Cycling in Sikkim

Bikes: Trek Bikes
Bike Sizes: 13-21
Bike Hire: Free. You may bring your own bikes, but in this case let us know in advance.
Other equipment provided: Pedals, Bar ends, water bottles.

ACCOMMODATION :

Accommodation is provided at all places, most of them off the beaten track & in excellent locations. Among our accommodation are Heritage Hotel, Eco Lodges & Tents - all with a common thread of excellence in service. Most are family owned and run with great care and love. Our prices are based on 'twin-sharing' basis. For those interested, we provide single rooms, but at additional cost. While staying at the camp we provide all essentials including sleeping bags. An open-air barbeque around camp fire.

TERRAIN:

The terrain includes plains, hills, backwaters and coastal roads.

CLIMATE:

The diversity of the geographical features of this country has resulted in a corresponding diversity in climate. The High Ranges have cool climate throughout the year, while the plains are warm and humid. The average level of annual rainfall is quite high in Kerala, Sikkim and some of the North East States of India, when compared to other Indian states. June to August is the monsoon season, with heavy downpours.

TRANSPORTATION/SUPPORT VEHICLES:

All transportation is included in the cost. This includes airport transfers.
We provide guides and support vehicles at all times of the cycling journey. The vehicle can be used to ferry your luggage & yourself as required.

FOOD:

Food is a very important part of these journeys. We ensure that the food we provide is medium spicy, unless you ask for bland food. Any special food requirements can be met if sufficient advance notice is given. You are also allowed the option of vegetarian or non-vegetarian food. We recommend that you drink only the bottled mineral water.Please ensure that the bottle is sealed.

WHAT TO BRING:

Footwear:
• Cycling shoes
• Trainers for cycling
• Comfortable shoes for walking
• Sandals for other sightseeing
• Socks

Clothing:
• In India, the standard of dress is more conservative. We advise you to avoid very short shorts/skirts and tight tops/tanktops when visiting small rural communities, temples, mosques or other holy sites as this may restrict your entry.
• A warmer set of clothes (Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves) are required for trips going through Munnar and other high altitude areas.
• Waterproof jacket.
• Cycling gear like gloves and shorts

Others:
• Binoculars for viewing wildlife (optional)
• Torch
• Insect repellent
• Sunglasses, cap
• Sun cream of spf at least 35
• Personal Biking gear like bar ends, pedals, seats, camelbaks & helmets (we provide helmets if required)
• Canteen
• Helmets for cycling.

HEALTH:

Water is higher risk; hence we strongly recommend that you drink only bottled water during your journey. A crate of mineral water is always catered for in the boot of the vehicle during journeys as an emergency measure. Despite the high standards, it is worth bringing basic OTC medicines for upset stomachs, headaches, insect bites etc. India is an economically developing democratic republic and has worked very hard to control diseases. Adequate medical care is available in the major population centers, but is usually limited in the rural areas of the country. Many developed countries are utilizing the state-of-the-art medical services available in India. The cost of treatment is much cheaper here in comparison to the same facilities available in advanced countries.

The most important cause of illness of travelers in India is food and waterborne diseases. Viruses, bacteria, or parasites can cause diarrhea. Infections may cause simple diarrhea and vomiting, fever, or, in extreme cases, liver damage (hepatitis). Malaria is a preventable infection that can create trouble if left untreated. One can prevent infection by taking prescribed anti-malarial drugs and protecting against mosquito bites. The regions you will be passing are Malaria-free. Make sure that your insurance company covers illnesses and accidents abroad.

During this cycling trip you need not worry about your fitness if you take simple precautions:-

• Carry all the important prescriptions and OTC medicines. Do not forget to have the brand names as well as the generic names of the medicines one needs to have.
• Wear a sun hat when exposed.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink tap water. Use only bottled mineral water which is always kept in the back of your vehicle.
• Carry your personal medical kit and insect repellent.
• To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot.
• Do not eat food purchased from street vendors.
• Do not drink beverages with ice.
• Do not eat dairy products unless it is known that they have been pasteurized.
• Avoid handling animals (especially monkeys, dogs, and cats) to avoid bites and serious diseases.

