Cycling in Kalimpong and Sikkim

Cycling in the Himalayas never disappoints. The mountains mesmerize you and make you self-reflect and a much better person. Northeast India will surprise you. This is because you would not have expected the area to be developed enough to have good roads while maintaining the magnificent beauty of the mountains. We've carefully crafted this particular route for you which covers the major attractions in North East India. It includes Darjeeling, Peeling, Gangtok, and Yoksom. We will go through the small villages, tea gardens, dense forests, and hill stations during this 13 days tour.

We start off by cycling from Siliguri to Samthar plateau, where a picturesque view of snow convered mountains is waiting for us. Later we will experience what it truly means to be off the grid, by cycling to a remote valley. The true wilderness will be experienced the next day when we cycle up the hills through a rough path towards Gumpa Dara. We are sure it will give you a once in a lifetime experience. Finally, we’ll reach Kalimpong going up a long climb and even longer descend. Descending on a cycle while having the cascading view of the Himalayas all around is a different feeling altogether.

The next day upon reaching Sikkim, through the scenic roads, the following few days will be spent exploring the nearby villages on cycle. The true beauty of this trip shines when we enter the picture post-card villages and get to experience the farmlands, and river valley and interact with the locals. The beauty of the route is that it has low traffic and is sparsely populated. This will give you a feeling of owning the road most of the time. We’ve designed the itinerary in such a way that it’s a mix of cycling and driving you to these beautiful locations.

Please go to our Cycling in Kalimpong and Sikkim itinerary below and sign up for the tour slots while still available

Bagdogra - Silguri - Kalimpong - Gumpa Dara - Rinchenpong - Pelling - Yoksom - Darjeeling - Bagdogra

12 Nights / 13 Days

Day 1

Bagdogra

We will arrive at Bagdogra airport from where we will transfer to a hotel at Silguri 13 kms way. We will check and fit out the bikes before retiring for the night.

Day 2

Samthar Plateau

After breakfast we will commence our ride to Samthar plateau at 1400 m. From there, we will drive 51 Kms to the Himalayan foothills. Continue biking for about 30 Kms ascending from 900 m to 1650 m followed by a descent to 1400m. Overnight at atmospheric Samthar Farm House, with parorama of snow views. Kalimpong biking forest halt Samthar Firm House Bikers.

Day 3

Remote Valley

Today we go on a full day nature & culture trek to a remote valley with an over 100 year old Lepcha temple. We pass through forests, farm- lands and ethnic hamlets. Return to Samthar Farm House for overnight.

Day 4

Gumpa Dara

We continue biking to Gumpa Dara, 41 kms away and at 2000m through rough tracks. The route is undulating and we climb upto 2050 m at the highest point. Overnight at guest house / in camp.

Day 5

Kalimpong

Today we bike to Kalimpong, 43 kms away. The ride today is on tarmac surface. There is a short ascent to 2000 m followed by a long descent down to 1400 m. The traffic is light changing to moderate closer to town. We will pass through forests, small bazaars and villages. In the evening we will explore Kalimpong. Visit the "Raj" hill station, " Raj" period buildings, orchid and flower nurseries and do some exotic shopping. Overnight at Hotel / home stay.

Day 6

Sikkim

Today we will bike 69 Kms to the Sikkimese village of Biksthang Chuchen from where we will drive 20 Kms to the entry check post at Malli. Continue biking on tarmac highway with light traffic. The route is undulating, climbing from 200 m to 1900 m. Overnight at Village Resort with enchanting views. Sikkim biking Sikkim biking.

Day 7

Hillay

Our destination today is Hillay, 66 kms away at 2700 m. We will transfer 19 Kms to Rinchenpong and visit a Buddhist monastery before we cycle to Hillay. We will pass through forests, farmlands, river valley and picture post card villages before we reach our camp site for overnight stay.

Day 8

Pelling

Trek cum bike to Pelling. We start with a 6 hours trek climbing upto 3050 m through Rhododendron sanctuary, and down to a river valley, at 1450 m. Thereafter bike 20 kms to Pelling. Fairly steep tarmac road with low traffic. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9

Pelling

Full day sightseeing around the famous Pamayangtse and Sanga Choling Monasteries. Overnight at hotel at Pelling.

Day 10

Rimbi Valley

Today we bike 52 Kms to Yoksom at 1780 m. We have 13 Km of steep descent to Rimbi Valley followed by steady ascent of 21 Kms to Yoksom. En-route we will visit the holy Khichepheri lake. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11

Darjeeling

Today we head for Darjeeling . We will bike 58 Kms to Naya Bazar and drive 21 kms to Darjeeling . En-route we will take a short trekking detour to visit the famous Tashiding Monastery. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12

Darjeeling

Today we spend a relaxed day at Darjeeling, sightseeing and shopping. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13

Bagdogra

Transfer to Bagdogra airport for onward departure.

