Mountain Bike India - 12 Day Tour

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We don't currently have scheduled dates for this tour, however please let us know you're interested and when you'd like to go and we will endeavour to provide you with a tour to meet your needs.

12 Days

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Sikkim was formerly a Kingdom, but today its the smallest and least populated state of India. It lies east of Nepal at the bottom of the Great Himalayan Range. Not only is this State rich in culture and heritage, but its topography and landscapes are also very diverse. You will bike from lush subtropical rainforests up to some of the highest terrain on earth.

We’ll meet in the bustling city of Delhi, before flying to the region of West Bengal. Then its onwards (and upwards) to Sikkim, which retains its rich heritage and regal mountain views. You’ll see its past and present capitals of Kalimpong and Gangtok as well as 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

Grade

Group size: 4-16
USD2895 for group size 2-3
USD595 single room surcharge
USD400-USD800 for Dehli-Bagdogra return flight
This tour is invoiced in USD
Or choose your own date (mid Feb-early Apr or mid Sep-mid Nov)

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India – Sikkim Mountain Biking Tour 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 guest houses. And you'll be well looked after by our knowledgeable local guide and his support crew.

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 your hotel. Later this afternoon the group will get together with the guide for a pre tour briefing.

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 the region of West Bengal (flight cost additional). On arrival you'll meet the rest of your support team and drive to the hill station and market town of Kalimpong, approximately 60 km away, which on these roads takes about 3 hours. After dinner you are free to explore the local market before retiring to our guesthouse for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3

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

Biking: 50 km / 4–5 hours

Spend some time exploring this rapidly-growing West Bengal town of Kalimpong in the Himalayan foothills. Its 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. We can also visit the Thongsa Gompa, or Bhutanese Monastery, which is the region's oldest, founded in 1692. Then we start biking to Rangpoo located on the Sikkim border where our passports will be checked.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4

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

Biking: 55 km / 5-6 hours

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 and we'll stay overnight in a guesthouse.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5

Martam to Gangtok

Biking: 55 km / 4–5 hours

After breakfast we drive (then bike) to Sikkim's capital of Gangtok (meaning 'hill top'). Its located on a long ridge flanking the Ranipool River, and has undergone rapid modernisation. From here there are great views of the Kanchenjunga Range, which includes the world's 3rd highest mountain. We'll see the Namgyal Monastery, the unique Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (with priceless art and manuscripts), the lavishly decorated Royal Chapel (local Buddhists' principal place of worship) and the Enchey Gompa monastery which is high above town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6

Gangtok to Ravangla

Biking: 60 km / 5–6 hours

A solid ride of 60 km takes us 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 or camera.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7

Ravangla to Pelling

Biking: 65 km / 6–7 hours

Our ride today starts from the 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 is almost entirely metallic with little traffic. Popular Pelling is a small mountain hamlet that has preserved much of its traditional lifestyle and the surrounding ranges are known for their waterfalls and sacred lakes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8

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

Biking: 35 km / 4–5 hours

We have the opportunity to 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 and nearby is the Khecheopalri Gompa. We bike on to Yuksom, the first capital of Sikkim, and visit Dubdi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9

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

Biking: up to 76 km / 5 hours

An up and down day today, quite literally! We bike to the important and relatively low-lying town of Jorthang (about 500 m a.s.l). which takes about 5 hours. After lunch, some optional biking before we continue in our vehicle 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. Then 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, its a 4 hour drive back to the lovely town of Bagdogra to board a flight to Delhi (flight cost additional), 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

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions:

Tour Includes:

Accommodation: 3-4 star hotel (Delhi), guesthouses elsewhere
Meals as per the itinerary
Airport transfers (Delhi)
Support bus/mini van
English speaking tour guide(s)
Entrance fees for sights and attractions as per the itinerary
Regional permits and local taxes

Tour Excludes:

International flights and airport taxes
Passport and travel visa requirements
Domestic flight from Delhi to Bagdogra (return)
Excess luggage (over 15kg) fees for domestic flight
Travel insurance
Bike hire: please take your own
Personal expenses and drinks
Tips for the guide(s) and support crew
Delhi camera fees