General Information
TOUR DATES
Dates:
26 October – 6 November 2010
14 – 25 March 2011
24 October – 4 November 2011
TOUR PRICE
Rider: US $7,375 (excludes international airfare)
Pillion: US $6,775
A deposit of US$500 per person is required to reserve your tour.
Contact us to secure your spot on this wonderful tour.
Non-Riders and Pillions
We acknowledge that many of our clients have partners who do not ride. All of our tours have a support vehicle which can accommodate passengers. However, for those clients who are not riding at all (i.e. not even pillion/two-up), we can arrange for a separate car with driver upon request. No need to leave your best mate at home!
Saffron Road Motorcycle Tours believes in WYSIWYG – “What you see is what you get” - there are no hidden costs or charges.
Price Includes:
- Group transfers to/from airport and hotel
- Bhutan visa
- Accommodation throughout the tour on a Twin-Share basis
- All meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch and dinner - except lunch on a couple of rest days)
- Comfortable support vehicle with driver and staff (for luggage transport and assistance)
- Full motorbike rental for the duration of the tour
- Experienced mechanics
- All fuel and oil costs
- Repairs, maintenance and spare parts (due to wear & tear)
- Motorcycle Damage Insurance
- Basic emergency first-aid equipment
- English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fees to selected monuments and attractions
- Gratuities and tips for hotel, porters and restaurant staff
Price Excludes:
- Travel insurance policy covering use of motorcycle
- International Driving Permit
- Motorcycle Damage Deposit (US$500) - You bend it, you mend it!
- Vaccinations and personal medication including known allergy antidotes
- Emergency evacuation charges
- Items of a personal nature such as postage, laundry or souvenirs
- Personal consumptions such as bottled water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Customary gratuities to the road crew (not compulsory but greatly appreciated)
To control tourist numbers and restrict mass commercialism, the Bhutanese government charges a daily levy of $210 per person. The money is used to build a good tourist infrastructure while protecting the pristine environment. The levy is included in the price. Group numbers are restricted to lessen impact on the region, while allowing for more intimate encounters with local people and culture. Small numbers also improve safety and ensure a high guide-to-client ratio. Early booking is advised to ensure your place on these popular tours.
Accommodation & Food
The general standard of accommodation is excellent, varying from four-star hotels and resorts to "best in town" in more remote areas.
Bhutan is not famous for its cuisine. Meals are generally of the more ‘Western’ style – eggs, cereal and toast for breakfast, and continental cuisine at other meals. However, for those who prefer something more authentic and fiery, there is always the choice of local cuisine. If you really like your food with lots of hot spices, you may need to insist on the same food as that eaten by our crew as restaurant staff believe that all Westerners like bland food or, at best, mildly spicy and toned-down versions of the local fare (red rice with rather predictable versions of chicken, pork or fish dishes).Bikes
Royal Enfield 500cc Bullet – originally a British built bike, but no longer. Since 1957 they have been manufactured in Chennai (Madras), India but are virtually to original specifications - single-cylinder with left-side foot brake and right-side gearbox (one up, three down). Yes – really, but you do get used to the configuration pretty quickly! You may have also heard horror stories about the virtual lack of front brake – untrue. While many Enfield bikes still have drum brakes, the bikes we use have a few modern touches like efficient front disc brakes and electric start – as standardIn addition to being delightfully authentic, these wonderful old bikes are comfortable, well-balanced and maneuverable with lots of low-end torque for the hills which makes them perfect for the road conditions. The pillion/passenger seat is roomy and reasonably comfortable with the foot pegs set so knee height is below hip height – a great thing when travelling any distance. However, you may want to bring a sheepskin or gel-seat for added comfort on the often bumpy roads.
Riding Conditions
While the riding is not particularly difficult, this is not a tour for the faint-hearted. Riding the high, twisting roads of the Himalaya is more demanding than riding at home. It should be understood that this is an adventure motorcycle tour in a foreign country, using unfamiliar bikes and, as such, is fraught with unforeseen hazards.While Saffron Road Tours and its agents endeavour to take every care to ensure your safety and enjoyment, the ultimate responsibility is with, and for, yourself.
Driving Licences and Travel Insurance
Riders must hold a valid and unrestricted international rider’s licence. Travel insurance is mandatory and, if on a bike at all, must cover riding motorcycles. Ensure the travel insurance you choose covers medical evacuation back to your own country as this is a seriously expensive. Please check the rider clause carefully and check any clause relating to medical evacuation before you purchase or use any existing insurance (such as that provided by some credit card companies).Further Information
More detailed information and travel check-list will be mailed to you on receipt a completed booking form and deposit. Prior to departure you will receive maps, a list of hotels and other important contact numbers.Should you wish to extend your stay in the subcontinent, you may contact this office for recommendations and assistance.
