Bhutan is a landlocked country, renowned for its extreme natural beauty. The people of this country are known for their peace-loving nature, sweet smile, and Buddhist culture. The tranquil atmosphere attracts tourists from all around the globe. If you are planning to take a road trip to Bhutan on a bike, choosing the right season is crucial to explore and experience the inherent beauty of Bhutan.
This blog will help you decide the best time to visit Bhutan on a motorbike, factors to consider when planning your trip, essential gear and equipment to carry, and safety tips for safe riding in Bhutan.
A] Understanding Bhutan’s Climate
Bhutan has a diverse climate packed with subtropical plains and steep mountains. You may encounter seven degrees of temperature drop for every 1000 metres up from the sea level in Bhutan. The spring season in Bhutan usually occurs from March to May. Summer is from June to August. Autumn is from September to November. And, the winter season can be seen in Bhutan from December to February.
B] Best Time To Visit Bhutan On Motorbike
1. Spring: March To May
From March to May is the time of spring in Bhutan. You may see clouds in the sky and magnificent flowers beside the road. It looks dreamy and aesthetic when the spring season beds the flowers on the road. It is one of the best times to visit Bhutan on a bike.
You can see the glory of the Himalayas and the full bloom of local flora all around. You can also witness the most popular and beautiful local festival Paro Tshechu where monks and laymen dance in amazing masks and costumes. If you consider your bike trip this season, you should book all your trip needs in advance as last-minute booking won’t work in this spring season. And, always wear men’s riding jackets to safeguard yourself from harsh terrains during the ride.
2. Summer: June To August
From June to August is the time of Summer in Bhutan. You may experience a hot and humid climate as the temperature usually goes up in this season. July is the warmest of the year when the temperature goes up to 31.5C in east Bhutan and 26C in Bhutan’s capital Thimpu. Summer is known to offer a crystal clear view of the Himalayas mountains and lush green paddy fields scenery. If you are planning a bike trip to Bhutan this season, always wear a helmet for riders to protect yourself from any unwanted incident on Bhutan’s switchback roads.
3. Autumn: September To November
It is Bhutan’s most sunny and bright season with clear skies. It is the best season to visit Bhutan on a bike due to the dry weather and comfortable temperatures throughout the day. You can expect beautiful and pleasant driving weather with blooming flowers and mindblowing landscape scenery. The local festival Paro and Punakha is celebrated in this same season and stands out as one of the most tourist attractions in Bhutan. The temperature usually ranges from 23 to 25 degrees Celsius in this season. These comfortable conditions are ideal for exploring the blissful foothills and beautiful landscapes with your lovely adventure bike.
4. Winter: December To February
Winters are usually less crowded from a tourism perspective in Bhutan. Bhutan is quite cold in this season and temperature lies between -3 to 12 degree Celsius. You can expect mild snowfall in Thimphu and Paro regions. You can also be the witness of Punakha and Tshechu festivals. High-altitude terrains may not be ideal to consider in this season but you can explore plenty of low-altitude scenery of Bhutan such as mountain views and historical monuments. However, It is always a good idea to install a bike fog light on your bike’s bumper to counter the foggy terrains in Bhutan.
C] Factors To Consider When Planning Your Bhutan Bike Trip
There are several factors to consider when planning to go on a Bhutan trip with your motorbike. Pre consideration of these factors will ensure a smooth and comfortable travelling experience.
1. Permits
First thing first, you need to get a permit to enter Bhutan by road from the city called ‘Phuentsholing’. The permit opted from Phuentsholing will be valid for two Bhutan cities, Thimphu and Paro. Ensure you have all the necessary documents of your bike as they may ask for it.
2. Right Biking Routes
Selecting the right biking route is crucial to ensure you cover as much of Bhutan as possible in the given time. Always look to include those routes that are packed with beautiful scenery and rugged mountains. Always consider your bike riding skills and your fitness level while choosing the biking route.
3. Accommodation Options
There are tons of accommodation options available in Bhutan catering to tourist’s needs. But, all of them may not be suited for a biker. That’s why you should look for those accommodations that offer bike maintenance facilities with secure parking.
D] Essential Gear And Equipment
Bhutan is a land of unpredictable weather conditions and roads. It is essential to carry appropriate gear and riding clothes to handle unexpected situations during the trip.
Here is a list of the gear and accessories that you should include:
- Bike Gloves: Bike gloves are essential accessories to provide grip and safety to your hand while driving. Include 3 pairs of bike-riding gloves into backpacks to ensure a safe and smooth driving experience.
- Biking Glasses: Bike glasses are used to save riders from dust and debris going into their eyes. Include 2 pairs of biking glasses to ensure distraction-free driving.
- Bluetooth Intercom: The Bluetooth intercom for helmets can be an essential driving accessory if you are riding in a group. It will connect all your group members without continuous hustling with the phone.
- Tyres: Spare tyres are one of the most essential equipment for riding in rugged terrains as they will continue your trip if the running tyre gets punctured.
E] Safety Tips For Biking In Bhutan
If you have found your best time for a Bhutan bike trip, incorporating safety precautions into your biking trip is the next thing to know. Consider these safety tips given below and ride safely in Bhutan.
- Always look out for your surroundings while turning your motorcycle or changing lanes. Don’t solely depend on your side mirrors. Keep your eyes and attention on the road while being attentive to your surroundings and position.
- Maintain a safer distance from the ahead vehicle so that you will have time to react in a very safe manner. Always keep an eye on surrounding vehicle positions and maintain your safer distance accordingly.
- Always consider anti-locking braking system bikes for your trip as this system prevents locking your wheel while panic stops. Check out your tyre and brake pads as they should be in the right conditions.
- Check the route’s weather before starting your trip. It is advisable to avoid bad weather conditions or rainy routes to ensure smooth and safe riding.
Conclusion
Bhutan is an amazing place to visit on your bike. It’s rugged mountains and aesthetic landscape scenery will surely fascinate you. However, autumn time is said to be the best time to go to Bhutan on a bike but you can choose the seasons according to your personal preference and budget. It is crucial to ensure your safety while enjoying the beauty of Bhutan.