Bikes: Mountain Bikes

Bike Sizes: 13-21

Bike Hire: Includes on Tour Cost. You may bring your own bikes, but in this case let us know in advance. Other equipment provided: Pedals, helmet, water bottles.

Accommodation

Accommodation is offered at all locations. Most of the hotels are Culture Resort, Eco Resorts & family run hotels - all with a common line of quality in service. Our costs are based on 'twin-sharing' foundation. For those who wants single room, we offer single room, but at extra cost.

Terrain

The landscape includes flatlands, mountains, backwaters and village streets.

Climate

The variety of the regional features of this country has led to a corresponding variety in environment. The Great Varies have awesome environment throughout the year, while the flatlands are warm and moist. The common level of yearly rain fall is superb in Kerala, Sikkim and some of the Northern Eastern Declares of Native India, when compared to other Native India. July to Aug is the monsoon season, with heavy downpours. It is always recommended to check weather and temperature at websites.

Transportation/Support Vehicles

All transport is involved in the cost. We provide backup vehicle at all times during cycling trip. The vehicle can be used to boat your baggage & yourself as required.

Food

Food is a very essential part of these trips. We make sure that the meals we offer is method delicious, unless you ask for dull meals. You are also permitted the choice of veggie or non-vegetarian meals. We suggest that you consume only the canned standard water. Please make sure that the container is enclosed.

What to bring

Footwear

Bike shoes
Sun cream lotion
Relaxed shoes for walking
Shoes for other sightseeing
Socks

Clothing

In Indian, the conventional of outfit is more traditional. We counsel you to prevent very short shorts/skirts and limited tops/tanktops when viewing small non-urban places, temples, mosques or other sacred sites as this may limit your access.
A hotter set of outfits (Fleece, Coat, hat and gloves) are required for visits going through Munnar and other thin air places.
Water resistant jacket.
Riding a bike equipment like safety gloves and shorts.

Others

Torch
Mosquito repellent
Eyewear, cap
Sun lotion of spf at least 35
Individual Bike riding equipment like bar finishes, pedals, chairs and headgear
Helmets for riding a bike

Health

Water is higher risk; hence we suggest that you drink only nutrient water in bottles during your trip. A cage of standard nutrient water is always focused for in the start of the vehicle during trips as an urgent evaluate. Despite the high requirements, it is worth providing basic OTC medications for disappointed tummies, complications, pest attacks etc. Indian is a financially creating democratic republic and has worked very hard to control illnesses. Sufficient medical care is available in the major inhabitants' facilities, but is usually limited in the non-urban areas of the country. Many western worlds are utilizing the state-of-the-art healthcare services available in Indian. The cost of treatment is much less expensive here in comparison to the same features available in innovative nations.

The most important cause of sickness of tourists in Indian is food and water-borne illnesses. Malware, bacteria, or harmful bacteria can cause diarrhea. Attacks may cause simple diarrhea and throwing up, high temperature, or, in extraordinary instances, liver organ damage (hepatitis). Malaria is a avoidable disease that can create trouble if neglected. One can prevent disease by taking recommended anti-malarial drugs and defending against insect attacks. The areas you will be passing are Malaria-free. Make sure that your insurance provider includes illnesses and injuries overseas.

Precautions

Bring all the important medications and OTC medications. Do not ignore to have the brands as well as the general titles of the medications one needs to have.
Use a sun hat when revealed.
Consume a lot of liquids. Don't drink tap water. Use only bottled water which is always kept in the back of your automobile.
Bring your personal medical kit and pest resilient.
To avoid fungus and parasitic attacks, keep legs clean and dry, and do not go without shoes.
Do not eat food bought from road providers.
Do not drink drinks with ice.
Do not eat milk products unless it is known that they have been pasteurized.
Prevent managing creatures (especially apes, pets, and cats) to avoid attacks and serious illnesses.

Medical Information Update

Details given above are liable to change every now and then and one should contact the Native India tasks of the specific country or the government vacationer offices for more details.

Shopping

You will get possibilities en-route to do a bit of purchasing. However unless particularly requested for, our guide will not suggest any particular store. Neither we nor our driver/guides take any percentage on purchasing.

Spending Money

Every visitor will have different cash specifications and varying personal costs. Please assess your own spending routines while enabling for beverages, purchasing and falling. Also keep aside cash for extra costs like: