Fly from Dublin (or your location) to Bagdogra airport, West Bengal, India. It's likely you will get a better price flying into Delhi or Mumbai and then taking an internal connection to Bagdogra. You'll schedule your fights to arrive no later than about 5pm on the next day into Bagdogra. (Monday 10th Nov).

No meals provided today.

Arrive at Bagdogra airport, West Bengal, India.

As all participants may arrive at different times from different locations you will be required to take a taxi to the first hotel in Bagdogra (not far from the airport). This is very easy and stress-free with ample taxis and tuktuks available. Your taxi will cost approximately €5.

Or, if you are arriving as a group, we will arrange transport for you as a group which will be waiting for you at the airport upon arrival. This will be charged at cost and is the most economical option.

After check in at the hotel you get acquainted with your ride for the tour ahead! That evening we’ll have a group briefing covering topics such as a general introduction to India with the areas you will be visiting, rules of the road and driving safety in India plus Q&A on the tour itinerary.

Overnight in Bagdogra.

Breakfast provided.

We leave the heat of the Indian plains and climb up towards Darjeeling using the Indo-Nepal border road overlooking the stunning panoramic views of the world famous Darjeeling tea estates. A stop at the enchanting Dali monastery gives us a glimpse into the spiritual perspective of the area. 

Overnight in Darjeeling.

Breakfast provided.

Wake up at 4 am for a jeep drive to Tiger hill which on a clear day offers an unforgettable sunrise over the Himalayas (optional). Views of Mt Everest and Mt. Kanchunjunga will definitely make up for the early morning rise. 

Post breakfast we head out with our motorcycles to the railway station to board the world famous Darjeeling Hill Railway. These are the oldest running steam trains in the world under UNESCO World Heritage status.

The afternoon will feature the ride to Happy Valley tea garden for a tea production tour followed by the visit to the Himalayan mountaineering museum. We wrap up the day with a tea tasting session which might just elevate you into a connoisseur in under an hour!

Overnight in Darjeeling.

Breakfast provided.

On this day we enter the Indian state of Sikkim previously a kingdom under the Choygal Dynasty until 1972.

We start early on a downhill road passing the lush Tukvar valley tea garden and enter Sikkim, making our entry permits at the border. Visit to the famous Pemayantse monastery on this day. Pelling offers one of the closest mountain views which are a sight to hold on a clear day.

Overnight in Pelling.

Breakfast provided.

Today is one of the best riding days of the tour with some incredible scenery on the route.

We meander through hair pin bends and some steep climbs into Ravangla. Here we take a short detour to view the largest Buddha statue in North East India. Thereon we ride through the windy roads of Temi Tea Estates with lush tea bushes on both sides of the road.

We aim to reach Gangtok before sun down.

Overnight in Gangtok.

Breakfast provided.

Get a feel of the old Silk Road heading towards the Tibetan border. From here we ride onto the beautiful glacial Tsangu lake. Situated at 3,753m this lake is considered sacred by the local people. Take a ride on the cable car taking you up to 4000m overlooking the mighty Himalayas and the Tibetan border passes.

After the ride back to Gangtok the group will have the evening free to explore the bustling city with historical significance as the capital of the last Maharaja of Sikkim.

Overnight in Gangtok

Breakfast provided.

Today starts the off-road section of your tour. After securing the necessary road permits we head towards the northern high mountains of Sikkim, bordering southern Tibet. 

Expect a drop in temperature as we climb the windy Himalayan road where the scenery turns into Alpine. Our destination today is the beautiful town of Lachung.

The name comes from Tibetan language meaning small pass. At an elevation of about 9000 feet Lachung is surrounded by snow capped peaks, gushing streams and apple orchards. We call it an early night to start fresh for Yumthang valley the following day.

Overnight in Lachung

Breakfast provided.

This day marks is one of the longest days of the tour as we ride into Yumthang, better known as the valley of the flowers.

This valley is encircled by majestic snow capped hills. Although we may not have the chance to witness any flowers blooming during our visit, it serves as the gateway to our main mission: reaching Zero point at 17,000 feet.

