India - Sikkim

Mountain Biking Tour from $3,882 NZD

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12 Days
  • 2012
  • 2013
  • Best time to travel: February - April
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  • 16 Apr to 27 Apr $3,882NZD
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  • Availability Guide:
  • Current date selected
  • Plenty
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Bike from lush subtropical rainforests up to some of the highest terrain on earth, in India's smallest and least populated state.

We'll meet in the megalopolis of Delhi, then head to Darjeeling. Then onwards (and upwards) to the Himalayan former kingdom of Sikkim, which retains its rich heritage and regal mountain views.

You'll see its past and present capitals: Kalimgong and Gangtok. You'll visit outstanding Buddhist monasteries and 2 astonishing lakes. There'll be magical views of Mt Kanchenjunga (8598 m), the world's 3rd highest, and perhaps even Mt Everest.

Delhi to Delhi

Delhi
  • Mountain biking
  • Grade
  • Tour price subject to minimum numbers
  • USD775 single room surcharge
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India - Sikkim Fitness and Preparation

You'll be given plenty of time to acclimatise, and the biking is challenging but moderate.

You'll stay in carefully chosen hotels and comfortable camp sites with world class provisions. And you'll be expertly looked after by our knowledgeable local guide.

Moderate Tour

Moderate tours have an expectation that you have an interest and regularly participate in the activities. Routes chosen will require a reasonable level of fitness and experience on different terrains. Moderate tours are suitable for increasing your activities and pushing yourself to new limits.

Fitness required

An average level of fitness is required, you will need to be doing some form of exercise three-four times a week leading up to this tour.

Full Itinerary

DAY 1

Delhi

No biking

Welcome to the massive metropolis of Delhi (230 m a.s.l.). On arrival, you'll be met and transferred to our hotel to relax after your travels so far.

Meals: None.

DAY 2

Delhi to Kalimpong (1250 m a.s.l)

No biking

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to the small town of Bagdogra in Darjeeling, West Bengal. On arrival you'll meet our team, and drive to the hill station and market town of Kalimpong approximately 60 km away, which on these roads takes about 3 hours. The evening is free to explore the local market before retiring to our hotel for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3

Kalimpong to Rangpoo (500 m a.s.l)

Biking/Elevation: 50 km/500–1200 m a.s.l. (4–5 hours biking)

Today, some time in the rapidly-growing West Bengal town of Kalimpong in the Himalayan foothills. Kalimpong's monastery and churches are great places to study Tibetan and Himalayan languages and culture. Established in 1922, the Tharpa Choling Monastery belongs to the Geluk-Pa Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism, to which the Dalai Lama belongs. Downhill, the Thongsa Gompa, or Bhutanese Monastery, is the region's oldest, founded in 1692. After breakfast we visit this monastery, then start biking to Rangpoo, on the Sikkim border. Our passports will be checked there.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4

Rangpoo to Martam (1400 m a.s.l)

Biking/Elevation: 55 km/500–1100 m a.s.l.

Welcome to Sikkim, India's least populated and most diverse province. Today we bike from Rangpoo on an undulating trail through rice paddies to the village of Martam. On the way, we'll visit the Rumtek Monastery, one of Sikkim's main monasteries and the seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa, the head of Tibetan Buddhism's Kagyu-pa order, founded in the 11th century. The main monastery is a recent structure built in strict accordance with traditional Tibetan designs. Martam is a beautiful place and well away from the hustle of the busy market. You'll stay overnight at a hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5

Martam to Gangtok to Martam

Biking/Elevation: 55 km/1100–1300 m a.s.l. (4–5 hours biking)

After breakfast we drive then bike around Sikkim's capital, Gangtok ('hill top'). The city is on a long ridge flanking the Ranipool River, and has undergone rapid modernisation. We'll have a great view of the Kanchenjunga Range, which includes the world's 3rd highest mountain. We'll see the Namgyal Monastery and the unique Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which holds priceless art and manuscripts. We'll also see the lavishly decorated Royal Chapel (tsuk-la-khang), local Buddhists' principal place of worship, and the Enchey Gompa monastery high above town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6

Martam to Ravangla

Biking/Elevation: 60 km/1400–2100 m a.s.l. (5–6 hours biking)

Today we bike to Ravangla, a small and pretty town with great mountain views. Our route is via a rough metallic road which is mainly uphill, followed by a short downhill. Ravangla is known for its vibrant bird life, so grab your binoculars and/or camera.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7

