Splendid Sikkim & Darjeeling Bike Tour

Bagdogra being the closest airfield where your flight will arrive, your tour leader will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Gangtok - the capital city of Sikkim. At the heart of the second smallest state of India, Gangtok stands at a height of 5800 meters. We will check into Hotel Sonam Delek. Its rooftop restaurant gives way to an amazing view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range- a view that will be landscaped in the background of our orientation dinner.

With an early morning start, we head to the pilgrimage town of Rumtek - known for one of the most important monastic seats of Buddhism in the state, built in the 16th century. The cycling route trails 20 km downhill and then an uphill climb till the monastery. Being the first day, you can ease up to the backup shuttle whenever you like. Though we doubt that, as the serene surroundings will keep you mesmerized. We will ride past dense forests, fields of white orchids and villages along our route. Our ride will come to a halt as we stop for a visit to the famous Golden Stupa, located inside the monastery. On this first day of your journey itself you will see an interesting coming together of religion and ethnicity like never before. By night, we will check into Hotel Teen Taley, and enjoy the local food! Distance cycled: 40 km

The biggest challenge and the trickiest part of your journey will be cycling your way to the only tea estate in Sikkim- Temi Tea Garden. Though the ride starts with an easy descent, a long steep climb to the tea garden follows. And the final stretch is quite high, where some may even choose to take the shuttle van. We will check into the only accommodation at the top of this hill - Cherry Resort. And here you'll see the fruits of that tumultuous climb unfold before you in the scenic and sprawling tea estates, while the misty clouds of that altitude float around you. Distance cycled: 50 km

Strikingly one of the most stunning parts of the trip, you'll gradually ascend the hills of tea gardens and subsequently ride downhill amidst villages and fields and thickets of rhododendrons, heading towards Yuksom. En-route, you'll visit the Tashiding monastery, which is said to be the meeting point of the three Holy Lamas of Tibet, in 1641 AD. Such peaceful hinterlands of the monastery will consume you completely. The following night we'll stay at Tashigang Resort. Distance cycled: 60 km The next day, we will take a break from riding and enjoy the magnificent environs of this village. From a village walk to a trek up to the Dubdi monastery, we'll leave an open itinerary up to all the cyclists.

At 6800 feet above sea level stands the serene and enchanting town of Pelling. Quaint villages, deep ravines and high mountains surrounding it, this little town gives for the most spectacular view of the famous Kanchenjunga Mountain Rages. Also famous for the Pemayangtse Monastery, Pelling is a must see. So our riding pattern too fluctuates between easy downhill patches and steep uphill climbs- giving you the feel of a true mountain ride. A steep detour to the Khecheopalri Holy Lake comes later in the day. And finally, we rest for the day at Norbu Ghang Resort. Distance cycled: 50 km

This week long stay and ride around the creeks and narrow winds in the hills would have got you familiar with the wafting smell of momos (baked dumplings), 'Chhang' and the twisting-turning topography of Sikkim. This journey to Hee Bermick winds around paddy fields and hamlets, with a small detour to the Singshore Bridge, which is the second highest bridge in Asia. And for a more Sikkimese aunthentic feel to your day, we stop over for the night at Dhungay Homestay. Distance cycled: 60 km

This is the last day of riding for the trip, and this route to Darjeeling seems much easier than the ones ridden on, the entire week. Mostly downhill, we head out to Jorethang, from where we take a shuttle heading towards Darjeeling. Here, we first check in to Ivanhoe Hotel. A major tourist spot, you will see a stark contrast, to Sikkim, in this buzzing little town. While it's well known for its tea gardens, you can also pick up some souvenirs here. Distance cycled: 60 km The next day we set out to explore the town further. Being the last day of the trip, all the cyclists come together to celebrate a successful enjoyable journey in an old English pub (Joey's is the most famous), and you even have the option of taking a trip to Tiger Hill. And finally your farewell dinner gives you your last dose of momos and thukpas. Day 12 is when we finally say our goodbyes, concluding our trip late in the morning. Subsequently, the trip leaders make suitable arrangements for your transportation to the Bagdogra Airport.