At Zero we find ourselves at a panoramic base of many jaw dropping 19000 ft peaks surrounding us.

With a short stay for some selfies and pictures we begin our journey back into Gangtok city.

We try to reach back to the hotel before the sun goes down but be ready to drive the last part of the route post sundown.

Overnight in Gangtok.

Breakfast provided.

With the high mountains trailing behind us we embark on the next chapter of our Himalayan adventure.

Today we ride along the mighty Teesta river leading towards the flat wide roads of the Dooars tea gardens.

We continue along the road to take us to the border town of Jaigaon.

Tonight’s stay on the Indian side will give you the last feel of bustling India and all the charms it has to offer.

Tomorrow we head into the Land of the Thunder Dragon!

Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

Today we head into the Bhutan via Phuentsoling border. With our visas stamped we ride to the capital city Thimpu. In the initial part of the day we will ride through the plains then slowly ascent into the lush green jungles that wind their way up to 2400m.

Expect a great ride today as the roads have been widened recently with well maintained asphalt.

Overnight in Thimpu.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

Today we discover the capital city’s hidden treasures of old fortresses, Stupas and Buddhist temples. We visit the memorial Chorten built in memory of the late King and also ride to the Shakyamuni Buddha statue - Buddha Dordenema, which was built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

In the afternoon, we visit Motithang Zoo to see Takin: the national animal of Bhutan. On the return ride we can take a walk around the majestic Thimphu Dzong (fortress-monastery) and local market place. Not to forget a chance to try out some local delicacies.

Overnight at Thimpu.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

Today we ride through the Dochula Pass, one of Bhutan’s highest mountain passes, where on a clear day you can see the panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range.

The pass is also famous for its 108 chortens in memory of its fallen soldiers. A chorten is a Tibetan Buddhist shrine or monument which is also known as a stupa. Here on we ride to the famous Chimi Lakhang monastery of the divine madman (monk) to get blessed with a stone Phallus bestowing you with endless fertility, for those who dare!

We end our day riding towards Punakha Dzong or ‘Palace of Great Happiness or Bliss’, built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers.

Overnight in Punakha.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

One of the best rides of the journey begins today where we back track towards Thimpu then onto to Chuzom confluence.

Here on the road leads us into Paro valley with the road following the pristine Paro river. We get to view serene valley views with traditional Bhutanese houses spread along terraced fields.

Overnight in Paro.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

Today will be a non riding day. We hike to the bottom of the famous Taktsang Palphug monastery popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. Be sure to pack your comfy trekking shoes. 

This iconic Buddhist monastery hangs on the side of a steep cliff listed as the No1. thing to do in Bhutan. Guru Padhmasambhava, the most revered saint in Buddhism and the person believed to have introduced Buddhism meditated here.

Those who don’t want to do the full trek can do a halfway hike to a beautiful cafe where they can savour amazing views of Taksang.

In the evening we you can visit the local town for some final shopping or go to Drukgyal Dzong (built in 1647). We will have a final get together at dinner time.

Overnight in Paro.

Packed breakfast provided.

Early morning flight around 8 am will fly us to either Kathmandu or Delhi from where connecting flights can be taken to Ireland or wherever your final destination will be.

Those flying back to Ireland will likely connect in Delhi and arrive in Dublin early hours of the following day (Tuesday 25th November).

Total Tour Cost in Euro (inc all taxes)

Single Rider - €4,495

1 person, 1 motorcycle, 1 room based on single occupancy

(Single occupancy is only available on the India section. For Bhutan you will need to share a room with another same sex single rider.)

2 Riders Sharing - €3,995 per person

2 persons, 2 motorcycles, 1 room based on double/twin occupancy

(Good for couples, or two friends happy to share a twin room, or two  unrelated same sex single riders happy to share a twin room and save money over a single occupancy room.)

