With the wind in your hair and the roaring engine under you, bike rides combine the thrill of exploration and adventure. While in the land of the Thunder Dragon, what better way to explore its lush landscapes and rugged mountains than riding through them on a bike?
Whether you are a solo traveller or looking to go on a trip with your group of riders, bike rides provide the best opportunity to embrace spontaneity. Here are 7 proven tips to get acheap bike rental in Bhutan for your next trip to the kingdom filled with hidden natural gems.
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Plan During Off-season
In the planning phase, you must pick seasons when there aren't many tourists around. This will allow you to explore more and get easy access to most of the iconic locations in the country. During June or early December, the influx of tourists is limited, which also makes the prices of bike rentals in Bhutan more affordable. While the weather can be a problem, these seasons allow you to pick and choose from the various bikes, as availability is not an issue. -
Advance Booking
While availability is assured during the off-season, booking it in advance also brings a lot of benefits for you. Booking for bike rental online can allow you to analyse the performance and the utility of the bikes provided by operators. It also saves you the hassle of planning as you reach Bhutan. A reliable travel operator could also provide you with great package deals with transparent pricing, which can help you save more money instead of relying on local fluctuating pricing. -
Ask About Discounts
Most providers who offer cheap bike rentals in Bhutan also add in some discount deals if you book in advance or book for more than just a couple of days. Be open while communicating and ask for discounts, as most of the rental companies are willing to provide discounts on long-term rentals. You can also ask about the mileage limits and the maintenance responsibilities. -
Check for Hidden Charges
While some bike rental services may seem cheap. They tend to add up hidden charges later on. These are not found in most reputable rental service providers. Make sure you keep an open communication with the service providers and ask them about all aspects, such as insurance, fuel charges, late return fees, and helmet charges. By frankly discussing these aspects up front, you can make sure that you're not burning a hole in your pocket. -
Get Your Permits
Indian tourists do not require a visa but still would benefit from carrying IDs. However, all tourists require a valid license to book a bike in Bhutan. Tourists also require permission to enter Bhutan. You can get this entry permit at the border in Phuentsholing. Additionally, if you want to get through the regions like Thimphu and Paro, you would need to get the restricted area permit. This can also be taken at the entry permit. -
Pick the Right Bike
Before you start your trip, make sure you pick the right ride for the path you're choosing. For steep, rugged paths and mountainous terrains, bikes like the Enfield Himalayan can be your best pick, as they are designed for off-road tours. On the other hand, if you are looking to travel through the vast and tranquil highways and head to the countryside, you can choose bikes like KTMs. These are lightweight and perfect for the winding roads. -
Check for rider safety and emergency services.
Your work is not done after just picking a bike from the selection offered by the agency. As most of Bhutan is rural, it can be hard to get help if you go through emergencies. Make sure your service provider gives you various emergency numbers and resources, such as maps. For this, again, you can look into the reviews left online, which state that the customer support is prompt and supportive.
Conclusion
Bhutan is best experienced at your own pace, and renting a bike gives you exactly that kind of freedom. However, finding a reliable and cheap bike rental in Bhutan requires a little planning, research, and the right questions. By booking early, reading reviews, checking for hidden costs, and prioritizing support, you can ride through the Land of the Thunder Dragon without paying through your nose.