Ravangla to Pelling

Biking/Elevation: 65 km/2100–2000 m a.s.l. (6–7 hours biking)

After breakfast we start biking from our hotel. The route is mostly downhill through small villages in the morning, followed by an uphill section after lunch until we reach Pelling. The road almost entirely metallic, with little traffic. Popular Pelling is a small mountain hamlet that has preserved much of its traditional lifestyle. The ranges around it are known for their waterfalls and sacred lakes. We'll stay overnight in a hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8

Pelling to Yuksom (1800 m a.s.l)

Biking/Elevation: 35 km/2085–1800 m a.s.l. (4–5 hours biking)

Today we'll visit the Pemeyangtse Monastery (2085 m). Founded in 1705, it's Sikkim's oldest and most important Nyingmapa Red Hat monastery. This Buddhist sect has shamanic elements, and monasteries feature large images of spiritual teachers. This one has a dazzling collection of sculptures, scriptures, idols and paintings. After 17 km we reach sacred lake Khecheopalri, said to fulfil wishes. We pass Tsojo, an indigenous Lepcha village. Nearby is the Khecheopalri Gompa. We bike on to Yuksom, the first capital of Sikkim, and visit Dubdi and other local monasteries.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9

Yuksom to Jorethang to Darjeeling (2100 m a.s.l)

Biking: 55 km, Altitude range: 500 to 2100 m a.s.l. (4 hours biking)

An up and down day today, quite literally! Today we bike to the important town and relatively low-lying town of Jorethang (about 500 m a.s.l). This 55 km ride takes about 4 hours. After lunch, we'll drive via the beautiful Red Hat Tashiding Monastery to Darjeeling in West Bengal (2100 m a.s.l.).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10

Darjeeling

No biking

At 4 am we'll drive to Tiger Hill (2590 m) for amazing mountain views at first light. On a clear day, you'll see Mt Everest. After breakfast, we'll visit misty Ghoom Gompa, with its large image of the Maitreya Buddha. You'll see the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute which runs mountaineering courses, and museums featuring Everest expeditions, historic equipment, flora and fauna. Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, who conquered Mt Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, was director for many years. And of course, no trip to Darjeeling is complete without visiting a tea garden!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11

Darjeeling to Delhi

No biking

After breakfast, we'll take a 4 hour drive back to the lovely town of Bagdogra and board a flight to Delhi, where we'll stay overnight in a hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12

Departure Day: Delhi

No biking

Today our amazing tour comes to an end. Depending on flight times, we'll have the morning to enjoy sightseeing in Delhi before we fly out in the afternoon or evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions:

Tour Includes:

  • Accommodation: 2 nights 4 star hotel in Delhi and 9 nights guesthouses in West Bengal and Sikkim of good standard (based on twin share),
  • Meals: All meals as indicated in itinerary (dinners in Delhi are not included in the price)the support van carries snacks, drinking water and all the equipment for lunch stops;
  • Transport: all transportation and gear transport in non-air-conditioned bus/minivan - the support vehicle is available as a back-up at any time;
  • Airport transfer
  • Tour guides: experienced English speaking tour guide for all cycling and sightseeing on tour; the guide will stay in the support vehicle; for the sightseeing in Delhi we contract a professional local guide;
  • Other Attractions: Entrance fees to all places of interest are included
  • Other Inclusions: All state an interstate taxes, Restricted Area Permit for Sikkim.

Tour Excludes:

  • Domestic flight Delhi – Bagdogra (return flight, approx USD 650)
  • Travel insurance
  • Bike hire: India is a difficult place for hiring quality bikes. We are maintaining our own fleet with our local partners in India, but need your assistance with taking the bikes from NZ to Delhi. Please see bike hire info below.
  • Rescue,
  • Medical kit for clients,
  • Repair kit for the bikes
  • Mineral water as well as hot and cold drinks,
  • Tips (e.g. for laundry and meals)
  • Sleeping bags,
  • Camera fees & all entrance fees in Delhi and Agra are not included

Rental Bike Information We are using a recreational, sturdy mountain bike on our Sikkim tour. The Bergamont Stallion offers everything needed for a smooth and easy ride over gravel and Indian roads. It is light enough to make climbing easy and the front shock will smoothen the bumps in the road. We might need your help to transport the bike to India to maintain the fleet.