1 Rider, 1 Pillion Sharing - €3,995 + €3,395

2 persons, 1 motorcycle, 1 room based on double/twin occupancy

(Good for couples where only one rides. The Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle is generally suitable for 2-up riding but certain small sections of the route might necessitate the pillion dismounting and or riding in the support truck.)

All flights are excluded. 

International Flights

You will book your own international flights to and from India. You are free to make your own choice of airline and class of travel - choose the price and level of service that's right for you.

Use Kayak, Expedia, LastMinute, TripAdvisor etc for the best flight deals. 

We can offer all the advice you need during the booking process. Talk to us before booking as we encourage everyone flying from Ireland to take the same flights.

Right now (Feb 2025) a return flight from Dublin to Delhi with Qatar is approx €500.

There is a factor of safetly built into our tour schedule so if your flights go disasterously wrong on the way out you have until Day 3 to get to Darjeeling which is a taxi ride from Bagdogra airport.

Internal Flights

You will need to pay for your own internal flights. This is likley to be from Delhi to Bagdogra (approx €100) and Paro to Delhi (approx €350).

Again, we can offer all the advice you need during the booking process. Talk to us before booking as we encourage everyone to take the same flights.

Do not book SpiceJet for your internal flight to Bagdogra as they are notorius for cancelling flights. Use Air India Express, Air India, Indigo or Alaska.

Indian Visa

Multi-entry Indian tourist visa. Obtain your e-visa from the official Indian Government website only. Do not use third party websites. Be very careful as they look very similar!

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

The e-visa is €92.

Vaccinations

You'll need to check with your doctor to see if you need vaccinations. We cannot advise on this so your GP is the best person to consult.

Travel Insurance

You'll need to take out travel insurance to cover you and your own possessions including repatriation. See our separate tab on this below.

Meals and Drinks

Breakfast is included EVERY DAY in the price of the tour. 

Lunch and evening meals are payable locally WHEN IN INDIA ONLY (Days 2 to 9 inclusive).

You might want to set up a kitty within your group to cover meals and drinks - it's up to you.

In any case we will make recommendations each meal time as to where you can eat and drink. You'll need cash or a credit card to cover the bill.

Lunch and dinner are provided WHEN IN BHUTAN (Days 10 to 14 inclusive).

You may also wish to buy souvenirs on route.

The Revolut app is a great way to split bills easily and without fuss.

Entry Fess and Tips

You'll need to pay entrance fees to certain attractions and heritage sites.

You'll also want to tip your guides and support crew in cash at or during the tour. Your guides and crew work on a low wage and rely on tips for payment.

Currency

Indian Rupees are only available in India so you'll need to get some when you arrive at the airport or at an ATM.

Price includes third party insurance and damage liability limited of €500.

A €1,000 per person non-refundable deposit will be required at time of booking with the balance due three months prior to the tour start date.

A €500 refundable deposit is to be paid on each motorcycle rented. This will become due in cash on collection of your motorcycle. Minor damages (smaller plastic parts and other minor accessories such as mirrors, headlights and indicators) will be deducted from the deposit where required. Where no damage occurs to the motorcycle the full €500 deposit will be refunded on immediate return of the motorcycle.

We accept debit cards and direct bank transfer only. All payments to be made in Euro.

(Prices subject to currency fluctuations where warranted. Prices are based on a tour group size of 12 persons minimum. All deposits and payments are non-refundable.)

Hire of Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 Motorcycle

Return of your motorcycle from the end of the one way tour.

Fuel for your motorcycle.

Bhutan government tour tariffs.

High quality hotels / lodges.

Breakfast every day.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner when in Bhutan (Days 10 to 14 inclusive).

Services of an experienced full time Road Guide and back up support of a trained mechanic, including the cost for their meals, accommodations and daily allowance.

Support of a 4x4 vehicle as a backup for the tour.

All spares parts for the motorcycles.

Comprehensive medical kit.

Please note the food on tour may not fully provide for vegetarians, vegans or those with severe allergies.

International flights.

Internal flights.

Airport transfers except Bagdogra and Paro airports for group arrivals.

