It was his first cross-country ride. From Bagodra all the way to Bhutan and back, it was around 1000 kms. He has been riding for over 10 years and has done rides around Maharashthra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. But this was a whole new experience for him and his fellow riders. For their Enfields which were used to straight roads and regular highways, this was a completely different terrain…. and an exciting adventure.
But let Rohan Parab, Senior Manager, Payment Solutions, TCIL, tell you in his own words, so you can enjoy the ride too! From the plains of Mumbai to 13083 ft. was quite a journey…. Read all about it.
“From Phuentsholing, we began the ride in the eastern Himalayas starting from 3000 ft. soaring to the highest point Bhutan at 13083 ft.
We started from Phuentsholing post our immigration, and rode all the way to the capital of Bhutan, Thimpu. We stood humbly under the Tallest Buddha Statue of Bhutan, soaked in the culture at Simply Bhutan- the heritage Museum, and visited the Tashichho Dzong, the mighty monastery and the seat of Government. We strolled through the local markets enjoying the ambience, and picked up some traditional goods.
From Thimphu we started our ride to Punakha, the summer capital of Bhutan. But before that we visited the splendid Dochula pass and Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of infertility. We thought we would now go and relax at our hotel, but were surprised by the captain who had other plans for us! He took us on a detour for white water rafting.
When water from the glacier hits your feet, in 12 degrees temperature, adventure reaches an exhilarating level. The rafting was an amazing experience. After a night’s rest we visited the mighty Punakha Dzong, and suspension bridge, and began our ride towards Paro.
Assuming the ride was short, we thought of visiting the Chele la Pass the highest point of Bhutan. We started our ride upwards, a 36 km. route which takes you to 13083 feet. An invigorating off road ride, with the temperature falling in 60 minutes from 12 degrees to 4 degrees!
This is where I experienced the most beautiful moment of my life. Riding at around 12000 feet I saw an airoplane flying below me preparing to land at the airport. Many of us would have seen airplanes from our aircraft windows but this was a different perspective and a unique sight.
Chela La pass was beautiful. We were treated to a breathtaking view of the snow clad Jomolhari mountain, often referred to as the bride of Kanchenjunga.
Paro is very picturesque with a lot of old and contemporary buildings in the city areas. The Paro Dzong right at the beginning welcomes you with its amazing beauty. The trek to Taktsang Monastery popularly known as the Tigers Nest made me realize I am a better biker than a hiker!
Paro was the last destination and we began our ride back to Phuentsholing, gliding through the Himalayas savouring the spectacular scenery and collecting vivid memories . The little kids waiting on the road just to get that one high-5 from the riders as they pass, and the warm welcome of the local people wherever we went, will remain with us always. This definitely makes us understand why Bhutan is the happiest place in Asia…. and we felt it too. It certainly made me and my gang feel free and uplifted and happy!”
