Bhutan Motorcycle Rentals and Tours
Bhutan is a majestic mountainous country hidden away in the heights of the Himalayas between India and China. Mystic, spiritual, stunning landscapes, incredible riding and hard to get to…
Recommended Motorcycle Rental and Tour Companies in Bhutan.
Please contact the companies listed on this page directly for more information.
Firefox Tours
“We are a small, swift and well established company. We pride ourselves on our bikes, clear and friendly communication and a dedicated service for your motorcycle adventures in Bhutan.”
Services: Half, full or multi day motorcycle rentals. Accommodation, biking guide, mechanic, support vehicle, itinerary planning and customisation and more.
Rental bikes: Royal Enfield Classic 500 & Royal Enfield Himalayan.
Rental prices: Starting from 100 USD for half day with Classic 500 to full day for 150 USD with Himalayan. Significant discounts provided on multi-day trips.
Tour prices: Approximately 250-400 USD per person per night depending on season and number of people in group and tour length. Price includes bike rent, accommodation, meals, guide, support vehicle and Bhutan government permit fees. A range of shorter tours covering just some parts of Bhutan to biking expeditions across the entire country are available.
Insurance: Not included.
Kit availability: Helmet and gloves are included in the rental and tour price. Other gear is subject to availability.
Info
Dawa Dorji Tamang
Whatsapp/telegram/signal: +1 989 244 9610Voice: +975 17 98 99 28
info@firefoxtours.com
Quick Facts on Bhutan Motorcycle Rentals and Tours
Budget
Compulsory guide (prices are subject to change)
Bhutan is expensive. On our last check, you can’t travel freely on your own there and need a compulsory motorcycle guide to accompany you. This can be expensive (up to 200USD per day). Contact the recommended companies on this page for more info.
Money: ATMs can be found in major towns and accept Mastercard and Visa.
Currency: Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN).
Food: £20 per day on average.
Accommodation: £20 per day on average.
Petrol: 0.80p per litre.
When to go
The best time to ride a motorcycle in Bhutan
The best time to rent a motorcycle or join a tour in Bhutan is between March and April.
Paperwork
Visa, insurance and motorcycle licence
Visa: Visa requirements are dependent on your nationality. Please visit the country’s government website for visa information.
Driver’s licence: You need a valid motorcycle licence to legally rent a motorcycle or join a tour. If you risk riding without the correct licence, then not only will you be breaking the law, but your insurance will be invalid too.
International Driver’s Permit: An IDP is a requirement for many countries. The UK Gov website lists every country that requires one and which IDP is required.
Insurance: Motorcycle insurance needs to be checked with the rental or tour company. Ask what they offer, what’s included and what the legal requirements are.
You should purchase personal travel insurance separately from your home country before travelling.
Facts
Capital: Thimphu
Country code: +975
Emergency: 113
Language: Dzongkha
Time: GMT+6
Land Mass: 38,394km²
Don't miss
The best motorcycle riding routes and attractions
Paro Taktsang is perhaps one of the most famous attractions in Bhutan. But for motorcycle travel, Bhutan is not well reported on as you need to join a guided tour. Your guide will be take you to the best routes in the country.
Flying in/out
The best airport to fly into and out of
Paro International Airport is the best airport in and out of Bhutan. There are direct flights from Thailand, India, Singapore amongst others.
FAQs on Bhutan Motorcycle Rentals and Tours
No, sorry. Mad or Nomad do not offer any rentals, tours or services. Please contact the companies listed on this page directly.
This page displays motorcycle rental and tour companies from around the world. We do a lot of research into these companies before adding them and speak to the managers and owners. Many of the companies we have also used in the past or have met the owners while travelling.
While we have collected them all together in one place for your ease, we take no responsibility in your business with them. We’re simply showcasing companies in one easy-to-use place and are not involved with your dealings with them. Any business you have with these companies is at your own risk. We will not be held liable or responsible in any way.
The best time to ride a motorcycle in Bhutan is between March and May.
Covid put a huge spanner in Bhutan motorcycle travel. Prices are constantly changing and so are compulsory guide prices based on the government’s rulings. You will need to check with the company listed on this page for current pricings.
Take a video on your phone of the entire bike, do a walk around and film the condition of the chain, fairings, tyres, any bumps, dents and scratches. By doing so, you can’t get caught out and blamed for something you didn’t do when you return it.
Check the wheel bearings, chain, oil, coolant, brakes, clutch and that the handlebars are straight. Tyres need a decent amount of tread and should be suitable for the terrain you’re riding in. Take it for a short test ride and don’t feel pressured or rushed. Go with your gut and if there’s anything that catches your eye, speak to the owners immediately.
This is down to personal preference, where you’re riding and what’s available. If you’re renting or joining a motorcycle tour in the States and you’re going to be primarily on road, then you may want to opt for a big touring bike. If you’re headed to rural or mountainous countries and are going off-road in Central Asia for example, then go for a mid-weight single-cylinder.
We usually find lighter and cheaper rental bikes are better because they’re less stress, you don’t have to worry about dropping them all the time, are easier to fix and more fun.
For more info on choosing the right motorcycle for your trip, have a look at the below guide and also check out the adventure bikes page too.
READ MORE:
We recommend lightweight and comfortable gear suitable for the climate you’re travelling in. If you’re heading to a particularly cold place, then go for Gore-Tex pro laminate.
But, the best all-round option is ventilated, light and comfy adventure bike gear. Take the thermal and waterproof liners out and leave them at home. Take a cheap pair of waterproof throwovers and a compressible down jacket that can be stuffed into a small bag. You can use both items as layering if it’s cold and rainy and they double up when off the bike and will reduce the amount of gear you have to take with you in your luggage.
It’s always better to take your own bike gear over renting or using kit from the rental company. You know your own stuff fits, works and is comfortable – especially your helmet. The last thing you want is to get a few days into your trip and get a headache from a tight lid.
Check out our riding gear article for more info on how to choose the right clothing and the guides section for our recommended kit.
READ MORE:
Contact the rental or tour company and ask what luggage the bike comes with. Your bike might come with soft bags, hard boxes, a top box or nothing at all.
You can often leave the gear you don’t want to take with you on the trip at the rental or tour company’s headquarters. So you can travel on a plane with a larger kit bag and just take the bag and gear you need on the bike.
The type of luggage you need depends on the type of trip you’re on, how much off-roading you’re doing and how long you’re going for.
A good option is to go for a waterproof duffle bag and a pair of Rok Straps as this type of luggage setup can be fastened to any bike’s pillion seat and you don’t need racks. And take an additional small and light rucksack for your important gear (camera, passport etc) so you don’t have to worry about it when off the bike.
For more info on choosing your motorcycle luggage, check out our guide page below.
READ MORE: Adventure Bike Luggage Guides
Companies may offer motorcycle insurance as an optional extra, include it in the price or not offer it at all. This again depends on the country you’re riding in.
It’s worth getting insurance if you can and ask what the excess is as you will usually be liable for damage to the bike.
Motorcycle insurance is separate from personal travel insurance. This is incredibly important and you need to be very careful when choosing your personal insurance policy because the fine print often won’t cover you for bikes over 125cc, renting, touring or using a bike as your main mode of transport.
Check out our Admin section as you’ll find detailed guides on personal insurance, paperwork and safety on the road.
READ MORE: Admin Guides
Read more on Motorcycle Travel in Bhutan and Asia.
Thanks for checking out our Bhutan Motorcycle Tour and Rental Companies post. We hope you found what you were looking for. Here’s a few more articles on motorcycling in Bhutan and Asia that we recommend you read next.
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