Personal riding gear such as helmets, gloves, jackets, pants, riding boots etc.

Personal insurance and evacuation charges.

All expenses of personal nature such as lunch, dinner, drinks, where not provided and laundry etc.

Tips to guides, drivers, restaurant and bar staff, etc.

Costs and or delays incurred due to natural calamities, severe weather, strikes, civil unrest and break-downs beyond the control of RetroVentures and its associates.

Rupee - EUR currency fluctuations - price may increase or decrease if there are unsustainable swings in currency values.

Any item not included in the above “What's Included”.

It's important you get personal travel insurance for your trip. This will normally cover Cancellation / Curtailment, Delayed Flights, Lost Luggage, Lost Documents, Medical Expenses, Abandonment, Personal Liability etc.

We've carried out research on your behalf and found a provider of travel insurance that will insure the activity of motorcycle riding above 125cc.

We suggest Ireland resident customers go to https://www.insureandgo.ie/. We have confirmed with them that Irish and UK licences are valid for their cover.

For UK resident customers the insurance market is much bigger and a quick Google of motorcycle travel insurance will show several providers of cover.

If you are a reasonably outgoing person, happy to mix with other reasonably outgoing people, and willing to compromise on group activities which may not be quite your cup of tea but are the cup of tea for the majority of the group, if you are willing to challenge your riding skills without challenging your pride, willing to accept the need to learn some new riding skills on uneven road surfaces, poorly constructed roads, damaged roads, on dust, gravel, sand, rocks, mud, water, tarmac without getting stressed and upset, if you are willing to ride in the sun, rain, mist, hot, cold, mild, or humid weather and are willing to ride in the light, dark, pitch black, dawn or dusk, if you don't mind heights and riding cliff-edge roads, if you are willing to ride a motorcycle that you are not necessarily familiar with, a motorcycle with different performance characteristics to your normal ride, a motorcycle with a potentially firmer or softer seat with potentially firmer or softer suspension, if you are open minded enough to try local foods and drinks without the need to starve yourself, if you are happy to sleep in accommodation of varying standards which might not be your usual pick, if you can accept a harder or softer mattress for a night, if you are happy getting up earlier than normal, later than normal, leave earlier than normal or later than normal, if you're happy to ride long days to fulfil certain parts of an itinerary, or just ride a couple of hours each day, if you have a respect for local cultures, religions and heritage sites, and if you are a generally happy soul with a desire for life and safe adventure, then you are the kind of person for this tour!

If you are a miserable sort, where it's your way or no way at all, and you can't deal with the highlights of our adventures noted above, then please don't join us!

Rest assured though, we will do everything in our power to make sure your trip is a safe and enjoyable one and we'll give you all the tuition and encouragement you need along the way.

So in summary, we are not responsible for the heat, cold, dust, unusual food, water supply, hot water supply, damaged roads, poor roads, pot holes, your fellow riders, soft pillows, hard pillows, or crazy driving.

We are responsible for providing you with the most fantabulous, exciting, eye opening, awe inspiring, senses attacking, emotional immersion into the unique culture that is India! And the Royal Enfield Himalayan legend of course.

Please bring your motorcycle driving licence and an international version if not in English.

Bring all your own riding gear - including your crash helmet and sturdy footwear. Pack some layers to allow for adjustment to temperatures but generally the weather will be warm / hot. Ventillated riding gear is generally in order.

Bring a waterproof. Accommodation is generally middle-end so evening wear will be useful - but nothing too fancy - clean jeans and a nice t-shirt will suffice and alternative shoes or boots for the evening (other than your riding boots).

Most of your gear will be transported in the support vehicle so please pack as light as possible as there will be a lot to squeeze in.

Pack a camera and / or Go-Pro.

Pack your normal medication plus Imodium for the occasional upset tumtum. Pack your sunglasses and or riding goggles. Bring your passport, cash and credit cards.

Get 15% off riding gear at Sprocket & Hubs Motorcycle Emporium in Adare, Co. Limerick when you book this tour.