bhutan (For Indians, Srilankans and Maldivians). For all other nationalities, USD 250/- night must be paid as sustainability fees. Yes, Bhutan isn’t the cheapest destination, but that’s exactly what keeps it special and uncrowded.
What You’re Really Paying For
Government royalty (35% of $200), which goes to the country’s health and education projects. Your big bike touring adventure literally helps build schools and hospitals. How cool is that?
All route access and monument entry permits and fees. All government taxes, official expenses and tourist service charges are handled by the pros. This is turn-key adventure at its finest.
Beyond the Ride: Cultural Treasures of Asia’s Last Kingdom
Spiritual Encounters on Two Wheels
In route we will be visiting the “temple of fertility”. The afternoon will be left aside for the visit to the Punakha Dzong, the castle of great happiness. These aren’t just tourist stops – they’re genuine cultural experiences that add depth to your big bike touring adventure.
Our Bhutan bike tour is structured to allow enough time to get to know the countryside and the residents of the villages along the roads. This is slow travel at its best, where the journey really is more important than the destination.
Farm Stays and Authentic Experiences
Add a Phobjikha Valley farm stay to your itinerary for a truly authentic experience. After a day of perfect curves and mountain vistas, imagine sharing dinner with a Bhutanese family, learning about their traditions, and falling asleep to the sound of yaks grazing outside your window.
Great riding during the day, and cozy evenings in comfortable hotels, campsites and local farmhouses. Big Bike Tours understands that the perfect big bike touring experience includes comfortable places to rest and recover between riding days.
The Competition Can’t Touch This
What Sets Big Bike Tours Apart in Asia
While companies like Thai Bike Tours, Bike Tour Asia, and TBB Tours offer excellent experiences in Thailand and neighboring countries, Big Bike Tours stands out with their diverse motorcycle trips across Thailand and other Asian countries, as well as destinations like New Zealand, Mongolia, and Bhutan.
The breadth of experience matters when you’re talking about challenging destinations like Bhutan. Tour durations vary from 1-day adventures to multi-week journeys, giving you options whether you want a taste of big bike touring or a full immersion experience.
Real Rider Reviews That Matter
The tour organised by them was the experience of a lifetime. Khandu could only be described as a professional rider. He lives and breathes it. This kind of passion shows in every aspect of the Big Bike Tours experience.
The motorcycles (mainly Royal Enfields Himalayans) were in top condition and were maintained daily by the team and repaired if necessary (even at night 😉). When you’re exploring remote Himalayan valleys, this level of mechanical support isn’t just helpful – it’s the difference between an amazing adventure and a potential disaster.
Ready to Discover Asia’s Best-Kept Big Bike Touring Secret?
Bhutan represents the pinnacle of Asia big bike touring adventures. This was an exhilarating trip that combines challenging riding, stunning scenery, authentic culture, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime.
If you love to ride but prefer off-the-beaten-path adventures over standard tourist spots, Big Bike Tours is your perfect choice. Bhutan offers something increasingly rare in our connected world: genuine mystery, authentic culture, and roads that seem designed specifically for the joy of motorcycling.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for your next great challenge or someone who wants to experience the ultimate in Asia big bike touring, Bhutan with Big Bike Tours delivers an adventure that’s impossible to replicate anywhere else on the planet.
The Thunder Dragon is calling. Your big bike is waiting. Are you ready to answer?