Vaccination formalities:

Yellow fever:
Although yellow fever does not occur in India, proof of appropriate vaccination may be required depending on countries visited before coming to India. Any person (except infants up to the age of six months) arriving by air or sea without a certificate is detained in isolation for a period up to six days if he or she:

• Arrives within six days of departure from an infected area, or
• Has been in such an area in transit.
• Has come on a ship which has started from or touched at any port in a yellow fever infected area within 30 days of its arrival in India provided such ship has not been disinfected in accordance with the procedure laid down by WHO, or has come by an aircraft that has been in an infected area and has not been disinfected in accordance with Indian or WHO regulations No other vaccination certificate is mandatory, though you may like to consult your doctor for inoculation against typhoid, hepatitis A, and meningitis. Visit your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before the trip to allow time for shots to take effect.

The following vaccinations can be thought about depending upon your doctor’s advice:-

Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG); Japanese encephalitis, only if planning to visit rural areas for four weeks or more;
Rabies, if someone is exposed to wild or domestic animals during recreation.

Medical Information Update

Information given above is liable to change from time to time and one should contact the Indian missions of the respective country or the government tourist offices for more information.

SHOPPING:

You will get opportunities en-route to do a bit of shopping. However unless specifically asked for, our guides will not recommend any particular shop. Neither we nor our guides take any commission on shopping.

SPENDING MONEY:

Every traveler will have varied money requirements and differing personal expenses. Please judge your own spending habits while allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Also keep aside money for additional expenses like:
• Meals which are not included
• Emergencies
• Optional activities /additional sightseeing
• Entries into national parks, elephant ride, etc.
• Shopping/Souvenirs

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

As currency exchange rates in India tend to fluctuate, refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. You can exchange your money at most major towns. ATMs are limited to major cities. Major credit cards are accepted at the larger outlets.

VISAS:

Visitors to India must obtain a Visa before departure. You can consult your Embassy/ High Commission/ Consular Office for the same.

AIRPORT TAXES:

There are no airport or departure taxes from any airport of India.

EXCLUSIONS:

• Insurance - Please take your own insurance
• Tips
• Beverages
• Laundry
• Telephone bills
• Expenses of a personal nature

Duration: 14 nights / 15 days
Places Covered : Bagdogra - Gangtok - Phedang - Singhik - Chungthang - Lachung - Yumthang - Chungthang - Lachen - Thangu - Choptag Valley - Kalapather - Chungthang - Rangrang - Kabi - Gangtok - Bagdogra

Another destination biker would love to explore is the state of Sikkim, which allows the visitor to get in touch with the colourful cultural heritage and monastic lifestyle of the Sikkimese people. One of best adventure products in Sikkim is mountain biking. The rugged and dramatic terrain of Sikkim Himalayas offers sure and exciting biking trails to the adventure lovers. As Most of the roads in Sikkim are negotiable by mountain bikes. The beauty of the countryside, flora and fauna and lifestyle of the Sikkimese people is best experienced on a bike's seat as you meander through lush green hills and dales. Mostly it is popular in North Sikkim & West Sikkim. Mountain Biking is an ultimate adventure and fun way to explore North Sikkim. From ride comprising of 3/4 days to reach Lachung covering a distance of 115 km and ascending from an altitude of 5500 ft (Gangtok) to 9600 ft (Lachung) this will be an ideal way to discover North Sikkim.

Day 01): Bagdogra - Gangtok

Upon arrival at Bagdogra airport met our representative and then transfer to Gangtok. Overnight stay.

Day 02): Gangtok - Phedang (600m/31 km approx)

The trail is metal led except between Rakdong and Dikchu. The trail is gentle till Rakdong and then it is downhill to Dikchu and then gentle till Phedang. On this trail stop at Tashi View point to view the panoramic scene of Mt Kanchenjanga and its range, then pass through some beautiful Sikkimese villages and cross the Teesta at Dikchu (an old trading town during the caravan days from Tibet), to Camp in a Lepcha village at Phedang in Dzongu. Lunch on the way. Overnight stay.

