CONQUER THE
DRAGON KINGDOM
ON TWO WHEELS
Himalayan high-pass motor expeditions radiating from the 4th-Floor Handle Bar basecamp in Thimphu. Guided by Danny—Bhutan's premier national rider and navigator—and Chogyal, our legendary Harley-Davidson road captain. Throttle through ancient cloud forests, sacred cliff-hung passes, and remote valleys where prayer flags snap in the alpine slipstream.
Bhutan High Altitude Touring Squad
Riding alongside Bhutan's National Legends
Founded on high Himalayan switchbacks, steel engines, and Bhutanese mountain camaraderie.
The 7 High-Pass Expeditions
Every route has been scouted, paved, or tested by Danny & Chogyal. Tailored for endurance cruisers, adventure touring dual-sports, and Royal Enfield riders.
The Sacred Pass: Dochula to Punakha Valley
Ascend from Thimphu through mist-swirled hemlock forests to the legendary 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens at Dochula Pass (3,100m). Feast eyes on the unbroken 180° panorama of the snow-crested eastern Himalayas before executing a breathless 2,000-meter winding descent into the warm, lush valley of the majestic Punakha Dzong and Bhutan's longest suspension bridge.
Sky Highest: Paro Valley & Chele La Pass
Cruise from Thimphu along the rapid Paro Chhu river past ancient watchtowers, sweeping beneath the cliffs of Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest). Carve through deep pine forests up into the high alpine zone where trees vanish, arriving at Chele La pass (3,988m). Stand amid tens of thousands of prayer flags whipping in the crisp gale with views of sacred Mount Jomolhari (7,326m).
Cloudlands of Haa: Via Chuzom & Dobji Fortress
Take the road less traveled. Diverging at the confluence of the rivers at Chuzom, pass the cliff-perched medieval fortress of Dobji Dzong. Ride wide sweeping curves bordered by wild apple orchards, traditional wood-shingled homesteads, and the guardian shrines of the Black and White Temples (Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo) bordering Sikkim and Tibet.
The Black Mountain Crossing: Phobjikha & Gangtey
Rumble across the historic boundary between western and central Bhutan over the windswept Pele La pass (3,420m). Descend through dwarf bamboo valleys into the vast glacial trough of Phobjikha, winter home to the sacred Black-Necked Cranes. A raw, elemental ride through wild rhododendron thickets and past the ancient 17th-century Gangtey Monastery.
The Heartland Pilgrimage: Trongsa & Bumthang
A legendary multi-day trek carving through sheer cliffs flanking the Mangde Chhu river canyon to gaze upon Trongsa Dzong—the ancestral seat of Bhutan's monarchy. Cross Yotong La (3,425m) into the four mystical valleys of Bumthang (Chhume, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura). Fuel up on fresh Buckwheat pancakes, artisanal Red Panda beer, and ride to the kingdom's oldest 7th-century shrines.
The Wild East: Mongar, Trashigang & Trashi Yangtse
The pinnacle Himalayan overland odyssey. Conquer Thrumshing La (3,780m), Bhutan's wildest pass, carving through mist and plunging along Namling Brae—a road blasted out of sheer vertical rock cliffs where waterfalls wash the tarmac. Cross into the warm eastern terraced valleys of Mongar, Trashigang Dzong, and the sacred stupa of Chorten Kora.
The Southern Descent: Thimphu to Phuentsholing via Gedu
Experience a staggering continuous descent as alpine firs yield to giant tree ferns and subtropical jungle canyons. Sweeping through Chapcha and the celebrated twisties of Gedu, ride through ethereal cloud layers before rolling up to the ornate Bhutan-India border gate in Phuentsholing.
The 5 High Passes of Bhutan
Himalayan passes (“La” in Dzongkha) are sacred threshold crossings marked by prayer flags, stone cairns, and sudden meteorological shifts. Here is the technical breakdown for throttles entering high altitude.
CHELE LA
Between Paro & Haa. Intense winds, fluttering prayer flags, rhododendron blooms, view of Mt. Jomolhari.
THRUMSHING LA
Eastern highway gateway. Dramatic cloud inversions, sheer cliff road cuts, cold alpine spruce.
YOTONG LA
Connecting Trongsa to Bumthang valleys. Lush moss-draped fir forest, pristine paved hairpins.
PELE LA
Historic dividing pass of East & West. Tibetan chorten marker, roadside yak herders, high meadows.
DOCHULA
Thimphu's closest high pass. 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, Himalayan eastern range panorama.
Led By National Champions.
Backed By Chase Logistics.
Riding in the high Himalayas demands respect, navigation prowess, and mechanical resilience. Handle Bar is not an ordinary booking agency—we are Bhutan's active biker fraternity. Danny, recognized throughout the kingdom as Bhutan's elite master rider, leads the pace, while Chogyal anchors the heavy-cruiser culture with unmatched road charisma.
Our heavy-duty 4x4 follows every multi-day convoy carrying rider gear, dual spare tires, oxygen kits, and master Himalayan bike technicians.
We handle all special high-pass route clearances, Dzongkhag security stamps, environmental passes, and cross-district immigration paperwork.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 411/450, Scram 411, Harley-Davidson Sportster & Road Kings, Triumph Tigers, BMW GS, and custom bikes welcome.
Conclude every day run back at the 4th-Floor Tavern with fresh Red Panda wheat draft beer, fiery Bhutanese chili pork, and live blues music.
Captain Danny
National master motorcycle pilot, trail blazer across every unpaved ridge in Bhutan.
Chogyal
Veteran long-distance cruiser captain, soul of the Thimphu biker clubhouse culture.
“You don't just tour Bhutan by motorcycle. You listen to the thunder of the valleys, carve the holy passes, and sit down like brothers with a cold tap when the stands drop.”
Request A Himalayan Motorcycle Ride
Transmit your ride requirements directly to Danny and Chogyal. No advance deposit or card needed—our captains will review your route preference, skill level, and schedule a personal briefing at the Handle Bar 4th-Floor Pitstop.
Your waypoint request has been logged on the muster sheet. Danny or Chogyal will contact you via WhatsApp / phone to review weather, route conditions, and set up your pre-ride briefing at the 4th-Floor Clubhouse.
Every Himalayan Run Begins & Ends At The 4th Floor
Park your motorcycle directly at the Multilevel Parking structure right beside the Thromde Office in downtown Thimphu. Take the lift up to the 4th-Floor clubhouse to meet road captains Danny and Chogyal. Examine wall-sized topographical route charts, inspect gear, drink fresh mountain spring water, and return here after dust and hairpins for ice-cold brews and warm camaraderie.
HANDLE BAR BIKER CLUBHOUSE & TAVERN
Multilevel Parking Complex, 4th Floor
Directly Adjacent to Thromde Office
Thimphu, Kingdom of Bhutan