Day 03): Phedang - Singhik (1600m/33km approx)

After breakfast start the ride through Lepcha villages and don't be surprised when people turn out in numbers to look at you, as this will be the first time the bikers are passing through their villages. The trail is gentle till Sankalang and then there is a gradual climb till Mangan the District Headquarter of North Sikkim, and is also known as the "Large Cardamom Capital of the world." Trail till Sangkalang will be along the right bank of the mighty Teesta River. The camp will be at Singhik, from where in the morning you will get the grandest view of the Kanchenjanga range. Lunch on the way. The trail is almost metalled. Overnight stay.

Day 04): Singhik - Chungthang (1561m/26km)

The trail is all metalled except at few places where the monsoon has washed away the roads. It's a gentle ride with few climbs at places. The trail will pass through some beautiful water falls and gorges. Camp at Chungthang, the confluence of the two great rivers, the Lachen Chu and the Lachung Chu. It's a small town with few shops. Lunch on the way. Overnight stay.

Day 05): Chungthang - Lachung (2624m/21km).

Today the trail is almost uphill and it is metalled. After about 10 km you will be in the alpine zone and the view of the mountains and the cascading waterfalls is just mind blowing. Lunch on the way. Today, accommodation in Hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 06): Lachung - Yumthang (3600m/24km)

The trail is metalled with bits of climbing and turns, "its altitude." The trail passes through very beautiful rhododendron forests and meadows of primulas. The famous Singba Rhodendron Sanctuary falls on this route. The Camp will be on the beautiful meadows of Yumthang, with a spectacular view of the mountains all around you. Overnight stay.

Day 07): Yumthang - Chungthang (45km down hill).

Today we will bike up to Chungthang. Overnight stay.

Day 08): Chungthang - Lachen (27km/2728m)

Now the route follows along the Lachen Chu. The trail is metalled and is a gradual climb. This trail passes through thick forest of Magnolia and bamboo. There are some very deep gorges. Lachen, which means the big pass, is inhabited by semi-nomadic Bhutia tribe and the village is located between two ancient moraines with Lamo Angdang peak in the backdrop. The village consists of about 240 houses. It is worth a visit to the monastery and the old nunnery. Accommodation in Gurudongmar Lodge.

Day 09): Lachen - Thangu (3920m/32km)

The trail is metalled but at few places it is rough. The altitude gain is quite quick. In the beginning the trail passes through narrow valley and as you reach the higher altitude it begins to open up into wide valleys. The valley of Yakthang with river flowing through it is a picturesque sight. The primulas and other Alpine flowers of the Sikkim Himalayas cover the meadows. At Thangu accommodation in Tents. In the evening stroll around the village or go into a local bar for a sip of "Chaang."

Day 10): Thangu - Choptag Valley - Kalapather (4000m) to Lachen (74km)

After breakfast start for Chopta Valley/Kalapather. Chopta Valley is a huge U shaped valley with the Chopta Chu meandering in between. The Mountains around Thangu is a beautiful sight. Then ride about 3 km to Kalapather, the base of the Lunakla, a pass to the Muguthang valley, home of the "Drokpas." From her ride towards Lachen. Lunch on the way. Accommodation in Gurudongmar Lodge. Today the distance covered is quite long, but most of it is down hill.

Day 11): Lachen - Chungthang (27 Kms down hill)

Today we will bike up to Chungthang. Overnight in Camp.

Day 12): Chungthang - Rangrang (1000m 38km)

We follow the same trail as we had come up till Mangan. At rangrang you cross the high suspension bridge to the Camp site, beside paddy fields.

Day 13): Rangrang - Kabi (1500m/32km)

Today the trail passes through paddy fields and some beautiful Bhutia and subba villages. On the way visit the Phensong and Phodang Monasteries. Accommodation in Tents. Lunch on the way.

Day 14): Kabi - Gangtok (1547m/20km)

In the morning visit the historic site of Kabi - Lungtsok, where the two tribes, Bhutia and Lepchas signed their blood brotherhood treaty with Mt Kanchenjanga as the witness. Then move on to Gangtok. The trail is beautiful and metalled with few rough rides in between.

Day 15): Gangtok - Bagdogra

In the morning after breakfast drive to Bagdogra airport to catch onward flight. Trip and Services Ends Here

. Cycles
. Support Vehicle, parking, toll, driver's allowances
. Cycling guide
. Breakfast at all destination
. All Accommodation on Full board.
. First Aid Kid
. Backup of Support Vehicle